The boys’ varsity football team has gotten off to a good start for the 2013 school year. With Homecoming fast approaching, the team boasts a 3-3 overall record, with a 2-0 conference record.

Senior captain James Edmond believes that his team is much better than their record. “We lost some big players but I think some of the younger guys have really stepped up. Our record this year doesn’t reflect the kind of team we have become,” he said.

Their first game against Amundsen High School resulted in a win, while the following games against Niles West, New Trier, and Glenbrook South resulted in losses. Despite this three-game losing streak, the Vikings bounced back with wins against Maine West and a huge victory against Maine East, beating them 41-0.

Come support your boys’ varsity football team on Oct. 11th at 7:00 p.m. when they take on the Glenbrook North High School Spartans in the much anticipated Homecoming game.

The following is an exclusive North Star interview with varsity football head coach Mark Egofske:

Ruhi Bari: How do you feel your season has been going so far?

Coach Egofske: The Glenbrook South and New Trier games didn’t really end the way we wanted them to. We had a comeback win against Maine West. The players showed a lot of resiliency and we had kids step up that don’t normally make big plays.

RB: Who are the standout players for this season?

CE: Noah Swanson had a huge play in the Maine West fame. Our backup quarterback, Charlie Long, had huge plays in that game. There were big plays made by the receivers Eddie Rodriguez and JJ Miles. There has been excellent blocking by Peter Tate. The line, led by Michael Marek, Alex Cimmarusti, Jarrett Kennedy, and James Edmond, have also played really well.

RB: How has the team improved from last season?

CE: I think we know our offense a lot better. Our quarterbacks have played really well. We’ve probably improved the tailback position the most with the addition of sophomore Barrington Wade. Our offensive line has been really good. Defensively, we’re pretty young. It’s getting better as the season progresses. We’ve already posted two shutouts, so we’ve been pretty solid.

RB: Was there any major adversity this season and how have you overcome it?

CE: Injury was probably the number one setback. These things happen; there are always going to be injuries in football. It’s up to the other players to pick up the slack for injured players and I think we have figured that out. We’ve also found we can rely on some players that we didn’t think we could. Nikko Quiballo is one of those players. He stepped up to the middle linebacker position when Alex Tatar got injured and he’s been playing very well.

RB: What were your goals for this season and have you met them?

CE: Our goal for this season was winning conference title. Tomorrow night is a huge game for us. Glenbrook North is the defending conference champ. On paper, we are as good or better than anyone. Now we have to go out there and show teams like GBN and Deerfield that we don’t want to lose to them. I’m really excited to see what we do tomorrow night. I believe our kids are going to rise to the challenge and we’re going to be victorious.

Go Vikings!