North, Roosevelt Take to Gridiron for Final 2020 Games

After the Iowa High School Athletic Association announced that the Fall sports season will be extended teams whose seasons were cut short due to COVID-19 and/or the August derecho, two DMPS football teams – the North Polar Bears and the Roosevelt Roughriders – plan to take to the field for a final game in 2020.

Activities directors and coaches at the other three high schools – East, Hoover and Lincoln – have decided to not schedule an additional football game due to concerns over the risk of injury, a lack of time to condition and practice, and the overlap with the start of the Winter sports season.

Details on the North and Roosevelt games, including locations and opponents, will be announced when confirmed, but will likely be held November 16 or 17.

North and Roosevelt may not resume organized practices until Saturday, November 7. After that there is a five-day acclimation period before teams can begin full contact and wear pads on the sixth day of practice. Games must be held prior to November 18 and may not conflict with the dates of postseason football games (November 12-14).

Health and safety protocols will be required for spectators. Details will be provided after details on the North and Roosevelt games are confirmed.

As previously announced, DMPS high school girls’ swim teams will be able to compete at the regional meets on Saturday, November 7. DMPS high schools are expected to fully resume sports and activities as the Winter season begins on November 9.