By: Riley Haltom
COVID-19 has changed several things in our school routine. Changes in dress code, lunch and breakfast procedures as well as facilities have been made to accommodate coronavirus guidelines in Chester County High School. However, the changes have not only been felt during school hours. Fans might notice that the Friday night lights sound quite different. Our Marching Eagles have been unable to play during the games. The absence of pep music during the game can certainly be felt in the energy of the crowd. Sadly, the social distancing guidelines mean there is simply not enough room for the band and their instruments to be in the stands with the fans. The Marching Eagles have been a big part of Friday nights in Chester County for years.
I asked a couple of the student leaders in the band how they felt about the restrictions placed on them. Drum Major Solomon Smith had this to say about the lack of pep band this year.
“I really miss it and feel like half the fun of being in Marching Band has been ripped away from me.”
I then asked Smith about having no halftime show this year.
“I am very upset and frustrated that we can no longer do our full halftime marching show that I had been rehearsing for all summer.”
I also spoke to Percussion Captain Robby Novak. He had this to say about the halftime show.
“I was upset mainly because it gives us, the crowd and the football team something to look forward to.”
Novak also had this to say about the lack of pep band this year.
“I feel like pep band is needed because when we’re losing it would be nice to have some positive energy.”
The change was certainly felt on Friday night, while the Eagles played their game against Jackson Christian. It was oddly quiet at certain spots, such as timeouts, where the band would usually be playing some pep music.
On Friday, the Chester County Eagles suffered a 70-34 loss against Jackson Christian. However, there were some good takeaways. The offense moved well on several occasions and running back Ellis Patterson had a good game. On Wednesday of last week, Mia Hurst, a star for the girls’ basketball team, committed to the University of Tennessee at Martin. Volleyball beat McNairy in five sets to start district play.
Coming up at CCHS, senior night for both football and soccer is coming up. This Friday, the Eagles take on the Hawks of Southside in football. Thursday, Girl’s Soccer will have a matchup against South Gibson. Fans are encouraged to come to both and show support for the class of 2021!
