Writing in the student newspaper at North Central High School in Indianapolis, Barry Rosenberg celebrates the football team’s first win since October 6, 2021.
The 32-game losing streak was finally broken, as the Panthers defeated the Braves from Brebeuf Jesuit Prep, 35-13, on August 22.
“I was thinking to myself, ‘We did it. We finally did it.’ It feels like the start of something new and exciting. We’re already getting ready for what’s next, but I’m also just trying to stay in the moment and enjoy what’s happening,” one senior player told the paper.
North Central’s new football coach, Collin Coffer, was quoted as saying, “I felt relieved — not for myself, but for the seniors, not just the [ones on the] football team but for the entire school that hasn’t seen a win on their field or with their teammates.”
Coffer, whose coaching path in football has taken him through Indiana State University and the University of Indianapolis, said he has brought a new philosophy to the gridiron: “It’s called ‘Lead with Love.’ You love the kids first, care about what they’re going through, get to know them, and really learn from your learners.”
And it’s working, though work remains. With continued improvement throughout this first season, athletes hope the team will give fans many more opportunities to rush the field and give their new coach a few more Gatorade showers.
