Andrew Kurland is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Barry Goldwater High School for AZPreps365.com

For months, it remained a mystery whether high school sports even would be played this fall.

Answers about football’s return were often vague and uncertain. But the answer is now clear: 

High school football is back.

Barry Goldwater is one of the many schools in the Valley that will play this season. With the Bulldogs back, they now face the task of building their team from within for the 2020 season.

Six months since the pandemic hit, the threat of COVID-19 is still prevalent in both the halls and fields of Barry Goldwater. Coach Frank Lautt, who coached at Alhambra for 21 years, says that additional protocols are in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19. The protocols include social distancing during summer practice, wearing masks in the weight room and additional wiping down of workout equipment.

For senior Brody Beckman, the return of football has been long anticipated.

“I speak for all of us when I say we are so very excited to get on the field and play football again,'' Beckman said. "It’s been a long wait and we’re so blessed to be able to play. There are some school districts that don’t have that opportunity right now.”

As the Bulldogs prepare for their first game, their lack of team depth weighs on the minds of players and coaches.

According to Lautt, the team lost six seniors, in addition to “six or seven” players who chose not to return this season.

While many see this as a disadvantage, Beckman views the lack of numbers as an opportunity.

“The (lack of depth) means a lot of us get more playing time, which, of course, every athlete wants, but it also makes us more hungry,'' he said. "We know that we can’t rely on others to fill in our spots when we’re tired, so we have to be able to push through the fatigue and frustration within games and practices.”

The Bulldogs open against Deer Valley on Friday. Lautt said opening night is always a unique experience.

“Game one is always different because you never know what to expect,'' he said. "You have new kids and you don’t know how they’re going to respond in a game-like scenario. We’re trying to put them in situations (in practice).”

Lautt said last season's team ran the ball well and needed to work on the passing game. He said the Bulldogs have improved in that area, and have shifted their focus to pass protection.

“We need to take the time to work on the small things.” Beckman said, later adding: “We need (people) to buy in and take part in the program.”

Friday’s game will have limited fans. According to Beckman, each player, band member and cheerleader will receive two tickets. The opposing team also will be granted 100 tickets.

It won’t be the normal, full crowd that the team is used to. But regardless of the bleachers, football is back at Barry Goldwater.