CPS student-athletes excited for chance to get back on the field

The Friday night lights are back on for Cincinnati Public Schools as Taft and Aiken high schools played in their first full-contact scrimmage.

LIGHTS FINALLY MAKE A RETURNFOR CINCINNATI PUBLIC SCHOOLSTAFT AND AIKEN PLAYED IN THEIRFIRST FULL CONTACTSCRIMMAGE.REPORTER JAKE RYLESHOWS US WHAT TONIGHT'S EVENTMEANS FOR SO MANY."Inside Stargell Stadium - ascrimmage.

No winner.

Noloser.

But student-athletesand parents I talked to sayhaving the chance to play..

Isa win for everyone."TAFTSENIOR AARON PENDLETON ISWARMINGUP.."I was pumped since lastnight.

I've been ready.Literally been ready waitingfor this."FOR AN OPPORTUNITY..HE WASN'T SURE HE'D EVER HAVEAGAIN."A lot of opportunity now.They're giving us a chance.FOR WEEKS..

CPS STUDENTSWAITED..HOPING..FOR A CHANCETO PLAY DURING THEPANDEMIC..My coach had text me.

I jumpedout of the shower.

I washappy.

My mom was asleep Ithink."SHE WOULDN'T BE ASLEEPFOR VERYLONG.."I went in her room.

Jumpedon her.

I was like - mom wecan play!

She was happy.""sound of football playing"LISA ROGERS..

WATCHES HERSON..

ANTONIOLOWE.."Did you see the looks onthose guys faces?

We've beenwaiting for this."(ANTONIOSACKING QB NAT POP)SURE..THINGS LOOK A BIT DIFFERENT.STUDENT-ATHLETES SPACED OUTSIX FEET ON THE SIDELINES..WEARING MASKS..

NO FANS IN THESTANDS..

INSTEAD - WATCHINGFROM A DISTANCE..

(NAT SOUND -I SEE YOU OUT THERE )BUT..IT'S SOMETHING.."For some, this is all theyhave.

It means everything tothem.

For them not to be ableto play, I can only imaginehow everyone was feeling.""sound ofscrimmage"Just happy to see him happy.Meeting those goals.

Gettingthose scholarships.

Going offto college.

Being anything hewants to be."THE SKY IS THE LIMIT..

UNDERTHE FRIDAY NIGHTLIGHTS.."We want a ring.

We're goingto the playoffs.

We're goingto win the playoffs.

And wewant the ring on our finger.Size us up.

We're ready."INTHE WEST END.."sound ofapplause"JAKE RYLE, WCPO 9NEWS.