By Nick Stanojevic
Executive Sports Editor

One of Mount Prospect’s biggest attractions is back. Tonight marks the return of Prospect football, at least for the fans.
Since November of last year, the football players have been preparing for this upcoming season, beginning with their off-season training. Additionally, the football team started their summer practices the Monday after school ended. Over the summer, the team lifted, did speed training, football work and conditioned.
All of this work is to try to improve on the team’s 8-3 record from a year ago and season-ending loss in the second round of the playoffs to Wheaton North.
“Right now, we are focused on one goal, and that is to maximize our potential every time we practice or play,” coach Brent Pearlman said.
The team lost many players to graduation, particularly in the offensive line, where they lost a tackle, guard and center. The team also lost three-year starting quarterback Miles Osei.
But senior quarterback Steve Dazzo is mostly excited to get the season rolling.
“ It’s all about coming out and playing how we know we are capable of playing and things will go our way,” Dazzo said.
Dazzo admitted that there are many questions to be answered with this first game, and Pearlman agrees:
“I am concerned with everything essentially going into the first game,” Pearlman said, “… but I am not worried about anything either.”
Overall, Pearlman claims he will be measuring the 2010 season by the team’s growth, improvement. For now, Pearlman is focusing only on the season ahead, despite heading into his final year of coaching. But he nevertheless holds high expectations for the season opener Friday against York.
“I have an expectation that our kids go out and play with courage, discipline and together as a team,” Pearlman said. “That is my sole expectation walking onto the field that night.”