The football team began its season with something to prove. With only six players returning as starters, the team had some holes to fill. After hard work all spring and all summer, the men return to the field ready to get to work.

According to Head Coach Kevin Wright, the coaches work with players in the off-season to prepare them for the rigors of Carmel’s football schedule, and this summer was no different.

“I felt good about how our kids worked all summer in the hot sun. They worked hard in (Advanced Physical Conditioning class),” Wright, who is in his third year as head coach, said.

APC allows the players to get stronger in the weight room and prepare for the upcoming season filled with difficult competition.

With a tough road ahead of them, the team plays some of the best schools in the state, mostly in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC). It’s important for the team to stay on task and do what they usually do, according to quarterback and senior Brandon Lugar.

“We continue to watch film, see how (MIC) defenses do against our structures,” Lugar said.

That preparation often pays off. Some of the players, like Austin Roberts, starting receiver and junior, have more than one year left to play. For coaches, that helps.

“He’s just one more piece the defense has to defend,” Wright said. “It’s a big plus for us and will be for the next two years.”