High schools combined football teams

"I was lost about it," he said. "I was hoping to play football in college."

He began looking at other schools but didn't want to transfer out of Catholic High in his senior year. Then he got the good news: Instead of completely eliminating football, CCHS merged with Bishop Maginn High School's team in Albany.

Huddling

Nine varsity players and five junior varsity players from CCHS suited up for Bishop Maginn. One cheerleader from CCHS was added to the Maginn squad.

"This worked extremely well," Mr. Grasso said. "The kids interacted from day one and have become friends. I can't say enough for both groups. They've become a team; they pull for one another. It's been great to see."

It's up; it's good

"They're just like us," he said. "They love football. They work hard, and they have a lot of talent."

Having additional teammates from another school made the Maginn football players work harder, Jeffrey said. "Coach let us know that everyone would make the team," he said, "but we'd have to work harder to keep our positions."

Watching the clock

In prior years, football practice began immediately after school. To promote a positive team spirit this year, the coaches didn't want to begin full practice until all of the players arrived.

"I didn't want our guys just hanging around," Mr. Grasso said, so students from Maginn pre-practiced on skill work. When the players from CCHS arrived, the full practice began.

Goal line

While it has been a positive experience overall, Mark admits the first game was somewhat challenging.

"When I put on the uniform and it was a different color, that was strange," he said. "Last year, we played against them. Now they're our friends."

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