City College is set to kick-off their football season Saturday evening at Ventura College, looking to improve this season after finishing 5-5 last fall.

There are 25 sophomores returning to the field, including Elijah Cunningham, the No. 1 kick returner in the state, and Jacob Ortale, all-state tight end.

“We have three starting offensive lineman coming back this year; two great receivers also returning this year,” said Parker Rozenburg, assistant offensive line coach. “Our offensive line core, receiver core, running back core, and [quarterbacks] are looking very talented.”

Rozenburg is a student who played for City College during the past two seasons and returned as an assistant coach to pursue his devotion to football.

“Coaching is fun and something I’ve wanted to do. It’s been a great experience thus far and can’t wait for what comes,” Rozenberg said.

“They’re very young,” said head coach Craig Moropoulos. “There’s some really good young freshman guys that we’re real excited about.”

In addition to the 67 freshman joining the team, City College acquired two transfer quarterbacks from other colleges. Noah Holle, a transfer from Bakersfield College, and Joshua Lindman, a Division II player in the football program at Lindenwood University in Missouri.

Lindman, who had negative 76 rushing yards during his season at Lindenwood, threw for over 1,800 yards in only eight appearances for the Lions.

Moropoulos stressed the importance of keeping the players healthy, something they have struggled with in past seasons.

“There’s not a lot you can do,” he said. “You can try to get in good condition, but things happen.”

Taking it one week at a time is Moropoulos’ theme for the season. “I try not to get too caught up in what’s down the road except for the next game.”

City College will play in their first match of the season against the Ventura College Pirates at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 3 at Ventura College.