LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — With a 7:00 PM kick off at Wyoming Area's football stadium, it was official.
High school football was back.
When the 2019 state champions, the Wyoming Area Warriors, took the field against the Riverside Vikings, it was a perfect night of Friday night football under the lights.
However, with COVID-19 restrictions keeping crowds at outdoor events to 250 people, Wyoming Area school officials made the choice not to allow fans inside the stadium.
Only those needed for the game, meaning the teams, coaches, officials, etc. were allowed inside along with the marching band and cheerleading team.
So, parents, students and fans watched the game from the street through the fence surrounding the stadium.
"It's hard for me personally. My son, this is first time on the varsity, playing. So, it's his first actual game. So that's a little hard to handle that we're out here,” said Riverside parent Shannan Gaughan.
These Wyoming Area seniors said if their football team couldn't have them in the stands, they wanted to make sure the players and coaches could still hear them on the field.
"Well, we definitely wanted to come out and support our football players because of last year, state championship. We thought that they deserved it,” said Wyoming Area senior Alana Aufiere.
The Wyoming Area Athletic Director said because of the pandemic, this may be the only game the team plays so they wanted to make it Senior Night here at game.
So before the game, parents and their seniors on the football team and marching band were led onto the field so seniors could be recognized for their accomplishments.
"I think they're doing it quick and fast so that if they cancel it, shut it down, they'll be able to, at least the seniors will get to be recognized,” said Wyoming Area parent Russ Herron who walked the field with his son.
And the final score Friday between Wyoming Area and Riverside was: Wyoming Area 30, Riverside 6.