Mark Madden's Hot Take: Fans, parents should be allowed at HS football games

If a high school football game is played in the forest with no one around, does it make a sound?

Of course it does: It’s the noise of parents complaining. You’re never going to shut them up.

But WPIAL football parents have a legit gripe, one that transcends, “My Johnny isn’t starting at quarterback even though he’s clearly the next Patrick Mahomes.”

Only 250 people are allowed in a high school football stadium as per Gov. Dipstick’s decree. That includes players, coaches, officials, parents, cheerleaders, band, everyone.

That mostly excludes parents, even those who live vicariously through their kids. Think Charles Billingsley in “Friday Night Lights.” He’d kick out another car window.

Schools are handling the situation in different ways: Some give senior players a ticket or two for parents; some ban fans altogether; some limit game-night roster size. Kids practice all week, but don’t suit up.

Cheerleaders mostly are present. Who they’re leading in cheers is unclear. Bands are there, too, because hell hath no fury like a band parent scorned.

Everyone excluded should assemble for a protest. That would be allowed regardless of size. Hold it in the stands at the 50-yard line.

Games are outdoors. (I don’t think the University of North Allegheny has a domed stadium yet.) It seems more people should be able to attend as long as they wear masks and practice social distancing. Allow 22% capacity like Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Make those attending promise not to boo the pre-game unity ceremony.

Sounds logical, right? But logic gets you nowhere right now.