Summer Notes: Nashua High School North Football

There were a lot of familiar faces Wednesday morning when Dante Laurendi watched his Nashua High School North football team open preseason practices.

But what wasn't in the gym for the Titans was what concerns the coach, who is in his second year at North, the most.

"What worries me isn't necessarily about this group," Laurendi said. "We lost some veteran leadership and I don't mean just football talent. We had good presence and guys who pulled us up in some key times when we were down. I think we have the kids who can be key leaders for us."

North will have plenty of kids to fill out the roster, as about 90 had registered to participate at the first practice Wednesday, not including freshmen, which Laurendi expects to get more of later this week and next.

Participation was consistently high during the offseason and that has Laurendi hopeful that the leadership will follow along with it.

"They worked hard, we had some real good leadership, just showing the kids how to work," he said. "We had some guys who really know how to approach the strength and conditioning aspect of it.

"It's not just showing up and doing your sets and reps, it's about how hard they push themselves. I'm hoping that because of their leadership, some of these younger guys see that and follow their lead."

After missing the playoffs for four straight years, the Titans complied a 7-4 record last season and earned a spot in the Division I quarterfinals.

While making it back is something North players and coaches are hoping for, it would be a by-product of what Laurendi is hoping to see.

"I think a successful season is how hard we play, what our approach is as far as practice, work ethic and discipline," he said. "That's really what we're looking for, are we a good, physical, disciplined football team with a positive attitude that works together. That's a huge thing and that's what got us through the tough times last year, was coming together as a team."

North will scrimmage against Salem on Aug. 20 and at Concord on Aug. 23 before participating in the Queen City Jamboree on Aug. 26.