High Valley heat causing changes to high school football schedule

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Varsity football games in both Fresno and Clovis Unified will kick off as scheduled, but the junior varsity games are either being canceled or moved to another day and time. School districts say it is just too hot to play before seven.

"Tomorrow night, because we took our JV games which usually start earlier, some of those are being played tonight at 7 o'clock," said Kelly Avants with Clovis Unified.

Avants said Friday's Clovis West game at Centennial has been rescheduled to September 28th. Some high schools will delay their varsity kickoff to as late as 8:15-- as is the case of Bakersfield Christian at Central Valley Christian.

Bulldog Stadium is ready for Saturday's home opener against Incarnate Word. Fans who need relief from the heat can go to the grass sections on the north side of the stadium to cool off.

"You will see big fans, big evaporators, cooling stations like you have at any other major event heat-related and you want to keep people cool," said Associate Athletic Director Paul Ladwig.

Jeff Tedford makes his head coaching debut and Derek Carr will return to have his number retired.

Walk-up sales on Saturday could lead to a Fresno State sell-out, but it is clear that players and fans alike will need to stay hydrated around the Valley.