The tragedies of the recent epidemic have thrown the world of sports into a spiral. As many sports prepare to start their seasons later this year, our local Titan football players must adjust to the new circumstances. 

Weighing in at 5’8 185 lbs, senior outside linebacker Tristan Dougherty and the rest of the varsity football team have been preparing for kickoff ever since COVID-19 regulations were lowered back in mid-summer meaning players were allowed back on the field without the use of contact. “I’ve been working out every day and running twice a week to keep myself in shape and because practices have been changed due to COVID regulations, it is a struggle to work on things we need to when there’s zero contact in a contact sport,” Dougherty said.

With normal practice returning in December and the season starting in January,Dougherty has been preparing himself both physically and mentally. Thinking about how it’s going to feel to start in January rather than August Dougherty said, “I am honestly just stoked that we can start sooner rather than later because I’m just excited to get back out there with the boys,” adding, “There still isn’t a for sure if fans are going to be able to attend or not,and that would be a huge letdown because playing in front of the fans is one of the best parts about football,” senior starting center Nash Wilsey said. 

While Players try to adjust to COVID regulations, they must also adjust to a new head coach. Former Westview head coach Kyle Williams replaced Scott Coats at the start of the season, “I like the new head coach. Coach Williams is a very determined and ambitious coach, and I think he could help us go far in the future,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty is hoping to help Coach Williams guide his team to victory for Poway.