IHSA Reveals Football Schedules: See Who OLCHS, Richards Face

OAK LAWN, IL — Are you ready for some football? With contact days beginning Sunday for Illinois High School Association schools, it's fitting that this fall's football schedule has been announced. Expect things to look a little different under the Friday night lights as schools and spectators adjust to the many challenges COVID-19 will surely present to competitive sports.

The IHSA is asking school districts to work with their local health departments on current restrictions in their area prior to beginning contact. Local school administration determine the permitted activities at their school, according to a press release from the IHSA.

"Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each IHSA member school," the release said.

If schools choose to permit spectators, there should be a designated area for spectators with existing seating capped at 20 percent of capacity. Also, IHSA guidelines allow for gatherings of 50 participants, including players and coaches.

Both the Oak Lawn Community High School Spartans and Richards High School Bulldogs are tentatively set to open their seasons on Aug. 28.

OLCHS Dist. 229 Supt. Mike Riordan said the district has not yet made the decision whether the Spartans would proceed with the 2020 football season.

The Spartans open at home taking on Rich Township High School of Richton Park. OLCHS is coached by Harold Blackmon.

The Richards High School Bulldogs will take their show on the road meeting Normal Community West High School in Normal. The Bulldogs are coached by Tony Sheehan. Players are currently participating in conditioning workouts under Illinois's Phase 3 guidelines. The Bulldogs are coached by Tony Sheehan.

More on Patch:

50 Players, Limited Spectators Allowed In IHSA Stage 2

IHSA Reveals Guidelines For High School Athletes Resuming Play

Patch Editor Eric DeGrechie contributed to this report.