By Jim Hammond—For the North Star Reporter
Head football coach Michael Strachan is expecting some strong competition as the season gets underway.
North Attleborough’s first game of the season was canceled, so the Rocketeers will play Springfield Central on Friday, Sept. 18, in North Attleboro. Strachan expressed his respect for Central.
“I think every team is a challenge, but Springfield Central is considered the best state high school football team in Massachusetts,” he said.
The coach went on to talk about other teams that will pose a challenge this season.
“We play in the Hockomock league, and three of the teams — K.P., Foxboro and Mansfield have all gone to the Super Bowl in the last two to three years.
North Attleborough has a strong record of its own, with two Division 3 Super Bowls. When asked about potentially returning to the big game, Strachan said that “We honestly don’t talk about going back to the Super Bowl or state title. We concentrate week-to-week and practice, practice, practice. We all believe in the process and if we focus on the process, the results will take care of themselves. It’s a long season and we play in the toughest league in the state.
“This year, Nathaniel Robin, a junior and first year starter will be our QB. Nathaniel is a terrific athlete, smart and a tremendous worker,” he added.
With regard to injuries that can occur in a game, Strachan said that all necessary precautions.
“There is limited contact during workouts, and all of our players must wear Guardian helmets,” he said, adding that Guardian helmets have a soft-shell cover to reduce the force of impact and he has used them for five years.
Strachan has a philosophy about the many benefits of high school sports.
“Football can help the players get ready for college or the military,” he said. “That’s why we remind our players that it’s academics first, and athletics second.”