It’s been a long time coming, but the Old Rochester Regional senior football players believe this is their time to shine. After a disappointing 4-7 record last year, the Bulldogs are looking to make a statement. The first game of the season is Friday, Sept. 9 against Martha’s Vineyard Regional at 6 p.m. at ORR.

“We’ve got a good team this year,” says head coach Henry Quinlan. “This is a great, talented group. We’ll have a good running and passing game, and I think we’ve got a strong program.”

For seniors DJ MacDonald, Kurt Correia and Mike Durocher, three years in the program have prepared them for the upcoming season.

“We know where we’re strong and can connect,” says lineman Correia. “We know we can fill in for each other.” This connection, Correa explains, will be a key to winning games.

“We definitely can be big contenders this year,” he adds. “We have a lot of kids coming back. We know what varsity football is like, and we’re a wiser and older team that knows what to do.”

Performance on the field, however, only comes from hard work and strong bonds. Football at ORR is steeped in tradition and family—and food. Each night before games, seniors meet at a teammate’s house for dinner. The team also hosts a cookout fundraiser benefiting families in need.

“Football isn’t just a sport,” says running back MacDonald. “It creates a family. It brings you together. I think we can take what we’ve learned from our earlier years in the program and apply them now.”

Correia agrees.

“We are a family,” he says. “Even if another player is down, just a quick ‘Get your head in the game’ talk helps. It makes you realize, ‘I’ve been with this guy for four years. He does know I can do this. We’re in this together.’ That gets you into it.”

So, what’s the best way to come out swinging? Wide receiver Durocher says just playing “fast football.” He adds team captains MacDonald, Mike Asci and Chris Roach will also be crucial. Sure, pre-game rituals include kicking out the jams in the locker room, group chants and high fives help too. But once on the field, the Bulldogs get serious. They channel that energy into personal performance, Correia says.

“Football is about the personal challenge,” he says. You’re the only one that can get the personal effort you give every play, each time. It’s not like baseball. If you’re an outfielder and the pitcher gives up a home run, there’s nothing you can do about it. But with football, every play dictates what you do in your area.”

And nothing defines an athlete quite like football.

“Friday night games are the best,” Durocher says. “I’ve played other sports—lacrosse, basketball—but nothing’s better than Friday night football.”