Newton County Schools lifted its shutdown on extracurricular activities Monday, meaning that its three football teams – Newton, Eastside and Alcovy – can resume football practices Tuesday for season openers that begin the week of Sept. 4.

The decision frees up all all of Newton’s fall sports teams, including softball, volleyball, cross country and competitive cheerleading.

'‘The data show a current downward trend in the numbers of COVID-19 in our community,’' superintendent Samantha Fhurey said in a statement. ‘'That combined with our enhanced safety protocols led us to the decision to resume athletics.‘'

Newton’s football team will open Sept. 4 at home against Woodward Academy. Alcovy is scheduled to play at North Forsyth on Sept. 4. Eastside’s first game is Sept. 11 at Winder-Barrow.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com