This fall season, many of North High’s sports teams have persevered their way into the playoffs, entering with a positive mindset and the determination to bring home a win. Players and coaches have worked hard throughout the season, dedicating time during the summer heat for extra training to gain a competitive edge. Reaching the playoffs serves as a reflection of the athletes’ and coaches’ resilience and determination.
The North High varsity soccer team qualified for playoffs early in the season, finishing the regular season with a record of nine wins, four losses, and one tie under the guidance of coaches Barbach, Berzins and Parker. Securing the higher seed, the team earned a home game in the first playoff round against Valley Stream Central.
To express support for the team, North High administration allowed juniors and seniors to be excused from their last-period class to attend and cheer on the team, later joined by the freshman and sophomores.
The game remained neck and neck, tied at 0-0 until Valley Stream Central drew a foul in the box on North High’s junior Rafael Rahmanan, leading to a penalty shot. Senior Daniel Reiss scored the penalty shot, giving North High a 1-0 lead. The team maintained this lead, furthering them into the next round of playoffs.
Advancing to the second round, North High’s boys’ varsity soccer team faced the Garden City Trojans. With North High entering as the underdogs, trailing closely behind Garden City, the intensity of the atmosphere rose on and off the field. Fans were on the edge of their seats, aware of the unpredictable stakes. Players, coaches and fans were all filled with excitement mixed with the fear of the unexpected outcome.
The team fought relentlessly, staying just one goal behind for most of the game, but ultimately fell short as the time ran down. Despite a devastating loss, the boys kept their heads high and proudly walked off the field. The boys went into the game with strength and confidence and left the field with that same attitude.
Though the season ended in a tough loss, the team felt fulfilled by every moment along the way, making it an emotional final game for a group that has built such strong connections as the season progressed.
“I want to thank my seniors, who have been my brothers for the past three years, for giving me an incredible season and experience,” said junior Jon Thomas. “The whole team will miss you guys.”
It was especially touching for the seniors, each of whom has dedicated countless years to the sport they love: “I’ve played soccer for 11 years, and every single one of my teammates feels like a brother to me,” said senior and varsity captain Isaac Yan.
“I’m grateful for the group of boys I got to play with,” said sophomore Jordan Rahmanzadeh. “They are going to be my family forever.”
Grateful for the chance to play and fueled by such passion for the game, the team will carry the memories of the long practices after school and the late-night bus rides home with them for a lifetime.
As the team reflects on the season, Coach Berzins delivered his heartfelt final message to the team.
“In order to be old and wise, you have to be young and crazy,” said Coach Berzins. “Thank you for being wild, thank you for the stories, thank you for the fun adventures, and thank you for the memories. This season was a movie. You made your coach very proud. I just want to thank my boys, especially our elite senior class, for all their time, effort, and dedication. You played with all of your hearts and souls. PS: don’t be afraid to live in the dirt.”
