On Friday, Aug. 21, the Francis Howell North Knights football program will kick off their new campaign starting at Vianney at 7 p.m. After going 4-7 last year and winning their first playoff game, the Knights look to go over .500 this season. Sophomore quarterback Connor Gallagher will get his first varsity level start for the offense. The seniors have never beaten Vianney at the Varsity level.

“I’m looking forward to not only the first game but the whole season,” said Head Coach Brandon Gregory.  “The biggest thing that I’m looking at is the seniors. They were freshman when I came in and I’ve watched them grow from babies to young men. As far as Friday goes, the seniors have never beaten them so I think it’d be cool to get them out with a win against Vianney.”

The offense has a new weapon in their 6’3 freshman receiver Maurice Massey and returning on the o-line is the anchor Kyle Springli. On defense, senior Rhe’Nez Galtney will be holding it down at linebacker. These players will likely have a huge impact on the game tonight. Massey has suction cup like hands and should be a reliable target all night for Connor Gallagher while Springli and the o-line protect Connor.

“I feel that we have a very good chance of winning. We’ve come together as a team very well and I think that we can win,” Springli said.

Howell North and Vianney square off with Vianney leading the all-time series 7-2. Vianney also won last year’s game by a score of 42-13. Howell North finished last season 4-7 while Vianney finished 7-5.