Panthers vs. Harlan on Oct. 23, junior QB John Locke catching the ball. Photo by Ava Garvic
By Diego Hernandez Co-Editor in Chief
Fresh off another win, O’Connor beat Harlan 30-27 in overtime on October 23, 2020 and will face Brennan Thurs. November 5, 2020 at 7 p.m. at Gus Stadium. The Panthers defeated Taft 17-12 on October 17. If NISD decides to add more games to the calendar, the continued schedule will be announced on Oct. 31. The players fight multiple obstacles as the season coincides with new Covid-19 protocols. Senior Haidon Sills sheds light upon the new rules each team must follow to participate both on and off the field.
“We are required to socially distance ourselves from each other and wear masks on the sidelines. Outside we shouldn’t be going to big functions or parties,” Sills said. 
With the responsibility of following UIL and State regulations, athletes must maintain their health for the future of their sport. Right now the calendar only includes the upcoming game vs. Harlan, Junior Logan Wade states that he is hopeful of the extension for future games.
“I think we can go over, we’ve heard some news on brackets for playoffs. At the least we’ll go one game over what we’ve been told,” Wade said.
Practice now begins both in the morning at 6:45 a.m. as well as a waning fourth period or after school decision at 4:45 p.m. These new regulated times are preparing each player for the upcoming games including Marshall on the 9th, Taft on the 17th, and concluding with Harlan on the 24th, as stated in the calendar. More games to be determined.
This year’s roster, on the varsity hand, is constructed of truly exceptional players who have either played for various years at this level or just beginning in their first season. Wade gives insight into some of these key players.
“For his seniority, John Locke is someone I don’t think the team can do without this year. With the offensive side in mind, I think Caleb Smith because he’s the 1st string quarterback he’s very important to the plays of the game,” Wade said.
If all goes as planned, the three teams including freshman, junior varsity, and varsity are expected to continue their season’s solely in the Dub Farris stadium and upon our own new turf field. Senior Carson Jones shares his joy to be able to have the home experience for future games.
“We’ll mainly be playing at Farris this year. I’m glad that we will be having the home advantage in that field. The game day routine will be great so we don’t travel and miss so many classes,” Jones said.
In the atmosphere of the game, whether it be in the stadium or now as announced in your home through live streams, football has a strong sense in the school’s community. Jones states the common social connection this sport creates for the teams.
“In school, the whole football team is a big family, we’re more than just a team. It helps us all, at least me, to piece my mind off the bad stuff going on in the world right now. Recently we’ve been with our teammates more than our real families,” Jones said.
Not only are the players joined in this fight to keep fall sports alive, with a supportive audience. Panther fans come from each corner including the western San Antonian area and Helotes, Sills shares how the game benefits all individuals in its return.
“It brings back a good sense of security since so many people would come out to show their support. It gives people something to look forward to, they can enjoy the sport again and it is great,” Sills said.
Photo by Mary Garcia