By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
North Attleboro Junior Football began its 2025 season and its first year under the rebrand of the Rockets with a series of dominant wins.
All five of NAJF’s fourth through eighth grade tackle teams went 5-0 during the Labor Day weekend home opener.
In previous years, each team within the organization had a different name — such as the Titans, Astros or Comets. But the program is embracing a unified identity under the Rockets name with the goal of modernization and providing athletes and their parents continuity over the years.
“Playing under the lights Friday night at Community Field was a memorable experience for the kids. I was genuinely surprised — and grateful — for the amazing crowd that came out to support them.”
The change is expected to not only simplify merchandise and gear purchases from year-to-year, but will also enhance the experience for cheerleading teams who support multiple football teams throughout the season.
The fourth grade Rockets were among the teams that opened the season with a win on Friday, Aug. 29, defeating Dedham’s fourth grade squad, 7-0. Head Coach Patrick Tryon spoke highly of his team of 27 young athletes, calling their win against a “tough and physically impressive Dedham fouth grade squad” a hard-fought victory.
“Playing under the lights Friday night at Community Field was a memorable experience for the kids,” said Tryon. “I was genuinely surprised — and grateful — for the amazing crowd that came out to support them.”
Tryon, a North Attleborough native and former NAJF athlete, now has three of his four children in the program. He highlighted the years of dedication he’s seen from volunteers, coaches, and parents who have helped make NAJF one of the “premier youth athletic organizations in our community.”
“While winning championships is always exciting, our primary focus is on teaching the fundamentals of the game, building discipline, and, most importantly, making sure the kids are having fun,” said Tryon. “It’s a community that leads by example and teaches core values both on and off the field.”
Tom Taylor, a cornerstone of the NAJF program for the past 36 years, also coached the eighth grade Rockets to a 34-6 victory over Norton for the final game of the weekend on Aug. 30. Taylor has 35 boys on his roster this year and has worked with many of them for over the last five years, something he said helps to get to know the players and give them a chance to learn his coaching style.
Looking ahead, Taylor said improving his team’s pass defense is a key focus, along with maintaining a disciplined, team-first approach to football while building early victories.
“I think we’re in a good place; the team is responding well and they are very positive going forward,” said Taylor. “It gives the team a lot of confidence to build on, but we know the toughest games are ahead.”
More than football
Lisa Champagne has been involved with NAJF for over 30 years as a parent, coaching the cheerleading program to national championships, and president of the organization for the past four years. To Champagne, NAJF is a standout program not only because of its on-field success, but because of its emphasis on developing well-rounded student-athletes who are involved within their community.
“We have high standards on and off the field and the mat. NAJF athletes are disciplined and respectful teammates who carry the lessons they learn in this program into the classroom and in their daily lives,” said Champagne.
Academics remain a top priority, and seventh and eighth grade athletes who achieve a 96% grade point average or higher in school receive special recognition at the end of the season. Giving back through volunteerism is another pillar of NAJF, with a food drive held each year to benefit Lenore’s Pantry.
Tryon also spoke of the work NAJF does to raise awareness around pediatric cancer, something he experienced firsthand as a parent of a child who battled and beat leukemia.
During September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, NAJF athletes “go gold” by wearing yellow shirts, socks and bows. This year, the organization expanded its efforts by raffling off premium parking spots and high-value item autographed items — including a signed Taylor Swift guitar — and donating a portion of the funds raised to a local organization called Tommy’s Place, which provides all-expense-paid vacations for families with children battling cancer.
“Being able to share this experience with all my family is something I cherish,” said Tryon. “Looking ahead, I’m hopeful for a strong season not just in terms of wins, but in the valuable life lessons these kids will carry with them beyond the field.”
Taylor said the focus on sportsmanship on and off the field is what has given North Attleborough the reputation for being one of the best programs in Massachusetts for bringing players up to the high school level and beyond. Decades of friendships made and now being able to coach the children of former players is something Taylor finds deeply rewarding.
“My priority is developing them into good young men with high moral and ethical standards,” said Taylor. “I want them to be honest, good citizens and along with teaching them to play football.”
NAJF returns home on Saturday, Sept. 13, for another weekend of games at Community Field. All five cheerleading teams also continue preparations for their first competition of the season, the Power in Pink Invitational, set for Oct. 4 in Norton.