The Bellows Falls High School football team, known as the "Purple Gang," is gearing up to defend its 13th state championship after a record‑breaking season that saw them capture the title for the thirteenth time.
Graduating key contributors, including half of the dominant one‑two ground‑game duo, Pat Connors, leaves sizable shoes to fill, but the program retains a strong veteran core.
Multiple starters return on both sides of the line, giving the squad depth and experience that Coach Bob Lockerby believes can sustain their championship aspirations.
Veteran Leadership Drives the Squad
Senior offensive lineman Steven Joslyn summed up the sentiment, saying, “Coming back into this year, trying to get everybody back together,” highlighting the team’s focus on unity.
Head Coach Bob Lockerby insists that every opponent should be met with the same intensity as a title game, noting that rivals can always pose a challenge.
The team’s offensive identity remains rooted in a powerful run game; senior two‑way lineman Brock Lovell declared, “We focus on running and running hard,” while acknowledging that occasional passes will still be part of the playbook.
Community excitement builds as fans anticipate another dominant season, hoping the Purple Gang can translate its offseason preparation into another championship run.