High school football teams in Irvine district cleared to start practice, athletic director says

High school football teams in the Irvine Unified School District have begun practices and are cleared for practices in preparation for their season openers, Mark Cunningham, district athletic director said Tuesday.

“As of right now all teams are good to go,” Cunningham said. “Safety protocols are in place: pre-screening, masks when in classrooms, hand washing, separate water bottles. We are awaiting updated guidelines from the CDPH.”

The California Department of Public Health has not yet released revised guidelines for the fall high school sports season. So it’s possible guidelines could change.

Portola, Irvine, Woodbridge, University and Northwood are in the Irvine district. High school football season is scheduled to start on Thursday, Aug. 19 and Friday, Aug. 20 for some teams in Orange County and a week later for other teams.

Last year’s high school football season was moved to March after the coronavirus pandemic. University, Woodbridge and Northwood were unable to complete the abbreviated spring season because the teams did not have enough players.

Cunningham said that there is no testing of athletes in the Irvine district required at this time. 

“We will follow all guidelines as it relates to contract testing for athletes who have contracted COVID,” Cunningham said. “One update allows athletes who have been in close contact and vaccinated and are asymptomatic will not have to quarantine. Those athletes who are not vaccinated will have to quarantine for 10 days.”

No masks are required outside, Cunningham said.

“Indoor events are still under consideration with masking for non-vaccinated highly recommended,” he said.

Beckman is part of the Tustin Unified School District and will be following guidelines established by the Tustin district.

The Patriots opener is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26 vs. Bellflower at Tustin.

OPENING IUSD FOOTBALL GAMES

Woodbridge at Portola, Friday, Aug. 20

Magnolia at University, Thursday, Aug. 26

Irvine vs. Canyon, Fred Kelly Stadium, Friday, Aug. 27

Crean Lutheran vs. Northwood, Irvine Stadium, Friday, Aug. 27

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com