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CUSD provides alternative way to watch games
bulldog announcer stand
Fan attendance for prep football games at high school stadiums throughout the state will be limited this year due to COVID-19. Supporters of Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s programs can live stream contests through NFHS Network. - photo by Dale Butler

Fan attendance for high school football games will be limited this season because of COVID-19.

Each player, coach and cheerleader will be given two tickets for each contest.

“I’m glad there will be some fans out there,” Central Valley head coach Derrick Goblirsch said. “That will add to the experience of the game.”

“Having some people is better than nothing,” Ceres High junior receiver/defensive back Verlis Smith added. 

Bulldog and Hawk supporters unable to attend games in-person can live stream contests through NFHS Network (nfhsnetwork.com).

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Beth Jimenez, communications specialist for Ceres Unified School District “It will help mitigate the impact of this pandemic.”

Monthly and annual subscription passes cost $10.99 and $69.99, respectively.

“Every year, NFHS presents at our athletic director seminar,” Central Valley Athletic Director Greg Magni said. “They’ve been live streaming football games for years. This product made a lot more sense for everybody now because of the times we live in. It gives people an opportunity to watch games from the comfort of their homes.”

“It’s an accommodation we have an opportunity to provide,” Ceres High Athletic Director John Bussard stated. “The federal government provided the money for the cameras. It was at no cost to us other than installation.”

“It’s going to be dope,” Smith added. “Family members that can’t make it to my games will be able to watch me play from home.”

Indoor sports including basketball, volleyball and wrestling will also be live streamed.

Pixellot automated camera systems have been installed inside Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s big gymnasiums and at CUSD Stadium.

“The cameras are up,” Bussard said. “They’ll be there for the foreseeable future.”

Ceres High and Central Valley will kick off the 2020-21 season this Friday at CUSD Stadium.

The Bulldogs will battle the Grace Davis Spartans at 5 p.m.

The Hawks will face the Johansen Vikings at 7:30 p.m.

Fans will be required to wear masks and sit and/or stand six feet apart.