Arapahoe High School football coach Rod Sherman is encouraged by the turnout of players for the early workouts held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The numbers are really up,” said Sherman. “We had 150 players out. There are 50 freshman out. We’re trying to build the program back up.”

Littleton Public Schools allowed athletic and activities to meet in person for workouts, practices and meetings under a phased-in approach. Phase 1 began June 15 and subsequent phases are going into effect as social distancing restrictions allow.

The four phases of Littleton’s plan are based on guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, the Colorado High School Activities Association plus local state and federal government agencies.

Arapahoe went 7-5 last season in Sherman’s second season as Warriors coach. He came from Valor Christian, where he served as an offensive coordinator, athletic director and head football coach.

Last season marked only the second year above .500 for the Warriors in the past six years.

“In the early workouts it was mostly about individual techniques and athletic development,” said Sherman.

Sherman believes when the season is played that Arapahoe will have a competitive team in the Centennial League.

“We’ll have a good team” said Sherman. “We will have a strong defense, the most athletic team Arapahoe has had in a while. I really like the defensive line and linebackers.

“I am incredibly excited about our team. We had an awesome first two weeks of workouts. I think we’ll come back a little more motivated.”