Alpena, MichiganLocal Weather Alerts
There are currently no active weather alerts.

MHSAA brings back fall football

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Thursday, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has announced high school football is returning this fall, following Governor Whitmer’s approval. Football practice begins Sept. 8. However, players will have to wait until Sept. 10 to put on the pads.

All teams will start the regular season on Sept. 18, beginning with originally-scheduled week 4 games and will play six regular season games. Also, all teams will have the opportunity to play in the postseason.

“We are thankful for the opportunity for kids to get back on the field in all fall sports, and we appreciate Governor Whitmer providing that opportunity with Executive Order 176 ,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “We share the Governor’s priorities of putting health and safety first, and the COVID-19 guidance and protocols designed by the MHSAA at her request have led to the safe starts in all sports across the state.”

Whitmer’s executive order also allows for an immediate start of boys soccer competitions. Lower Peninsula girls swimming & diving and girls volleyball are permitted to start Sept. 9 for schools located in Regions 1-5 and 7 based on the MI Safe Start Plan. It also sets spectator limits of two per participant for outdoor and indoor events in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan.