North Central has not won a game since October 6, 2021. It was a 32 game losing streak. At the first football game, North Central finally did it. They beat Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School 35-13. Coach Coffer got a Gatorade shower, the students stormed the field and everyone was full of spirit.
Sam Dutkanych, a senior who has played football for the past three seasons, reflects on what this game truly meant to him.
“I was thinking to myself, ‘We did it. We finally did it.’ It feels like the start of something new and exciting. We’re already getting ready for what’s next, but I’m also just trying to stay in the moment and enjoy what’s happening,” Dutkanych said.
He felt that this win was bigger than the guys on the field. No current student at North Central had ever witnessed a win. This was a historical moment and everyone was ready for it.
“It was awesome. I thought there was a lot of school spirit, it showed how badly everyone wanted to win. I thought a majority of the school felt like that was a really big deal, and it was really cool to feel that energy around our football program,” Dutkanych said.
Dutkanych is confident that hiring coach Coffer was the right move. Even before the season, Dutkanych recalls sitting at Coach Coffer’s introduction meeting, confident and excited.
“This guy’s the real deal, this guy’s official, like, we’re gonna do what we have to do to get this win and get more than just one win,” Dutkanych said.
Coach Coffer players showed him some love by giving him a Gatorade shower once the clock hit zero. But for Coffer, it is all about his love for the players and community.
“I felt relieved, not for myself, but for the seniors. Not just the [ones on the] football team, but for the entire school that hasn’t seen a win on their field or with their teammates,” Coffer said.
Coffer is not satisfied though, he felt that the team didn’t perform to their full potential and they have a lot of room for improvement.
“Our guys played well enough. A lot of things we had to work on still, but it got the outcome we wanted,” Coffer said.
With the support of all his players and the community, Coffer was able to implement his philosophies and it is a factor of why North Central was able to pull through with a win.
“I have a phrase I use all the time. It’s called ‘Lead with Love.’ You love the kids first, care about what they’re going through, get to know them, and really learn from your learners,” Coffer said.
The culture of the team is so strong. Sophomore transfer quarterback Chase Grove feels bought in even only being on the team for a short time.
“It’s just the culture. I played at North Central last year, and you can really tell there’s been a huge shift. Everyone’s confident now, confident in our teammates, and we’re really playing as a team. I think that’ll be our biggest strength going forward,” Grove said.
Groves felt prepared and gave praise to his teammates and coaches for how dedicated and determined they have been all summer long to change the narrative.
“The coaching staff worked really hard over the summer, so I think it’s truly a team effort. Even without me, the team would do great,” Grove said.
As the team celebrated with classmates, alumni, and family members, the energy on the field felt like the start of something bigger than just one win. With a new culture, renewed confidence, and a supportive community, the Panthers are determined to rewrite their story. For the first time in years, North Central football isn’t defined by its losing streak—it’s defined by hope, hard work, and the promise of what’s next.
“I mean, it was surreal. It was an insane moment for the team, especially seeing the alumni there, like all the alumni that I talked to after the game, and they really appreciate what we’re doing for the program. They lifted you up doing that,” Grove said.
