HELENA -- Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the Class AA football schedule was supposed to begin on Aug. 28. But with non-conference games canceled, the Helena High Bengals and Helena Capital Bruins will have to wait two more weeks before they set foot on a field in a game scenario.
Photos: Helena High, Capital players want to play non-conference schedule
MTN Sports chatted with a few players from each team to get their thoughts on having to wait before playing.
“Playing. I'd rather be playing, but it's nice to hang out with your friends for a little bit before the games, get a little more chemistry," said Helena High linebacker Zachary Evans. "But it's always nice to just get out there and play some games.”
“(Aug. 28) as a game day would have been nice. I mean, just to get the season rolling," said Helena High offensive lineman Judson Seliskar. "We're here now. So that's all the matters and we're ready to play.”
Over at Helena Capital, the sentiment was much of the same.
“It's nice that we have two more weeks to prepare, but kind of both sides," said Helena Capital fullback Chayton Winkle. "I'm just happy that we are able to play.”
Though the sentiment was similar, the reasoning behind it wasn't always the same.
“I just wanted to beat (Billings) Senior three years in a row," said Helena Capital defensive lineman Tyler Little. "My freshman year they beat us twice, so I was just trying to get above on our score against them."
Though the players said they would rather be playing, they did add that there were a couple of benefits to having the non-conference slate wiped out -- no two-a-day practices and getting younger players a handful more reps before they get into their eventual Week 1, which is now scheduled for Sept. 11.
The Helena High Bengals will host the Butte Bulldogs at Vigilante Stadium at 7 p.m.
The Helena Capital Bruins will make the road trip to Kalispell to take on the Glacier Wolfpack at 7 p.m.
