The 2016-17 men’s football season started off with a record of 0-5; however, the team’s optimism and chemistry are stronger than ever, according to Brett Borre, senior captain and quarterback.

“Other than our team losing games, what’s really beneficial for us is that we keep getting better, and we keep getting closer,” Borre said. “[That’s helping us get prepared] for our conference games that matter, especially Maine South. [Overall], our team is looking good and we’re having fun, [and] that’s all that matters.”

The Titans played Barrington on Aug. 26, losing to them by a score of 41-15, according to Borre.

“Our first game going out to Barrington [felt like a] very hostile environment, especially week one where the whole community is looking forward to the football season,” Borre said. “That was definitely hard because the fans were exploding in the stands, and [Barrington] was much more ready than us. We had to get slapped in the mouth a little to get back on our feet.”

Similar to Borre, Tony Jerfita, senior wide receiver, adds that the first few games will serve a greater purpose to the team and help them develop into better players.

“Considering our tough schedule and improvement in our play, these first five games are really going to prepare us for the heart of our season; starting with Niles West,” Jerfida said. “[Even though] the first game hit us hard, I think our team is really resilient, and you’ll find that we never give up. [We’re finding ways to] benefit off  our tough schedule.”

Aside from the games, the program has changed drastically, according to Noah Acocella,  senior running back. With new head coach David Schoenwetter, the team’s dynamic and play on the field is different than past years.

“I feel like our team is kind of opposite this year than last year,” Acocella said. “Last year we had a really strong offense and a really weak defense. [This year] our defense is playing really well, and our offense isn’t matching the performance on the other side of the field.”

Similar to Acocella, Schoenwetter believes the program is different than the last couple of years due to the relationships built on and off the field as well as the specific workouts the Titans do.

“Things have changed a great deal,” Schoenwetter said. “Today we are trying to build a very strong rapport where it’s open and more dialogue happens. The hope is if we have a strong connection, if I need [them] to do something, I can really demand it from [them], and the kids will respond because they have that kind of relationship.”

Jerfita additionally mentions Schoenwetter’s coaching style by describing his passion for the players and the game.

“You’ll never find someone who likes Titan football more than Schoenwetter,” Jerfita said. “That really reassures us for what we’re looking for, and while he can be hard on us, we all know it’s just because he wants to win the game so bad, probably more than any of us.”

According to Jerfita, the best game the men played was against Fremd on Sept. 19. Despite the loss of 24-21, they discovered what they need to work on for conference games, according to Jerfita.

“Fremd was probably our best game of the season, but we still have to fix a couple of things [to work on] including penalties and just being able to finish on drives,” Jerfita said. “It’s coming soon enough, so I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to bust out of it [in the next few games].”

The next time the Titans hit the field will be tonight at home against Maine South.