April 25, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Orange football games moved to alternative sites during Fred Kelly Stadium renovation

Orange football players warm up during a game last season at Fred Kelly Stadium (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

With Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High School under renovation, four varsity football teams from the Orange Unified School District will have to play their home games at different stadiums next season.

One of the teams is Orange, which has finalized its varsity schedule, according to Athletic Director Alicia Seevers.

The Panthers, coached by Robert Pedroza, will have five home games.

The first one will be on Thursday, Aug. 29 when they face Garden Grove at Garden Grove. Orange will be the designated home team.

Orange will have a similar arrangement for another home game against Westminster on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Westminster.

Orange’s other home games are Thursday, Sept. 26 vs. Irvine at Segerstrom; Saturday, Oct. 19 vs. Estancia at Segerstrom and Friday, Nov. 1 vs. Santa Ana at Chapman University.

Orange was 8-3 overall last year and had a 4-1 Orange Coast League mark, finishing second behind Santa Ana.

Other high school football teams in the district are expected to announce their schedules with alternative locations for home games.

The stadium is also the home site for Canyon, El Modena and Villa Park.

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