The Notre Dame Academy’s football team is looking to improve their 11-1 winning record this Friday when they take on Rice Lake.

The game time is 7 p.m. at D.C. Everest High School.

The defending state champs have all eyes on them going into this week’s game as they try to advance to state for the second year in a row.

The team doesn’t necessarily feel pressure, but offensive lineman Michael Trgovac said, “As a team we are probably the hardest ones on ourselves and try to go out and play the game like we all know how to. We’ve tried to make it a great season for the fans, coaches and ourselves.”

The playoffs for the Tritons have been successful thus far as they have beaten Shawano, Antigo and Luxemburg-Casco.

This week’s game is going to be their first away game since four weeks ago, but the Tritons are up for the challenge.

If the Tritons defeat Rice Lake on Friday night, they will play at Camp Randall next week in Madison.

As for the seniors on the team, they could potentially only have two games left in their NDA football careers.

“It’s sad to know that my high school football career is coming to an end. This sport has been one of the biggest parts of my life for the past four years, so I’m going to do my best to make the rest of the season as long and as enjoyable as possible,” senior wide receiver and defensive back Ryan O’Connell said.

This team is certainly unselfish and all the players know they have to fulfill their role in order to get the job done.

Trgovac said, “Knowing that this is my last year and the year that is going to define me as a player makes me want to work harder not only for myself but also for my teammates.”

The varsity football team has prepared with hard practice this week, and they are ready to go for another week of Friday night lights.