The football team ended regular season play on a high note, making the playoffs with a win against Woodstock North on
October 23. They will play Hubbard High School in their first playoff game of the season on October 31 at 2:00
p.m. at Grayslake North.

“Getting our team ready to play other teams that we haven’t played before is probably a big challenge for us as a team, but it’s also exciting to see what they have to bring,” said coach Steve Wood.

The team solidified their place in the playoffs on Friday, October 23, with a win against Woodstock North, 35-21.

“Woodstock North came out and played a pretty physical style of football. We had some adversity in there. We fell behind 13-7, and it was just good to see the kids respond and come back and take a big lead after half-time, 21-13,” Wood said.

Even though the season is in the books, the postseason is yet to be written.

“I would say the Normal West game would have to be the most memorable game of the season, because even though we lost, we all knew that we should have won that game,” said senior Bronson Watson

During the regular season, the football team drew on their strengths.

“Our lines work hard and our defense works really hard to be the best that they can,” Watson said

There were some losses in the season, but many wins.

“We’re off to a pretty great start. We beat Lakes week one, and we also beat Crystal Lake at Homecoming. I’d say we’re doing pretty well,” Wood said. “Every season is different; it changes from year to year.”

The boys have fought through a series of adversities, including the injury of Merrick Gentile, and they finished the season with a 6-3 record.

To keep a strong season going, it takes a lot of effort and a lot of practice on the plays to improve.

“We practice six days a week, and on weekends, we spend up to ten hours practicing to get better,” Wood said.

For some football players, this will be the last time they will ever play on the North football field.

“Knowing that I’m a senior, and it’s my last time playing these teams, I usually just stop and think and realize that this is my last game going against this team. I’m never going to have the opportunity to play them again,” Pollina said.