New York City’s Catholic high schools are gearing up for football season after the sport was put on pause last year.

On football fields like the ones at Mount Saint Michael and Cardinal Hayes, things look more normal this fall compared to last season.

On the practice field across from the New York City Catholic League, practices appear normal. Off the field, things have changed in order to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 infection.

In the locker room, players keep their masks on and try to social distance themselves as much as possible. 

Unlike the public school, an athletic league that requires are football players to be vaccinated, the Catholic League has no such mandate. 

Hayes Coach CJ O’Neil says he is vaccinated but is also prepared to coach those who are not.

Cardinal Hayes opens its season Saturday night at Depaul Catholic in New Jersey. 

The majority of the Catholic League, including Mount, begins playing next weekend.