Football is back in Sacramento area and fans are bracing for a season that may stay just as hot as the action on the field.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — High school football is back under the Friday night lights, but the summer heat nearly stole the show.
At Encina High School, Athletic Director Rodolfo Garcia said he felt the pressure as the team opened its new eight-man season under sweltering conditions.
“I was very stressed out this morning,” Garcia said.
Out on the field, he admitted the challenge was tough.
“I’m kind of out of breath at times. But yes, we are here to accept the challenge.”
The difficulty for Encina wasn’t just the heat. Without stadium lighting, Garcia said the team had to start at 6 p.m., even as temperatures hovered around 100 degrees.
“We cannot push the games back even further because we don’t have any lights,” he said. “The lights that we do have are designated for soccer only.”
Parents set up their own shade and players kept water close. Garcia added that the school made sure hydration and safety were a top priority.
“We take our WetBlub and take it on the field, we make sure we are in compliance with all that.”
In Antelope, Center High School canceled its JV game but delayed varsity kickoff until 7:30 p.m.
Teresa Daniels, there to support her son, said she was relieved.
“Definitely would not have wanted to be here at like 5 p.m. when the JV game was going to start because that would have been like way too hot,” she said.
Over in West Sacramento, River City High School waited until 8 p.m. to start, when the temperature dipped closer to 90 degrees. Parent Irma Cervantes said the day had been scorching.
“Really hot. It went all the way to 107, I believe so. Yes, it was extremely hot.”
Cervantes and her family cheered from their section, called Area 55, grateful the season had finally arrived and that the evening brought some relief.
“Yes, it has cooled down,” she said.
Football is back in Sacramento area and fans are bracing for a season that may stay just as hot as the action on the field.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10 | Game of the Week: Placer at Casa Roble — Highlights