After a 40-yard connection between Co-Captain Joe Carrara ’24 and quarterback Adam Landry ’24, Lincoln Beal ’24 finished the touchdown drive to earn Andover Football six points. The scrimmage against Taft on Wednesday brought the team high hopes for the start of the season.
Co-Captain Henry Sheldon ’24 acknowledged the progress the team had made in its attitude on the field. He believes that Andover has improved significantly from previous years due to hard work both on and off the field.
Sheldon said, “The team this year is 100 [percent] a better team than the team we’ve had in past years. There is an amazing mentality on the team, from the post-grads to the returners who trained with Coach [Devin] O’Reilly all off-season.”
Running-back Logan Cove ’24 reflected on the mentality of the team before the scrimmage, explaining how Andover was excited to showcase its work.
“We went in ready to test the waters and pushed ourselves against another team for the first time,” said Cove.
Sheldon attributed the team’s success to all its players. He believed that having these two units collaborating was essential for the team to reach its full potential.
Sheldon said, “The offensive line did a solid job today during the scrimmage and our defensive line was amazing.”
Cove explained how the team’s resolute and strategic mindset prior to stepping onto the field was key to its performance.
“Before entering the game, we were all excited to have this scrimmage before our first official game against Williston [Northampton]. Still, we came into Taft considering it as a game,” said Cove.
According to Sheldon, the team is united in its efforts. Sheldon also noted how Andover is always looking forward to having fun and enjoying every practice together.
“What I love about this team is the fun we have. In practice, when we’re going up against each other one [versus] one, it’s very competitive but also fun. Also, we all have the same goal in mind. This year everyone is on the same page,” said Cove.
Andover Football will open its season on Saturday against Williston Northampton at home.
