It’s just one of many ways technology is changing high school football.
At a recent Hillsboro game, a group of three statisticians worked to log live stats into an app called iscore.
Montgomery Bell Academy jumped on the technology trend last season with the purchase of a $1,300 drone that gives MBA the ability to capture action from just about any angle on the field.
The drone, a DJI Phantom 3 Pro Quadcopter, has been used mainly for making promotional videos for the school because of increasing regulation of drones. The Big Red has used it for a game against Ensworth last season, but strict regulations limit its use.
While the TSSAA does not have any regulations on drones, the state of Tennessee passed a law on July 1 that makes it illegal to fly unmanned aerial vehicles over fireworks displays, correctional facilities and events of more than 100 people. Violators face up to 30 days in jail.
With a limited battery life and unpredictable weather, in addition to the tightening regulations, drones are still far from becoming an everyday sight, Ardisson said.
Hillsboro assistant coach Dustin Lopez uses video software to help compile game film to coach his players.
One tool making life easier for coaches and players is the online video database Hudl, which allows coaches and players to upload, edit, tag and watch film from their phones or tablets.
Coaches and players watch and share film to learn about upcoming teams and their styles of play, as well as find and fix parts of their own game plans. It is also a very useful tool for helping athletes get exposure with college coaches by capturing their play for anyone to see.
For kids such as Cane Ridge junior quarterback D.J. Thorpe, sending out links to footage can pay quick dividends.
And Hudl is a tool with many functions besides helping athletes gain exposure.
Hudl also allows coaches to tag players in film to see who is watching it, and to see if they are fulfilling the required viewing time.
While Hudl provides a great way to watch and share film after a game, some schools are making upgrades in their ability to watch replays sooner.
Siegel High School set up a video replay system in a tent behind one of the end zones at the team’s Aug. 28 game against Hendersonville. It gave the Stars the ability to review plays immediately after they happened.
Siegel also has made it easier for its players to access and learn the playbook.
Whether teams are flying drones for a better view, trading film via Hudl, keeping stats on an iPad or making replays more accessible, all signs point to the marriage between football and technology.
Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.