FIELD TWP - Every year is a new year.

But the North Woods football team wouldn’t mind if this one is quite a bit like the last.

The Grizzlies went 8-2 a year ago en route to a spot in the Section 7-Nine Man championship game, with its only losses coming to Ely.

“We expect to be competitive in both the district and the section,” North Woods head coach John Jirik said. “Each year every team is different, but it is nice to follow a good year. Many of the players were also involved in the state championship basketball game last year and that experience is very valuable to this year’s football season.”

North Woods returns the bulk of last year’s team, with eight seniors and three juniors returning with starting experience.

Included in that group are Isaiah Squires (wide receiver), Tim Pierce (tight end), Tate Olson (quarterback), Brendan Parson (running back/cornerback), Garrett Abramson (fullback/de-fensive end), Matthew Schultz (center/linebacker), Dylan Kiehm (offensive tackle), Austin Chaulklin (offensive tackle), Chase Kleppe (wide receiver/cornerback), Cade Goggleye (wide receiver/defensive back) and Tanner Barto (wide receiver).

On top of that, another 10 juniors and sophomores are looking to earn varsity playing time.

“We need to solidify our offensive line play and become more physical in the ‘O’ backfield,” Jirik said. “Defensively, we need to fill four key spots from last year and develop our linebackers.”

North Woods opens the season at Cromwell-Wright on Friday, Sept. 1.