Nearly 30 games that will be played Friday will kick off early, allowing fans to work in a football doubleheader.

Pius X, which plays Lincoln Southeast, moved the game's start time to 5 p.m. Friday, and the Thunderbolts' student section will wear red instead of the traditional green-and-yellow for the game.

Pius X AD Tim Aylward, formerly the Thunderbolts' longtime football coach, was disappointed with the decision by Nebraska to play on a Friday night, and that concerns about attendance won out.

“It’s hard to go up against Nebraska when they’re on TV — people will obviously want to watch the game,” he said.

Crete opted to face Aurora on Thursday night, a decision made before athletic director B.T. Kracl came on board. Moving the game from Friday upsets the practice schedule of players and the schedule of freshman, reserve and JV games throughout the week. But he understands the other side, too.

“I just guess I never fathomed the Big Ten would make a decision like that,” Kracl said.