After CHSAA reconsidering the sport season for football, Eaton Reds Football will be having their first game on October 9 against Weld Central.  The Reds Football team has been on the field preparing since September 24 for the impromptu season and first game, which is closing in quickly.  

Senior player Juan Maravilla (21) said, “I’m looking forward to being out there making plays and having fun with my brothers.  All the hard work and preparation we have all done will show and I can’t wait to perform in front of family and friends”.  The Reds’ debut against Weld Central will be at Eaton’s very own football field. 

Practices are being conducted differently than in past years due to COVID-19.  The football season will have at least seven weeks of games.  Teams get six games each, and 8 teams will get the opportunity to play in the playoffs.  Teams that don’t earn a spot in the playoffs get one extra game against an opponent of their choice, who also didn’t make it to the playoffs.  Playoffs are able to begin the week of November 21.  Players are required to wear masks when not actively playing and coaches and other personnel must wear a mask during the game.  

Coach Zac Lemon said, “We have prepared the same way as usual. The biggest challenge is not being able to meet inside to watch games and practice film.  We feel ready to play right now, even with a shorter start to the season”. 

The upcoming games will not only be different on the field from past years, but they will be different in the stands.  Each player can have up to four tickets for family and friends.  What is left of these tickets will be open to the public, which must be purchased in advance.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students.  Public can purchase tickets Wednesday, October 7 from 3:30-6pm in the Commons.  Students can purchase tickets in the athletic office during lunch on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Students and families who have athletic passes can pick up their tickets on their designated day.

“It feels awesome to be back out there with my teammates.  We are ready, thankful, and excited for the opportunity to play,” Maravilla said.  

As the Reds gear up for the first game of the season, they are ready to take on Weld Central on their own turf.  The 2020 football season will be different than past years, but Eaton High School’s football team is ready to be back on the field – doing what they love.