For many Goffstown football players, the season began in January – indoors – in the weight room.

Twenty-two Grizzlies spent eight months pumping iron with strength and conditioning coach Kurt Hines.

Three  joined the coveted 1,000-pound club – a group of players whose combined bench press, power clean and squat lifts equal more than half a ton.

“We have a lot of raw talent  that needs to be fine-tuned this year, but the guys are hungry to win,” said Hines. “They’ve been willing to put in the hard work hitting the weights. Now we have to see what they can do on the field.”

A large contingency of seniors with playoff ambitions leads the team.

“This is our last year to do something great,” says senior captain and quarterback Nate Cathcart. “Many of us played two years ago in the (Division-III) playoffs, and we’re eager to get back to that level of competition.”

With 15 four-year players, Goffstown brings unquestionable experience and  adequate depth to the field each weekend.

Notable players include Richard Chavez and Steve Case on the line, 1,000-pound club members Kiah Colbert and Kerry Tower in the backfield and Ryan Allen and Kyle Hamilton in the secondary.

With two years of varsity knowledge, junior Tom Foote is a versatile, dependable player. As the first freshman to play varsity, first junior captain and a member of the 1,000-pound club, Foote moves to tight end after playing guard and tackle. The move was effective during the Souhegan Jamboree when Foote caught several short passes.

Head coach Rob Cathcart’s staff includes offensive coordinator Brandon Weinert, who comes to Goffstown along with Hines after successful season with Souhegan. Jim Bowles assists as both offensive and defensive line coach.

Tony Carnivale heads the junior varsity squad, while athletics director Howard Sobolov returns as head coach of the freshman team.

Briana Nelson and Desiree Petto, both freshmen, are the team’s enthusiastic managers.

But the offseason work coupled with on-field enthusiasm, has the Grizzlies thinking about what might be in 2007.

“This is the biggest, strongest, fastest team we’ve ever had,” said senior captain Alex Paraskevas. “A lot of things have changed, and I have a feeling we’re going places this year.”

For details, visit goffstownfootball.com.

– Submitted by Gregor R-Baugh