Despite tackling intense competition at the start of the season, the football team has persevered with rigorous practice and a strengthened team culture, in a fight for a spot in the Division II playoffs.

Facing tough losses against Medfield, St. John’s, and Holliston early in the season, the team’s momentum slowed.

Yet, their determination and strong work ethic have not faltered.

“We knew coming into the season that our schedule would be challenging from the start,” Head Coach Mark Sanborn said.

“We’ve had some strong wins over Wayland [and Dedham], but what stands out most is how much we’ve improved each week.”

“We struggled against some really great competition earlier this year, but now we have really found our footing and have great potential for upcoming games,” senior captain Ryan Morin said.

Beyond success in numbers during the season, a big goal for the team is to maintain a strong team culture.

“It’s a big hope of mine that we can continue to have the sophomores and juniors step up and get experience, because that will help them so much in the future,” Morin said.

“Being a captain. and just being a senior in general, has been a great experience and has taught me a lot about leading.”

These steps have led to a positive shift in team dynamics and sense of community.

“A broader, ongoing goal for our program is to develop players who do things the right way, on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the Hopkinton community. This year’s group has really embodied that,” Sanborn said.

“They compete and work hard every day. But more importantly, they’re selfless teammates and excellent representatives of the Hopkinton Football program,” Sanborn said.

“The team’s identity and effort are far more advanced than last year,” Morin said.

“We lacked a lot of essential components of being a good football team.”

Still, the team also has its sights set on ending the season on a high note — winning games, making the playoffs, and pushing themselves even harder.

“We all want to end with a positive record and to make the playoffs,” Morin said.

“Our game against Westwood will be very important. If we win, we will be in the playoffs, and that would be huge.”

Sanborn believes that the team’s goal of playing competitive and physical football every day has been accomplished.

Coach Sanborn reiterated with the few games the team has left the desire is to finish the season strong.

“We’ve dealt with our share of injuries this year, so our personnel, schemes, and game plans have had to adjust from week to week.” Sanborn said.

“That said, our standard of playing physical, relentless football never changes.”

The attitude of giving their all will continue to be carried by the team as they finish off the season with some key matchup, against tough opponents.

“Our upcoming game on November 7th, against Brookline, will be a great opportunity to compete against a Division 1 opponent on our home field,” Sanborn said.

“We’ve got some winnable matchups on the schedule and will finish the year with our traditional Thanksgiving game against Ashland, always a hard-fought, exciting rivalry.”