American River College’s football team is back on ground after nearly two years. The team returned to action on Sept. 4 after being unable to play its 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been great to be back around the players, coaches, and to be able to get together. It’s been wonderful and we are enjoying every single minute out here,” said Jon Osterhout, head coach of ARC’s football team.

Osterhout added that the players have been waiting for this moment to return. 

“In terms of the overall engagement and being able to keep our roster intact … that’s credited to our coaching staff and the players who have stayed committed towards the long-term goal which was to come back and compete,” Osterhout said.

There are many COVID-19 protocols that the football team has to face during its new season.

“We still have things we have to do with PCR [polymerase chain reaction] testing for the individuals that are unvaccinated and mask-wearing indoors,” Osterhout said. “And, when we are traveling so there are certain things that aren’t quite back to normal.”

ARC’s football team has played five games this season and they have a 2-3 record. They started the season 2-0, but are currently on a three-game losing streak. 

Osterhout says he wants the team to play complementary football over the course of the remaining games. 

“If we can do that on offense, defense, and special teams, then I think we are going to be on the right side of the scoreboard when it’s all said and done,” Osterhout said.

ARC’s football team will play its next game on Oct. 16 against Shasta College.