Okla. High School Football Teams Kick Off Season With Limited Practices

The high school football season is officially starting across Oklahoma, amid concern from parents over player and fan safety.

Starting Monday high school football teams across the state can begin limited practice. Friday will be the first day they're allowed to open full practices.

With COVID-19 there will be some changes for team workouts. Changes include face masks in locker rooms and social distancing when possible on the field and during workouts.

Some teams across the state will take extra steps when it comes to game time on Friday nights. The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association has a list of rule considerations for games, like constantly sanitizing game equipment, maintaining social distancing in the team box and suspending the practice of shaking hands before a game.

Early Monday morning, Millwood kicked off their first practice of the season at midnight. This is a tradition that usually brings a couple hundred fans in the crowd. This time the stands were empty, but that didn't stop the players from being hopeful and excited for the year.

"To actually put this helmet on, and to get out with the guys felt great. Nothing can match that," said player Desmond Green.

Varsity teams can officially start playing games on September 3.