Lone Peak, Corner Canyon Face Off Amid School Changes Due To COVID

HIGHLAND, Utah – In a school year when interruptions have become the norm, football has been there for players and fans. That was the case Thursday night for two schools that are facing changes in the classroom because of COVID cases.

“It’s been like an anchor to the family just to have sports,” said Kristin King, who has a son playing for the home team, Lone Peak. “We’re just super grateful to have a season at all.”

The high school football season has so far managed to withstand the virus with its guidelines and restrictions. The principal at Lone Peak said they were keeping the football stadium at 25 percent capacity.

The announcer warned throughout the game that it would be delayed or canceled if fans were not wearing masks.

Utah county just issued a mask mandate this week. Lone Peak moves to a hybrid schedule next week because of 15+ cases & their opponent Corner Canyon is currently on 2 week remote learning because of cases. Fans we spoke to say #football offers some relief. #ksltv pic.twitter.com/NoGvnezEiL

— Matt Rascon (@MattRasconNews) September 25, 2020

“We are looking to get outdoors. We are looking to participate in events,” said Nathan Erznoznik, whose son plays for Lone Peak. “The choice was stay at home or come – and we’re like, ‘let’s go.’”

Everything looked normal on the field, but inside the classroom is a different story for these two schools.

Lone Peak High school is reporting more than 15 positive cases at the school, prompting Alpine School District to transition students to a two-week hybrid schedule beginning next week.

The visiting team’s school, Corner Canyon, moved to a two-week remote learning schedule this week after the district reported more than 70 cases at the school last week.

“I think everyone’s done an amazing job at really trying to create and keep the safety,” Erznoznik said of his son’s experience at school. “Better being safe than sorry.”

Erznoznik knows if you travel farther south to Orem and Provo, which recently moved back to the orange “moderate risk” level, no spectators are allowed at sporting events.

“So, for us here, we’re feeling very fortunate,” he said.

Thursday’s game was played on the same day that the state reported the highest single day increase in COVID-19 cases. Utah County’s increase was the highest daily number it’s ever been for any county in the state.

“Even though we’re social distancing, wearing masks or whatever,” King said. “It’s just really nice to have something to take your mind off.”