Junior varsity football has returned to Arcata High School for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a relatively small team in the last few years, there were finally enough players to field both JV and Varsity football teams this season.
The return of JV football has given an opportunity for players who are just starting to play football for the first time or have less experience than those on the varsity team.
“We haven’t had such a successful season, but we’re definitely getting our pieces together. We have a lot of first-year kids, and they’re learning the sport,” freshman Brayden Anderson said. Anderson, a JV lineman, is one of many players who is glad there is a JV football team this season and is grateful for the opportunity to play with less experienced players at a less-advanced level, rather than being swamped on varsity.
The team has had a not-so-ideal start to the season. “We haven’t won any games yet, but it has been a fun experience,” sophomore Austin Cooley said. Coming off of a week long break from games, they are hoping to turn things around and get their first win of the season.
The excitement surrounding the JV football season extends beyond just those on the team; varsity players are also excited about the return of JV football. “I think the JV football team is great,” said senior wide receiver and kicker Oscar Carlson. “It’s a good experience for underclassmen to be able to play without having to play against older kids and having a higher risk for injuries.”
The team has an optimistic outlook on the season and is less focused on the results, but rather on the development of the younger players. Head coach Matthew Jioras has expressed how proud he is of the team and the strides that the team has made in improving this season. Coach Jioras has been with the football team for the past few seasons as the offensive line coach, but this season he assumed the role of head coach for the JV team. “We’re getting better every game,” Jioras said. “We’re young at every position, but I couldn’t be prouder of the guys.”
With the return of JV football to Arcata High School, there is much hope that the numbers interested in playing will continue to rise and the JV program will be able to stick around and continue to develop.
