ROCHESTER — “Dogs are coming” said confident captain Cameron Pepin of Old Rochester Regional High School boys varsity football at a Tuesday practice. 

Excitement simmers over the field as the boys look forward to the next Friday night lights, their favorite part of high school football.

Bryce Guilbeault, Old Rochester’s head football coach stated that  this year's team is a “close knit” group.  

“This year we got a lot of young guys and they're very talented but it takes time to get everybody in the same team,” said Guilbeault.

Last season, the varsity team made it to the MIAA state tournament Div. 5 semifinals, and concluded their season on Thanksgiving with a loss to Apponequet Regional High School.

The four team captains, all seniors, are preparing to work hard for the rest of the season, but ready to win.

“I'm trying to lead by example,” said captain Brody Hiles, a tight end from Rochester.  

The four captains look to build a team community that is “gritty” and “hard working.”

Even when they are tired, they look to support, lead and inspire their team on the field and in the classroom. 

Sophomore starting quarterback Connor Nelson is most excited to play Old Rochester’s classic rivals, like Bishop Stang and Dartmouth, with a goal to beat them and make it to the playoffs. 

Nelson is new, but takes his offensive leadership position seriously, he said, “You got to just be at your best and sometimes you’re not . . . so you gotta be on top of your game.”

Guilbeault said they have had a strong pre-season, even with a loss on Friday, Sept. 5 against Plymouth North High School. However, he believes that as they continue to focus on the little things, “the big things usually take care of themselves.”

Brendan Spenare, a lineman captain, says he loves being with the team, even when it's all the time.

“I'm here with my brothers more than I'm with my mom and my dad at home.” He continues, “It's a commitment but it's enjoyable when there's a lot of good people around. And it's worth it when we win.”