With the loss of 43 former seniors and veteran defensive coach Sean Carlson, this season is shaping up to be  challenging for the Tigers.

Coming off a 10-0 record, even with a younger squad this season’s expectations were to perform the same. With the Tigers season officially in play and having lost their first two games,  a comeback is a priority right now. 

“Being 0-2 to start this season has only improved our abilities and mindset as a team,” junior linebacker Andrew Elkareh said. “We know what it’s like to be down in a game and keep fighting. We’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.”

Players reported to camp on May 30  to prepare for the season.  

“We have a great football staff and did not skip a beat going into the summer,” head coach Anthony Imbordino said. “They have been working extremely hard this off-season, and we believe they have put themselves in a good situation heading into this season.”

Before the Tigers’ first game against Lockport on Aug. 25, senior captain and new head quarterback Nick Darwish expressed hope.

“I am feeling really excited about this season, and I can’t wait to see how we perform,” Darwish said. “I genuinely believe our team will see their season come to an end in the 8A State championship.” 

After losing 32 percent of seniors, the current program is growing with new players and new team power.

“Every season growth takes place,” Imbordino said.  “How much and how fast it takes place is always a mystery.” 

Senior captain Eli Liapis likes the potential of the new lineup.

“This season, we’ve had a lot of shoes to fill since there were so many seniors on the team last year,” Liapis said. “A lot of players step up and fill the roles that the previous seniors had, and it’s been amazing to watch my teammates grow on and off the field.”

New defensive coach  Brandon Newinski replaced Carlson.Fabien Bowens also joined the team as the new wide receiver coach.. 

“I miss coach Carlson;[it’s]  bitter sweet for sure,” senior defensive back Ty Schaumleffel said. “However, just like players come and go, so do coaches. I think we have to work with what we got. Newinski has the same attributes as Carlson.” 

New coaches and new players as well as returning players with position changes this season is new. Darwish has been promoted to starting QB and is now captain. 

“I feel good about having Nick as my captain and head QB,” junior Treycen Bowens said. “He also has a lot of heart and passion for the game.” 

The team motto has remained consistent throughout the years.

“The goal of this program is the same everything year and never changes,”  Imbordino said.  “Be better today than we were yesterday; be better tomorrow than we are today.” 

This year’s players  strive to be the best version of themselves and work as a team. 

“I have very high expectations for myself and I have goals of being an all conference athlete and breaking the school’s tackle record,” Elkareh said. “As for the team, we are a new team with a new set of skills and individuals with an entire season ahead of us.”

Fan support has not diminished this season with packed bleachers for the home games.

“ I feel that our players have a strong connection to the community and student body at North, and the community shares that same passion and connection with us,” Darwish said.