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The Alabama Independent Schools Association’s Athletic Committee will meet on Thursday morning to discuss and potentially finalize a plan for fall athletics.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association held two meetings on Wednesday where they discussed plans for the fall and will provide updates via a press conference on Thursday afternoon. AISA Athletic Director Roddie Beck is hopeful a plan will be released next week.

“We are acting like we are going to be able to play next week,” head coach Mario White said. “We are going to control what we can control.”

The Patriots have been back to work, hitting the weight room since early June. Recently coach White and the Patriots have began installing the playbook in hopes of starting the season in a few weeks.

“We are in the middle of installing everything right now,” White said. “The guys spirits are still high. We are adhering to the state mandates, it’s been tough, but the guys are adjusting to it really well.”

When the AISA does make up their mind on the upcoming season, White and the Patriots are obviously hoping for the go ahead to begin the season on August 21 when they travel to Florida to take on Freeport.

“What we are hoping for is that it’s going to be business as usual,” White said. “I’m hoping and praying that we’re going to kick this thing off. Things are different now, but I think it’s important to get the kids back to school and bring football back. I just want to be able to play, I don’t care if it’s abbreviated or pushed back. I just want them to say play ball.”

Not only does White want to get back on the field for athletic reasons, but his school and athletic department like other schools, heavily rely on high school football on Friday nights in the fall.

“Football is vital to the school and the sports program,” White said. “Football is a driving force even in college. It’s important for the kids, but on the financial side the home gates are huge. It’s a vital part of our program.”