Football

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2025 Fall Try Outs

Dates: August 4 & 5
Time: 3-6 PM; arrive :15 min early
Location: Day 1 Meeting in Building 3 – Great Hall
NOTE: All students must be fully registered to participate!

What to Wear

Navy blue shorts
White Tshirt
Running shoes and football cleats
NO metal spikes
NO helmets or shoulder pads

What to Bring

Full water bottle
Hat for sun protection
Positive attitude + high energy
NO ‘bling’ – slides, armbands or sunglasses

Who Should Attend

All students interested in playing NHS Football
Expecting 165+ athletes competing for approximately 125 roster spots

Evaluation Criteria

Athleticism & Physical Ability
Teamwork & Communication
Problem Solving Under Pressure
Energy, Effort, Attitude
Football IQ & Coachability
Character, Discipline & Team Chemistry

Tryout Format

Individual Athletic Testing & Skill Drills
Small Group Competitions (Team Challenges)
Full evaluation of physical, mental & social readiness

Roster Announcement

Morning of Aug 6, 2025
Individual feedback available for non-selected players

Ben Startzer photo

Meet Coach Ben Startzer

The 2024-25 school year marked Northfield High School Coach Ben Startzer’s sixth year leading the Nighthawk Football team. Startzer and his coaching staff are in the business of Building Winners and Winning Championships. Their philosophy of the sport includes a one-of-a-kind F.A.M.I.L.Y. environment where safety, security and inclusivity matter. Players are not cut from the program rather developed to forge strength through exceptional teamwork. 

Since 2020, the Northfield Football team has achieved many successes. 

Coach Startzer spent the better part of three decades coaching high school sports, including baseball, wrestling, and football. Beginning his coaching career in 1994 (at Camp Pendleton, Cali., while serving in the US Marine Corps), his coaching stops include coordinator and head coach roles/duties at 11 different 3A, 4A, and 5A high schools in Colorado. He also spent five years coaching college football at the NCAA DII ranks. Over the years, he has been part of 10 Conference Championships, a State Championship appearance, and was recognized by peers as a Conference Coach of the Year award winner. Among Coach Startzer’s personal recognition is being named the 2021 Flatirons Conference Coach of the Year.

Nighthawk Football is more than just a football experience…it is a way of life. Every facet of the football program challenges Northfield student-athletes to be their absolute best. Program standards are extremely high. Are you game? Ready for the challenge? Let’s goooooooo!