Lions' coach hopeful football will be played

July 1, 2020 at 4:00 a.m.

by Michael Eckels

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Senior quarterback Cy Hilger draws back the ball just before releasing a throw to Coach Kelby Bohannon during the Lions senior high football practice in Gravette June 23. Like all high school sports teams around the state, the Lions were required to hold a light practice session and no contact exercises.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Senior quarterback Cy Hilger draws back the ball just before releasing a throw to Coach Kelby Bohannon during the Lions senior high football practice in Gravette June 23. Like all high school sports teams around the state, the Lions were required to hold a light practice session and no contact exercises.

GRAVETTE -- Kelby Bohannon, head football coach, put his Gravette Lions through a light workout June 23 in anticipation of the opening of the 2020 football season in August.

Currently, all sports are in Phase 1 of Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's and the Arkansas Activities Association's covid-19 pandemic opening. The AAA is expected to review the current status of the virus on June 30 to see if the next phase can be implemented. However, given the dramatic rise in the coronavirus cases in June, it is possible that the current light practice workouts with no contact could continue through July.

Bohannon keeps an optimistic outlook for the restart of sports, particularly football, in two months.

"I am trying to think positive and keep our spirits high that we will play football this season," Bohannon said. "We will continue to observe all the protocols that the governor requires to keep our players and staff safe."

Returning at the helm this year is senior quarterback Cy Hilger who worked on his passing game throughout the 90-minute workout.

Bohannon, now in his second year as head coach, plans to start more intense practice sessions after the July 4 holiday. This plan depends on whether the Arkansas Activities Association allows the Phase 2 reopening of all sports during July and August.

When the football season is opened, Bohannon and his Gravette Lions hope to be ready to hit the gridiron running and have a winning season and go to the playoffs later this fall.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Cy Hilger, senior quarterback for the 2020 Gravette Lions, practices a throw to a receiver during the Lions light practice session on the practice field at Gravette High School June 23. Providing that Governor Asa Hutchinson continues his phase two reopening of public school, the Lions will begin regular practice in mid-July.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Cy Hilger, senior quarterback for the 2020 Gravette Lions, practices a throw to a receiver during the Lions light practice session on the practice field at Gravette High School June 23. Providing that Governor Asa Hutchinson continues his phase two reopening of public school, the Lions will begin regular practice in mid-July.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Senior Paul Ehrhart (left) tries for a field goal during the June 23 Lions light football workout in Gravette.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Senior Paul Ehrhart (left) tries for a field goal during the June 23 Lions light football workout in Gravette.