Head Coach: Brandon Garrett
(2nd Season) League: Suburban One League-National Conference (6A)
Season Record: (1-9) overall (1-6) Conference
Last Week: N/A
Indian Notables:
The Council Rock North Indians aim to rebound in 2025 after a 1-9 season (1-6 Continental) in 2024, their first under head coach Brandon Garrett. Their lone win was a 16-13 victory over Truman. Despite the record, the young squad gained valuable experience, with many players seeing their first varsity action. Garrett believes this growth will lead to more wins this season. Leading the charge is senior linebacker Max Chernets (6’0”, 210 lbs.), who earned 2nd Team All-Continental honors with 87 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception as a junior. Expect similar or greater impact from him in 2025.
I spoke with Coach Garrett, who outlined offensive goals: “You should see an offense that returns a lot of starters. Our main goal is to put ourselves in short, throw-down situations. Being able to run the ball more efficiently this year should help us with that. We look to get our skill guys the ball early and let them use their athleticism to help push us down the field.” On defense, he emphasized, “You should expect to see a defense that flies to the football together. Understanding their assignments and also returning a lot of starters. The team with the most takeaways usually ends up winning the football game, and we have been preaching to our defense to fly to the ball and get off the field on third downs.” Reflecting on last year’s matchup with the Bears, a 7-point game at halftime, Garrett noted, “We know that they are very well coached and well disciplined. For the Indians, we come back with more experience and as I mentioned before a ton of returning starters. Some of our guys got varsity time for the first time last year, and we feel as though this go around they will be more prepared physically and mentally. We have put in so much work in the weight room, and we are excited to see what product comes out on the field.” He highlighted senior Dexter Moore as the featured student-athlete, saying, “Dexter Moore would be my featured student athlete. He won our coaches award as a junior last year. He is in ROTC and an honor student. He hopes to join the military once he is finished college. He is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached but an even better person.”
I caught up with Moore to discuss the Bears matchup, a bold prediction, and his gameday vibe. On last year’s 35-7 loss, he said, “I think that one of the biggest differences between last year and this year is our O line. I've seen them working hard during the off season getting stronger and more skilled. Now, they are all experienced seniors who want to make some plays. They did a phenomenal job during our scrimmage, and I believe that they will help us have a great season. Our whole team was full of energy on the field, and I'm very excited for this Friday night - We are ready to start this season right.” His prediction: “28-17 North. Our offense is ready to put up points and our defense is ready to make some stops. We are a different team than last year, but we are ready for what they are going to throw at us.” For gameday music, Moore’s must-have is Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright.
Head Coach: Adam Beach (14th Season)
League: Suburban One League-AmericanConference (5A)
Season Record: (8-3) overall (3-2) Conference
Last Week: N/A
Bears Notables:
The Golden Bears enter 2025 with momentum after an 8-3 season (3-2 SOL-American) and a 5A playoff appearance, despite a first-round loss to Delaware Valley's Chester. Head coach Adam Beach highlights experience and team chemistry as key strengths, with 10 returning players set to impact both sides of the ball. Senior captain Justin Valentin, a standout middle linebacker, will miss Week 1 due to a broken hand but plans to return for Week 2. A new quarterback, David Adamski, steps in, supported by skilled juniors Kyle Moore and Santino Rodriquez, plus seniors Larry Hughes (6’5”, 188 lbs.) and Travis Quirk. Beach names Adamski, Moore, Rodriquez, Ethan Starr, and Connor Lennox as players to watch. The defense, which Beach considers the team's strongest asset, is bolstered by returning talent and specialists like Luke Sword, a Temple commit who’s started at kicker/punter since his freshman year.
Beach shared offensive expectations: “We will run the ball with Davis, Moore, and Rodriquez. Through the air we need to utilize Hughes, Quirk, and Moore.” On defense, he emphasized, “Team pursuit,” signaling a focus on relentless teamwork to disrupt opponents. Beach also praised senior Darrius Whetstone (6’3”, 285 lbs.), a two-way lineman and team captain, saying, “Darrius is a carbon copy of Justin Valentin. They are friends, training partners, and both leaders on the team. With Justin and Darrius in the weight room, everyone is held accountable, and when others see how they work, it is contagious throughout the team.”
I spoke with Whetstone about the upcoming game, a bold prediction, and his gameday vibe. On the game: “Our linemen have a lot of experience under our belt, so that’s more important than anything. It all starts with the big dogs up front. This is our quarterback’s first year starting, but that doesn’t really mean anything; he has a lot of confidence in himself, and the whole team has confidence in him. Defensively, we have a lot of returning players, and we have players that can ball.” His bold prediction: “We are coming hot on every team we play, so be ready. We not coming to mess around!” For his gameday playlist, Whetstone keeps it local with Lil Uzi Vert’s “Lo Mein” as his go-to track.