Mexico head football coach Steve Haag could only watch as the sports world unfolded in March.

Spring athletics were canceled in Missouri and the focus shifted to the fall, though football soon was affected too as teams missed offseason camps and workouts.

Haag saw potential start dates for summer workouts fluctuate as some schools in mid-Missouri planned their return to limited athletic activities in June. Haag and the Bulldogs didn’t wind up coming back together for organized activities until July.

Haag, who enters his eighth season at Mexico with only one losing campaign, started fall camp this year with only seven practices with his team beforehand. COVID-19 completely altered Mexico’s offseason plans, as there were no team camps, scrimmages against other teams or a jamboree.

“Everybody is walking on pins and needles as the season progresses because you just really don’t know what’s going to happen from day to day and week to week,” Haag said last week. “But hopefully you can get some football games in and (COVID-19) dies down a little bit and you can get the whole season in.”

Haag has placed an emphasis on conditioning and capitalizing on the lessons learned from last year’s 6-6 team that advanced to the Class 3 District 4 championship.

“They found out in the district championship that we’ve got to step up our game physically,” Haag said. “I think some of our seniors, juniors and sophomores who were younger took that to heart and hopefully that carries over to this year.”

The Bulldogs return seven starters on each side of the ball this year, including three-year starting quarterback Ty Prince as well as first-team all-North Central Missouri Conference defensive back Michael White, Mexico’s leading tackler.

The Bulldogs have core skill position players returning as well. White, Dante Billups and Isaiah Reams combined for over 2,200 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns last year — and they’re all back.

Their presence has helped Haag adjust under the new circumstances. He felt fortunate to have a group of returners who already knew the system and could lead the way. Haag has been able to focus more on strength and conditioning while preparing his players for the season.

Any added motivation for the 2020 schedule comes from the Bulldogs’ opening two games against Centralia and Southern Boone, respectively. Centralia defeated Mexico last season for the first time since 2011, and that 13-10 loss a year ago still bothers Haag and his players.

“I think the guys have a little bit of bad blood in their system from what happened last year,” Haag said. “I mean, we’re leading with a minute left and (Centralia) drives down, scores and we lose 13-10. … We learned a lot about ourselves that game and it helped us in districts. But you would like to have that one back.”

Southern Boone dominated Mexico in the 2019 season opener, defeating the Bulldogs 20-0. Mexico went on to start the year 2-3 before losing on the road to Centralia. Haag views last season in a beneficial light. It was a wake-up call for his players on having some urgency at the beginning of the season. That’s something he’s seen his team address this entire offseason.

There is still uncertainty revolving around the fall football season. The Missouri State High School Activities Association earlier this month presented member schools with an option for an alternate fall sports schedule. Schools now have the option of playing football and other fall sports next spring.

Haag, however, is remaining optimistic. That’s the best way for him and the Bulldogs to move forward.

“Staying positive and don’t be negative,” Haag said about his mindset heading into the season. “I feel good about getting to Week 1. Let’s hope we can get into Week 2, 3 and 4.”