With new COVID guidance, C.O. high school football is ready to make a comeback

'We've been given a chance'

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With new COVID-19 guidance in place Wednesday from the Oregon Health Authority, outdoor contact sports like high school football can resume in Extreme and High Risk counties.

But just because they can play, will they?

Based on the initial response from athletic directors, players and coaches, both Bend-La Pine Schools and the Redmond School District are very much ready to get back on the field.

Bend Senior High sophomore quarterback Alexander Emery has been waiting for this moment.

"Me and the boys have been working since June 2 for a season we're more then prepared for," Emery said.

Emery is foregoing his invitation to play in the Offense-Defense National Championship in Nashville, Tennessee to be with his teammates and coaches, after months of anticipation for this announcement to become a reality.

Emery's mother, Michele, says she fully supports her son's decision to play.

"We understand the reasoning behind restrictions, but now it's time to get the kids back out for mental health," Emery said. "They need to be with their teammates, coaches and their friends. We couldn't be more happy."

From a district level, Bend-La Pine Schools' Athletic Director Dave Williams said while there is positive reaction, there is still a lot left to be determined.

"We've been given the chance, so we've got a lot of stuff to filter through," Williams said. "I'm sure there's going to more than than what came out in Governor Brown's initial letter."

Redmond High School Athletic Director Doug Taylor shares a similar sentiment, but couldn't hold back his own excitement.

"We had several coaches in a meeting with us, and they were just jacked," Taylor said. "It kind of re-energizes everybody. I'm just overall excited for the kids more than anybody."

Governor Kate Brown's announcement states that Extreme and High Risk counties can opt-in to resuming outdoors contact sports, with additional protocols.

Sports organizations must offer on-site responsive testing for sympomatic individuals and close contacts, contact information for contact tracing, and a waiver identifying risks and a committment to isolation and quarantine if exposed to COVID-19.

While the road ahead is still a complicated one, at least there is a map to follow, and an opportunity many are taking in stride.

Quarterback Emery says he's just focusing on the present.

"I think this has taught us perserverence, and nothing is ever nearly as bad as it seems."