Boys football tackled their way to a win against the Tartan Titans, ending off senior night strong with a score of 24-21 Oct. 4. Wrapping up the pre-playoff home games, Park celebrated their first home game win and third overall for the season. Friends, family and fans attending the game were able to show their support for cancer research by donating to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund, as well as by participating in the pink-out theme.
Defensive coordinator Rob Griffin said it felt good to end off the pre-playoff season strong for the seniors who play a significant role in the football program and culture.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to have our last regular season home game be a win for the class of ‘25,” Griffin said. “They’re the glue, the foundation of our program. They’ve created a culture that we just enjoy.”
Senior AJ Foster said the team had good running and passing compared to other games in the season so far. He said quarterback Everett Arnold made some great passes.
“Running and passing (went well) because we haven’t had that many good games with passing. I’d say Everett did good,” Foster said.
Griffin said the team had many strengths overall, noting the good work of both offense and defense and their ability to face a difficult opponent. He said although playing styles were different, Park was still able to stick to their tried and true skills.
“We showed a lot of toughness. Tartan is a tough team (and) we matched that while still being able to do some of the things that we like to do, which is play out on the edge, use our athletes a little bit more,” Griffin said. “Our defense showed up big time. The offense moved the ball really well and controlled the clock.”
Senior Nate Nowak said the student section showing support boosts team morale. He said being honored on senior night feels like an acknowledgment to the hard work he’s been putting in for 12 years.
“We get hype for the student section, so it’s nice having them out there and supporting us,” Nowak said. “I’ve been playing for almost 12 years, so it’s been nice being honored for what we’ve been doing.”
According to Griffin, Park has the best fan base that consistently shows up for the team. He said fans have come near and far to support the team.
“I don’t think there’s anybody that can say they have a better fan base than Park. Our kids come out no matter where we go,” Griffin said. “Our stands are full every time. It gives them all the extra juice they need to perform at a higher level.”
Nowak said as a captain his role is to motivate and unify the team, as well as collaborate with the other captains to support and keep energy high throughout the season.
“(My role is to) just kind of motivate them and bring our team together,” Nowak said. “We bring them together as a group, and we kind of support each other and hype up the team as much as we can.”
Griffin said as a coach he looks to see where each player can be successful and designs plays around skill. He said he ensures players know the coaches believe in them and their ability.
“My role as a coach is kind of all year round. It’s looking at what our player personnel looks like, trying to create the best scheme I can that fits our players, rather than having our players fit a scheme,” Griffin said. “To make them understand that if they’re out on the field for us, it’s because we believe in them (and) we’re going to ride with those guys every day.”
Foster said although he is not a fan of the spotlight, after four years of playing, being honored at senior night feels good. He said he sees the team going far in the remainder of the season.
“I don’t like being put on the spot like that, but it definitely felt good to have my family out there,” Foster said. “We could go pretty far if we really tried—we could go hard and get far.”
Park football will play their next game against Cretin-Derham Hall at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the University of St. Thomas.
