Last fall, the Norwood football team did not have the season they were hoping for. Their mediocre 3-8 season comprised of only a handful of seniors getting significant time. This year, Mustang Coach Manny Lopes is looking for his team to turn things around and get back into tournament play.

"Going 3-8 left a sour taste in the kids mouths so they are chomping at the bit to get back onto the field and make things right," Lopes said. "This year, we have a senior class of athletes that have been together since their youth years and I am excited to see what they can do."

As the season approaches, Lopes is hoping that the team can compete for the top spot in the Tri-Valley League. During the pre-season, according to MIAA rules, teams only have 15 days to get ready for the season, but within those 15 days they have a mandatory 15 practices they must take part in.

One good thing that Lopes will not have to really worry about is that he has 75% of his offensive line returning to the field lead by guard Mike Murphy and tackle Owen Keats. According to the Norwood coach, Murphy has had a knee injury for some time, but he has worked especially hard to get onto the field and stay there this season.

"Last year, he didn't play baseball as he was trying to focus only on football," Lopes said. "He's the strongest kid I have ever coached and he is busting his tail to be able to play his entire senior season."

Keats is a three-sport athlete (lacrosse and wrestling) and alongside of Murphy, the two are looking to keep Norwood's offense moving forward. The duo played next to each other for the majority of the season and the coach is hoping that if Murphy stays healthy, they will be able to accomplish that.

"Mike and Owen are best friends off the field and they've built a special bond on the field that will help us to be successful," Lopes said. "So needless to say, keeping them together would be ideal."

Behind the offensive line, Norwood will be looking to Chase Chastinet and Kerlleson Oliveira to handle the running of the ball. Both backs are not only fast, but big and strong opening blocks for the other. In the past, Norwood has gone more with a passing game, but this fall Lopes plans on going back to pounding the ball with Chastinet and Oliveira as the Mustangs will not have a quarterback who can break out and run. Fans will notice the upcoming season with a change in scenery on the offensive side of the ball.

At the time of this writing, the quarterback position is still up for grabs between three athletes: junior Joe Roffi, sophomore Joe Larkee, and senior Bobby Griffen. Roffi, who has matured since last season posses a strong arm and has recently pulled ahead to claim the position for the Mustangs opening contest against Stoughton on Thursday, September10th.

Larkee, the youngest of the trio, has yet to hit his growth spurt but according to Lopes is probably the best athlete of the bunch.

"He's a gamer." The coach said. "Last Thanksgiving, I gave him one throw to try and score a touchdown with his older brother Sam and he came through and did it."

Griffen has been a three-year varsity player and will get an opportunity here and there before he graduates.

On the opposite side of the ball, senior middle linebacker Matt Kiklis will control the defense. The senior is the team's mic linebacker and will call all the plays.

"Matt starts every game and is the voice of our defense," Lopes said. "He definitely gives us an attitude on that side of the ball and is primmed to have a good year."

As Norwood works on getting ready for the Stoughton opening game, the entire Mustang team is focused on improving upon last season's performance and the seniors are all looking to contribute in a big way as the team makes a run to the playoffs.