The Phoenix Union High School District said in a statement released Monday that it will propose its own fall football timeline with first competition starting Oct. 30.

That will happen only if the downward trend in positive COVID-19 numbers continues within the PXU community.

The district will remain with virtual learning until December because it is one of the hardest hit districts by COVID-19.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s Executive Board will review PXU’s proposed fall calendar during its board meeting next Monday.

Under the proposal, all fall sports workouts would begin on Oct. 1, which is the eve of the start of most varsity football competition in the AIA’s modified season.

Football scrimmages among the 11 PXU high schools would be held the week of Oct. 19.

Varsity competition would start the week of Oct. 26, which is a Monday.

Competition for badminton, volleyball, golf, cross-country, swimming, and diving would start the week of Oct. 19.

Golf competition for the AIA began in late August. Cross-country began Saturday. Swimming competition begins Thursday. Volleyball and badminton gets started later in September.

“This timeline does not align with the current fall sports schedules of the AIA and would result in PXU coordinating its own AIA-sanctioned fall sports seasons,” the PXU statement says.

AIA Executive Director David Hines said earlier this month that that school districts not able to start on the AIA’s timeline can present proposals to the board to figure a way to get fall competition in.

The Tolleson Union High School District still is on hold with football because of the pandemic. If Tolleson’s governing board determines its safe enough to play, it could join PXU for the fall season that would give it a full slate of games with playoffs.

The Phoenix Union district said that although it will not compete in its usual AIA fall conferences, it plans to fully participate in winter and springs sports seasons. Phase 1 conditioning for winter sports teams begins in October.

The district reiterates all hinges on the continue downward trend in positive coronavirus metrics.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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