High school football: Athletic directors address heat concerns

This week, both the Kennett and Malden football programs must be mindful of the heat.

High temperatures are expected to climb in the mid to upper-90s this week, with heat indices in triple digits.

Webster reported practices Monday through Wednesday will start after 5 p.m.

The Bill Martin Sports Drink scrimmage is expected to start on time at 6 p.m. Thursday, however Kennett will run only a small amount of plays. Players also will be introduced to the fans at Metz Cherry Stadium.

Kennett athletic director Jim Vaughan reported to the Delta Dunklin Democrat Friday’s opener versus Hayti will start on time at 7 p.m.

Webster said there will be an extra refreshment break per period. This will allow players the chance to hydrate with water, pickle juice or electrolyte-infused drinks. There’s a good chance you’ll see Indians on the sidelines sporting cooling towels.

Meanwhile for the Malden-Caruthersville clash, two options are currently under consideration.

One option is to push back game time to 7:30 p.m. Friday. In Arkansas, most every game starts at 7:30 p.m., Caruthersville athletic director and Piggott native Stacy Bradshaw noted.

The other option is to begin the game at 7 p.m., with an added refreshment break per period. The Tigers also participated in a jamboree Friday, versus Poplar Bluff, Dexter and Farmington.

Malden athletic director Tim Harmon said the Green Wave football team will either practice later in the day (after 5 or 6 p.m.) or after school in the district’s FEMA building. The building has air conditioning.