The drumbeats of local high school football went on as planned
Friday night.
But the Clovis North marching band worked harder than ever.
“It's just carrying it it's just physically exhausting,” said Joshua Ramirez.
As the smoke from the Rim Fire lingered over the valley, Josh anticipated a challenging night.
“Just the heaviness in the air, everybody feels it right now,” he said.
The air alert nearly forced Clovis and Fresno Unified to cancel the
first game of the season.
“Yah, they probably should've cancelled it. give ‘em a free night off you know,” said David Kelly.
You'd think the trumpet players would say the same...but no complaining on that end of the field. Even after a two-hour afternoon rehearsal.
“Knowing everyone's out here working hard with each other...it makes it easier,” said Ryan Vance.
Some high school football teams in northern California and Nevada
had it worse.
They were forced to reschedule their season openers because of air quality concerns.
Parents kept a close eye on their players in the field.
They were well hydrated and we provided snacks so it went good,” said Mom Melissa Bowman.
And the rest of the crowd cheered on...
While josh looked ahead to a weekend indoors.
“Just relaxing, doing some homework, hanging out...not outside. Definitely not outside,” said Ramirez.