The Paly Varsity football team will begin the season this afternoon with a home game against Burlingame.

"We are looking forward to an exciting season full of wins," says Earl Hansen, head coach for the past 16 seasons.

According to Hansen, the team has undergone a change in attitude. "The team is really starting to come together; they have all made it through the long grind before the first game," Hansen said. "Hopefully the team will show good chemistry on the field for our first game."

Hansen is confident in the team’s all around solidarity with a special emphasis on the offensive and defensive lines. The Vikes have prepared for the season through training composed of weight-lifting, running, and practicing together during the off season.

The team carries a very optimistic attitude about Friday and the rest of the season. According to Alex Rosas, senior wide receiver and defensive end, the Vikes have a great team and plan to dominate.

Junior quarterback and team leader Nathan Ford is smart and experienced despite his youth and should be ready to take on the job. "Ford is a serious strength; his quarterback abilities are excellent. The sky is the limit for him and only more opportunities will come this year. This is Nathan’s year to show his stuff more than he did last year," Hansen said. Ford had a successful season last year, winning the Sophomore of the Year Award as the best sophomore in the league, and helped the Vikings into the CCS playoffs.

The Vikes look to repeat a CCS playoff birth with the offensive line averaging over 225 pounds. With Ford at the controls, the team appears ready for the task.