The Eastern Connecticut Conference announced Monday that "alternative football activities" will begin later this week, in lieu of the canceled fall season because of COVID-19.

The competitions, which begin Friday, will incorporate all linemen, skill position players and specialists in various challenges and drills.

"We all want to play 11 v 11 tackle football, however, that is not an option, so we moved forward to create something we think will be fun and exciting," said Jim Buonocore, the ECC football chairperson and also Ledyard's assistant principal/athletic director, in a press release.

"I could not be more impressed with how all of our league coaches have taken this challenge head on. All of our alternative activities allow the student-athletes to compete in 'low to moderate risk' events."

Skill position events will involve 7-on-7 with no running plays allowed and four downs to get 10 yards. Plays end via one-hand touch by the defense.

Quarterbacks have four seconds to release each pass. Teams will also punt and kick extra points.

Activities for linemen, who can earn points for their respective teams, include tug of war, sled drills, pursuit drills, heavy bag carries and tire flips, among other events.

"NFA is extremely appreciative of the ECC and its devotion to leading the football programs in the conference through difficult times," Norwich Free Academy coach Jason Bakoulis said in the release. "Now more than ever it is critical that we all stick together."

Fitch coach Mike Ellis said: "We appreciate the ECC taking the lead during this unprecedented time to benefit the welfare of our student-athletes."

Contests are scheduled for Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16 and Oct. 23, followed by a showcase/combine for juniors and seniors Oct. 30-31 at New London High School, to which college coaches will be invited.

m.dimauro@theday.com