By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Field Falcons’ high school football season opens on Aug. 19 with a crosstown matchup with rival Mogadore.

The showdown kicks off a season that head coach Matt Furino is not ready to make predictions about.

Without question, though, Matt Furino already knows that his team is special.

Really special.

The Falcons’ off-season has already proved that to the veteran head coach.

The team has put in the necessary work through the traditional avenues to improve in the weight room, at camps and others.

Naturally, those will make the Falcons a better team.

Outside of those efforts are where the team has truly shined, stepping forward as leaders and stewards of the community.

On their own.

Without being asked.

Without seeking attention.

The group is highlighted by Christian Gressman, Ryan Hunt, Will Nienhius, Vinny Germano, Matt Stayer, Rocco DeAngelo, Tyler Sweitzer and Carter Hall.

Names that will be listed on the Falcons’ roster this season.

And faces that have made an impact inside their own community.

The group was launched into action in May when they saw a post on Facebook from a family in need. The Wise family, whose son Ian is currently battling against cancer, was in need of help to build a playground set in their backyard.

In stepped the Falcons.

The group spent the next few nights in the backyard of the Wise family’s home turning a pile of lumber, hardware and loose parts into a playground for Ian.

“They did that all on their own,” Furino said. “I never asked them to do it and honestly, I did not even know they went over to do it. They just did it. That, to me, showed me right there that they didn’t do it for any of the recognition. They just stepped up to help a family in need in their community. That is special. They are special.”

Furino’s football program has long delivered the message of being a leader and what it means to win off the football field. And while some of that certainly has permeated to his players, the longtime coach was quick to point to the players’ parents first and foremost.

“That kind of action is something that happens because it has been reinforced by their parents their whole lives,” Furino said. “They are great kids. They are easy to work with, they work hard and they have created a strong locker room.”

As uplifting as the time spent building the playground set is, it is just one example for the team this off-season.

Another instance left Furino and his family as the benefactors.

On the morning that Furino was set to move his mother and father to a new home, he watched as vehicle after vehicle pulled up to the driveway with football players ready to help move and transport items from the old house to the new house.

“Almost every single player on the team was there,” Furino said. “Again, I never asked them to be there. I never asked for help. They just did it. They moved my mom and dad into their new place all in one day.”

Yet another day’s worth of work by the Falcons’ group materialized after they learned that a local company was in need of help moving hay bails on a Saturday morning.

Through a communication channel, Furino was asked if he had players that would be willing to help. Furino presented the idea to his team and within minutes had a group volunteer as willing workers.

They worked so hard that they helped turn an anticipated five-hour day, with a 7 a.m. start, into just four hours.

How many wins will the 2022 Field football team finish with?

At this point, does it matter?

Obviously, the answer to how many wins they will finish with will eventually be determined.

Furino, for one, knows what his team deserves.

“I am excited to see what the season turns into,” Furino said. “Not because I am predicting a nine- or 10-win season, but because I know that we have a very, very special group this year. Hard work usually pays off. Sometimes, in life, hard work doesn’t always pay off like you think it will, but when you do the right things for others, the right things usually happen for you too.

“Here is the one thing I know: These kids have earned a great season.”