As high temperatures loom over the Louisville area, several high school football games have been rescheduled to later times in an effort to prioritize player safety. The National Weather Service has predicted a scorching high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit for Friday, with the heat index potentially soaring to 106 degrees, prompting local officials to take precautionary measures.
One of the notable matchups affected by this decision is the game between Cincinnati Moeller and Trinity. Originally set to kick off earlier in the evening, this contest will now begin at 8 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are coming into this game with differing records; Trinity stands at 2-0 while Cincinnati Moeller has a record of 1-1, making this an important game for both squads as they seek to improve their standings.
Earlier this week, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) announced the cancellation of all outdoor activities on Wednesday and Thursday due to the extreme heat. However, they have not yet made any announcements regarding cancellations for Friday's games. The decision to delay kickoff times aligns with guidelines set forth by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA), which emphasizes the importance of monitoring heat conditions during athletic events.
The KHSAA employs the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index to assess heat conditions, taking into account factors such as radiant heat, air movement, temperature, and humidity. Depending on the WBGT readings, specific protocols are mandated for high school football games. For instance, a WBGT reading between 87.1 and 89.9 degrees requires mandatory five-minute water breaks at the halfway point of each quarter. If the reading reaches between 90.0 and 91.9 degrees, water breaks are enforced at the four-minute and eight-minute marks of each quarter, and teams may mutually agree to delay or postpone the game. A WBGT reading of 92.0 degrees or higher prohibits any play.
This week’s football schedule for Louisville-area schools includes several games that have been adjusted due to the heat advisory. Games highlighted in bold have been moved to later kickoff times:
Thursday’s game: Bullitt Central vs. Breckinridge County, 8 p.m. at Meade County
Friday’s games:
Mercer County at Atherton, 7 p.m.
Jackson (Missouri) at Ballard, 7 p.m.
North Bullitt at Bullitt East, 7:30 p.m.
Central at Butler, 7 p.m.
Christian Academy at Lexington Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Collins at Shelby County, 8:30 p.m.
Holy Cross at DeSales, 7 p.m.
Doss at Jeffersontown, 6:30 p.m.
DuBois at Waggener, 7:30 p.m.
Fairdale at Eastern, 7:30 p.m.
Trimble County at Iroquois, 7:30 p.m.
Kentucky Country Day at Spencer County, 7:30 p.m.
St. Xavier at Male, 7 p.m.
Frederick Douglass at Manual, 7:30 p.m.
Oldham County at North Oldham, 8 p.m.
Pleasure Ridge Park at Franklin County, 7:30 p.m.
Seneca at Bethlehem, 7:30 p.m.
Shawnee at Western, 7 p.m.
Tates Creek at South Oldham, 7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Moeller at Trinity, 8 p.m.
Saturday’s game: Moore at Fern Creek, 6 p.m.
As the weather conditions remain a concern, updates regarding any further changes to the schedule will be provided as they develop.
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