This year students were treated to something truly special. A 9-0 season led by head coach Scott Bless that has
put North in a great position for their upcoming run in sectionals.
This record breaking season did not come from nowhere, however. Senior Blake Caudill said, “Our mentality was just different this year,” when asked about what changes were made from the last 3 seasons he had been a part of. According to Caudill, the team was a well molded unit this year. Caudill describes the defensive line as “ironclad,” as well as calling the offense “productive and efficient”.
There were some daunting challenges the team was forced to face this season. First of all was the annual crosstown matchup between North and their rival team Bloomington High School South. This game, held September 8, 2023, ended in a score of 25-24, ending with a catch from senior Jack Leonard to win the game in overtime. This was the first time in over 5 years that North beat Bloomington South in the highly anticipated game.
A second challenge North faced was Columbus North High School. When senior Aidan Steinfeldt was asked his proudest moment of the season, he said, “It was the first time we’ve beat Columbus North in a conference game in forever.” That game, which took place on Friday,
October 6th, and ended in a score of 38-35, was another anticipated challenge the team was narrowly able to cross off of their list.
Another surprising challenge came up against Terre Haute South Vigo, who North was supposed to defeat handily. This game, however, was closer than intended, ending with a final score of 38-28. This near blemish on their flawless record shook the team back to reality and reminded them that they can’t get complacent. When asked about this game, Caudill stated, “I remember standing on the sidelines halfway through the game and thinking ‘there’s no way we can let this be the game we lose this season.’” However when one of the closest games of the season ended in a win by 10, it’s a good sign that your program is heading in the right direction.
The team is now gearing up for their run in sectionals which will kick off Friday, October 27, at 7:00 PM on their home field against the aforementioned Bloomington South. The team will have had 3 weeks since their last game so they are trying to stay warmed up and hyped for
their postseason.