Titans take new path with out-of-region schedule

The Northview Titans have moved to play out-of-region teams this football season

Photo by Sarah Greenbaum

Scarlet Baumann, Sports Editor & Brooke Gavin, Staff Writer

Students at Northview have been supporting their football team for 25 years. Recently, the team has experienced coaching changes, lost a large number of seniors, and has struggled to make it to the playoffs. This year, Head Coach Mario Drayton made a decision not only for the team but for the entire school. The football team has been moved to play out-of-region, giving them a chance to build team morale and school spirit. 

This decision was not easy for the coaches, as they want their team to be able to compete in the playoffs and continue their journey throughout the season. There was the daunting concern that it could leave them unsatisfied, and yet the choice remained clear.

"I felt like now it was a necessity," Coach Drayton said. "[It] was important for us to prove to everybody that we can be successful here, that we can win. Even if we're not winning, we can say we gave it our all."

Although disappointed, the team understood. They have taken hits playing teams that are almost twice the size of the Titans. They tried their best on the field but struggled to fully bring it home. The student section dwindled. The players' strong desire to participate in the playoffs was overruled by what would be best for the team as well as the student body.

"Everybody was pretty understanding and was fine with the out-of-region decision. Nobody was really too shocked because of it. Even though it disqualifies us from going to playoffs, we still get to play. We think we still benefit more from out-of-region than in-region," Senior player David Omiye said.

For Northview, the football team has been a staple. Students get the chance to take a break from school and enjoy a game of fun with their friends. They support their fellow classmates on and off the field. This support fuels the athletes' confidence in themselves as well; Drayton finds that it may be the biggest factor in how the students can encourage their team.

"It can't be just, 'you guys are bad; we're not going to support.' The world doesn't allow us as young people and older young people to work like that," Drayton said. 

With the announcement that spread across the school, students have been able to show up and show out for their peers, giving them the support they deserve. This year's team is ready for the season ahead and prepared to take on whatever new experiences face them. Playoffs or not, they have been training immensely and are ready to fill the shoes of last year's seniors.

With the numerous practices, months of training, and intense mental preparation, Drayton has high hopes for this season. He believes that this year could be a fresh start for the team.

"These kids have been really getting after it physically and mentally, getting themselves prepared to play. Kudos to them," Drayton said.