IHS Football wraps up their 2023 season

By Gabi Isenberg

The IHS football season came to an end and the team worked hard to achieve their victories. They were 2-8 this season, ending with their last game on October 27. 

The team played ten games this season and put countless hours of work into practice. Mr. Brad Wright led the team as head coach this year, along with captains Ben Cochran, Trevor Smith, Carson Beatty, and Issac Nygren. The captains have been a part of the team for several years. Senior Ben Cochran comments, “Football teaches you life lessons you can’t learn playing any other sports, like resilience.” 

IHS football faced many strong opponents this season. Although they did not take victories against every school they played, the team competed in many well-fought games. Football is one of the most competitive sports in high school because of its popularity. Skill is not hard to find among young athletes. Sophomore Trent Bufalo stated, “Mars has a lot of talent around the field with their running back being really fast…their defense is really good too and they have some great star players.”

[Photo Credit: Erik Puskar] “Senior Trevor Smith runs the ball in the varsity football game against Freeport.”

The skills developed in players was proven on the field this season. Several athletes had incredible plays this year, which makes them more likely to receive scouting opportunities. Athletic scholarships are a great opportunity for many talented students that wish to continue playing their sport in college. Improving on the field involves work off it as well. To better themselves, many players visit the gym and strength train. Sophomore Levi Porter expressed, “I go to the weight room and do on-field drills.”

Support from friends and family is always an incredible asset to players. The IHS Rowdy Rooters, a student organization designed to occupy the student section at sports events, attended every home game this year, boosting the morale of the players and showing their school spirit.

Although this season is over, the fun of football games and supporting IHS in their athletic endeavors is sure to be back next year. 

Gabrielle Isenberg
Associate Editor

Gabi Isenberg is a sophomore and second-year reporter for the High Arrow. In her free time she enjoys swimming on the IHS and YMCA swim teams, playing piano, and reading. She hopes to report accurate information for the IHS community.