With COVID-19 cases slowly decreasing, and CDC guidelines becoming less strict, California has decided to let High school football have a 5-game 2020-21 season. In order to do this, teams are going to have to be cautious and build a safe environment. These teams will face some obstacles but are looking forward to this new season.

The California Department of Public Health issued updated guidelines regarding the sport.  “outdoor high-contact sports can be played in counties in the purple or red tier with a case rate at or below 14 per 100,000,” the statement said. Ventura County is standing at 11.4 cases per 100,000 which makes football available for play. 

There are requirements for teams however if they want to participate in this shortened season. These safety precautions consist of each player and coach getting tested once a week during the season. During practices, players have to wear masks during all encounters with other players. 

“This year we are scheduled to have 5 games,” Sophomore Zane Carter said. “ Pacifica, Rio Mesa, Channel Islands, Oxnard, and Ventura are the teams we are going to be playing.”

Beginning practice this late into the season can cause issues with knowing plays, and building team chemistry for the upcoming games they will be participating in.  “I think my team is prepared, but not prepared enough to win every game this season,” Carter said.

Junior Jack Chavarria, the Varsity starting quarterback, does not think not enough practice is the biggest challenge of the upcoming season, he feels as if the virus is their biggest enemy.

 “I feel like the biggest challenges are trying not to get COVID-19,” Chavarria said. “Any injuries because of COVID-19 can come out of nowhere and ruin the chance of playing these 5 games.”

Having a shorter season doesn’t seem like it has any advantages to Chavarria, who wishes the team got to play a full season.  “There’s not an advantage to a shortened season because a lot of people want to play a full season and playoffs,” Chavarria said, “But the best part is that we get to play and that’s what matters.” 

However, Carter believes that the shorter season does have its advantages. “With the shortened season gives us a chance to have some games that can help us for future years,” Carter said.