The dates are the same, but the opponents have been scrambled around a bit.
That sounds something like the introduction to the old Jack Webb TV series, Dragnet.
In reality, it’s Iowa High School football in the COVID-19 era.
The Iowa High School Athletic Association came up with some new scheduling for the season on Friday, July 24.
The dates are the same – practice still starts Aug. 10, and the season begins on Aug. 28.
But it will be a seven-game regular season, with two dates built in at the end for playoffs.
And, every school will make the playoffs.
In order to do that, in 8-man, non-district opponents had to be deleted. In Montezuma’s case, that means no varsity games against Tri-County or Gladbrook-Reinbeck.
“Under the unique circumstances that we are in this fall, the new schedule and decision by the association is the best-case scenario,” said Montezuma Activities Director Tim Burgess.
“The RPI system used previously would have been difficult to use if games were not played,” he said.
“This new format allows every team the chance to be part of the post-season excitement, similar to our other sports teams,” Burgess said.
“It also puts the results of the post-season in the hands of the teams,” he said.
“I appreciate the association making this decision in time for us to make the required changes that impact our school and community,” said Burgess.
“We are thankful our student-athletes and coaches are given the opportunity to do the right things to stay healthy and we are very excited to compete this fall.”
There’s some alteration to the schedule announced previously. Here’s the schedule as it looks now:
Braves Varsity Football
Fri., Aug. 28 – at Twin Cedars, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 4 – Winfield-Mt. Union, 7 p.m. (Homecoming).
Fri., Sept. 11 – at New London, 7 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 18 – at English Valleys, 7 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 25 – Moravia, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 2 – at WACO, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 9 – Lone Tree, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 16 – Post-season game, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 23 – Post-season game, 7 p.m.
