PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 As severe weather moves into the Valley, anyone planning outdoor events this weekend may need to adjust their plans.<\/p>\n
High school football games scheduled for Friday could see the brunt of the storms, depending on when and where they hit.<\/p>\n
The Arizona Interscholastic Association told Arizona\u2019s Family that safety will be the top priority. If lightning is detected nearby, games will stop for 30 minutes, and everyone will be asked to take shelter. Players and fans are advised to stay away from metal bleachers and gates.<\/p>\n
At Centennial High School in Peoria, players are already bracing for the possibility of storm delays.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting better with every game,\u201d varsity guard Karmello Calloway said as he watched the junior varsity team play under the hot sun Thursday night.<\/p>\n
Calloway said he loves the unpredictability of the sport \u2014 but the weather adds another layer of challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen playing in the rain it\u2019s harder to do and harder to pass the ball,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you\u2019re having a good drive, you get tight and muscles start to cramp.\u201d<\/p>\n
Storms can also change the way athletes approach the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t really juke or move certain ways,\u201d Calloway said. \u201cVery slippery.\u201d<\/p>\n
For players and fans alike, football in Arizona comes with ups and downs \u2014 just like the weather.<\/p>\n
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n