‘My emotions are through the roof’ Area players react to news that basketball can start now, football in March

After a longer than anticipated offseason, Kyle Franklin is happy to be back doing Kyle Franklin-type things on the football field.

In Franklin’s case, that’s scoring touchdowns and winning games for IC Catholic Prep.

Franklin’s built a storied career for the Knights, serving as their primary running back for the last two-plus seasons. Franklin, who finished with 1,504 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns in his junior season in 2019, is one of the most coveted uncommitted seniors in the state.

Franklin’s built an impressive resume, filled with memorable playoff victories and stat-filled seasons, but until the recent news revealing the start of the football season, he wasn’t expecting to be donning the IC Catholic uniform ever again.

On Wednesday afternoon, the IHSA announced that boys and girls basketball can start effective immediately, with a run date until March 13. State basketball teams will be required to have seven days of practice before playing games, while all schools must be in COVID-19 regions that have reached Phase 4.

Friday’s surprise announcement by Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike was the first step toward opening the door for the restart of high-risk sports.

“We still have regions of the state that need to make strides in order be able to play basketball this winter,” IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said. “That underscores the importance of our schools following all the mitigations and precautions. We need to maintain a positive trajectory not only to get winter sports going, but to make sure we do not have any regions regress before spring and summer sports have their opportunity. We can all do our part by wearing a mask and socially distancing.”

Regarding football, teams can start practices on March 3, with games slated to begin on March 19. All athletes, though, must wear masks during games. Football teams are must have 12 different days of practice before games can be played. It’s a six-game schedule that runs through April 24.

“It’s an indescribable feeling of excitement, joy and determination to have the last season of my high school career,” Franklin said. “Just the thought of being able to do what I love for my last suit up as a Knight is incredible, and I can’t wait to get on the field and ball out.

“To be quite frank, I didn’t believe a season was going to happen…But I understood that I had no control over it, except with my work ethic. Everyone now is excited. We’re definitely ready to put on a show this year.”

Fenwick junior wide receiver Eian Pugh, a Cincinnati recruit, welcomed the prospect of a six-game regular season after missing out on a fall football season.

“It’s been a long journey since the summer up to now, so it’s great to have the opportunity to play,” Pugh said. “It’s been a long time waiting for this. The team is excited. We all texted each other and we’re ready to get to work. I can’t wait to get out there with the guys and compete.”

Downers Grove South junior wide receiver Eli Reed missed an opportunity to send out game film to colleges in the fall, but he relishes the chance to show how much he’s improved.

“Me and my teammates have been staying prepared in the offseason,” Reed said. “We’re excited to be able to put all the hard work to use...It’s a blessing that we’re getting the opportunity to play.”

Timothy Christian senior guard Josh Harris, an Illinois College recruit, expressed excitement and motivation toward playing games, even though the IHSA said there will be no state tournament this season.

A year ago, the Trojans advanced to the Class 2A state tournament, but weren’t allowed to play in Peoria due to the threat of COVID-19.

“My emotions are through the roof,” Harris said. “I was so excited when the news came out, but to be honest, I truly didn’t think we would have a season. But I kept the faith.

“Just knowing what happened to us last year is definitely fuel to our fire and we’re coming into the season with a chip on our shoulders since so many people are counting us out because we lost so many seniors.”