Northport Tigers football returns with a roster of experience and determination

Northport High School football is back. And to some, it feels like it never ended. The Tigers, who won the League 3 Championship with a 34-14 victory over Half Hollow Hills East last season, have their first scrimmage of the 2021-2022 season against Commack today, September 3, at 5pm. Tigers dad and recurring football contributor John Mohlmann spoke with the Tigers’ four captains last week, and asked them all the same question: how did they feel to be named captain? His commentary – and predictions – about the upcoming season follow their responses.

“It’s a great honor that the seniors had this kind of faith in my ability to lead,” said junior and starting quarterback, Owen Johansen. “This is a great senior class and just about all of them can and will be leaders.”

Jack Sandrib, a three-year varsity player and starting running back, felt honored as well to be considered a mentor to the younger players.

“It always means a lot when your teammates think highly of you,” said Andrew Canales, a starting center who only missed one weight training session all summer.

“I was really hoping to be selected,” said running back and kicker JJ Ahlstrand. “I have an eyes-on-the-prize mentality and I am hoping to watch everyone improve.”

Securing the League 3 Championship game did a lot to reduce the sting of a tough playoff loss to West Islip, but it’s a loss that will not be easily forgotten. With last year’s success comes a tougher schedule, beginning with this evening’s tune-up game against the Cougars.

The Tigers open up their regular season on September 11, with a home game against an always tough Bellport team. The schedule stays competitive from there, as the Tigers get a chance to avenge West Islip on September 17.

In October, Northport will also have to deal with Lindenhurst, a perennial League 1 champ for many years, that just moved down a division, as well as Hills East, who will be looking for some payback after the Tigers handed them a hard defeat in the spring.

The schedule eases up a bit with opponents such as West Babylon, Centereach, Smithtown West, and Huntington. I am a little biased, I must admit, but this Tigers team is loaded with depth. They have 68 kids on the team. Some players could start on many other teams, but may only get limited playing time on this one.

I have seen today’s senior players go undefeated as a JV team in ninth and tenth grade. One of those wins was a 40-point margin against William Floyd in their house, something that just doesn’t happen too often. They were 5-1 as juniors. This brings the seniors overall record to 21-1 as Northport football players.

I don’t like to make predictions, but I cannot restrain myself. The Tigers will go 7-1 this year and beat West Islip in the county final by 14 points. Let’s go, Northport!