By Michael Kaplan ’13, Staff Writer

Historically speaking, the Newark Academy Football Program is one that has stared in the face of adversity, and this year’s squad is no exception. Plagued by injury and inexperience, the Minutemen are fighting the good fight, with their current record standing at 1-1. A small fish in a big pond, the program is in a constant struggle to compete against tough Essex County powerhouses for success. But the attitude this year is different; the Minutemen are undoubtedly playing with a cause and are motivated to succeed.

The clear improvement is likely a result of multiple variables. Coach Trivino and the rest of his staff have clearly settled into a comfort zone. Parents and players alike are in agreement that he has brought a new mentality to the field, and it shows. Trivino, of course, did not have much to work with when he came to Newark Academy; most high school football teams field around 50 players putting the Minutemen are at an obvious disadvantage. “We have the same attitude, to come out every day and work to get better for the next game,” returning sophomore Tyler Park argues, “just because we have fewer guys doesn’t change that.”

The school as a whole, however, is also to thank. On Saturday September 10, the Athletic Department was able to organize a game under the lights. Over 100 students and faculty were in attendance, there to cheer on the black and red. “We were playing with a purpose,” senior Griffin Glatt continues, “at that moment in time we really felt like we were representing our school. And that was something that mattered.” The Minutemen proved it on the scoreboard, as they overcame Hudson Catholic in a 12-2 victory. The team claims that the expanding fan base factors in signifcantly to the success of the squad, and has requested that more night games be played. Under the lights, an enticing and tense atmosphere, the football team is at their best – especially with the 12^thman, the student body, cheering from the sidelines.

All of this, however, comes at a great toll, both economically and physically. Cost-wise, the lights do not come at a small price. Because school games are free to attend, there is no revenue for the Athletic Department. The process by which these lights are installed is quite labor intensive as well. The maintenance crew spends almost all day setting the makeshift lights up, which not only interferes with the rest of their work, but also is a lot to ask from a group of men that do so much for the school, and go un-noticed for it. This raises a question: is the administration willing to repeat this process for more home football games to come, and is the undisclosed cost (Estimated by The Minuteman to be between $3,000-$4,000) worth the football team’s win, and the school spirit that emerged that night?

As students, it is tough to say no. While “Saturday Night Lights” may not be repeated this season, or even next, NA fans will not have too long to wait. According to Mr. Olesky, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Phase 2 of construction calls for both the installation of astroturf and lights on the football and varsity soccer fields. For the time being, it is now more than ever important to praise and promote the success of our fellow peers and beloved athletes – no matter when the game is played.