Due to the rain and thunderstorms in the forecast tonight, this week’s home varsity football game has been moved up 90 minutes earlier than originally scheduled. The Pirates (1-3) will host Webster Groves (2-2) at Pattonville Stadium with the kick off now set for 5:30 p.m.

This will not be the first time this season that the game time has been affected because of the weather. The game last week at Kirkwood was also changed to an earlier start time because of fear that the weather would cause the game to be rained out, and during the season opener at home, everyone in attendance had to evacuate the stadium during a lightning delay.

In the event of severe weather, directions will be given by the public address announcer to go to a place of safety.  Missouri State High School Activities Association recommends that there be a 30 minute game delay from the point at which cloud to ground lightning or thunder is heard.  The 30 minutes delay starts over after each occurrence.

This not only affects the players, but also the performers such as the cheerleaders, drill team members, and band.

“If it rains, then the band won’t be playing their instruments tonight,” said Bob Hebrank, Pattonville’s athletic director.

If the band does not play at the game, then the drill team members will not have anything to dance to.

“If the band isn’t there tonight then the girls can dance with counts for their sideline dances and then for halftime, we can just use a version of the song that I have on my phone,” Varsity Drill Team coach Katie Funderburk said. “I’m not concerned. I know that either way they will be OK.”