It’s back and better than ever! All of the long hard hours of practice, blood, sweat, and tears have finally paid off! Players, coaches, parents, and fans have been looking forward to the long-awaited season for the 2020-2021 school year, but their waiting is finally over. Orange Country high school football officially has a season.

“I am excited because my teammates and myself have worked every week for a football season, and to have these games is a blessing,” senior football player Matt Auriemma said.

“The California Department of Public Health made significant updates to guidelines for youth and high school sports,” the Orange County Register  said, “paving the way for counties and school districts to start planning for multiple sports in the coming days and weeks, including high school football, if certain health conditions and safety protocols are met.”

As long as the adjusted case rate is less than or equal to 14 cases per 100,000 people, high school football can be played in the lower tier counties. The Orange County Register also announced that there will be COVID-19 testing for the athletes and coaches weekly to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

“What I missed the most about the football season was that I wasn’t going to be able and play my senior year that I’ve worked for my entire high school career,” said Auriemma, “Also, I really wanted to have a senior night where I get to walk out on the field with my dad; it was one of his most favorite memories doing it with my brother, and I wanted to share that same experience with him.”

From senior night to rival games, the Trinity Leagues’ Friday Night Lights Traditions start back up in the middle of March. The team cannot wait to play St. John Bosco, Orange Lutheran, Mater Dei, Servite, and our cross-town rivals, JSerra. With a mixture of home and away games, the 2020-2021 Football Schedule is posted on our school website with all of the game locations, times, and details.

It is still unclear how spectators will be watching the game. Whether they are cheering the team on in the stands or at home watching on television, families, and fans are just excited that the football team gets to play. The football team is very thankful for all of their support and encouragement all year long.

“Our bond as a team has never been better, and due to us practicing every week, we have grown very close to each other and our ability to work as a team is at an all-time high,” said Auriemma, “I think we will do well this year.”