NORTHBRIDGE — A new chapter is beginning for one of Central Massachusetts’ most tradition-rich high school football programs, as T.J. Lucas takes over as head coach of the Northbridge Rams following the retirement of longtime coach Ken LaChapelle.
Lucas said his goal is not to replace the foundation LaChapelle built, but to build on it with a continued emphasis on hard work, dedication and commitment to the Northbridge community.
“The imprint that I’m looking to make is building a culture of hard work, dedication,” Lucas said during an interview on MyFM 101.3. “Guys that are committed to not just the football program, but also the community in Northbridge.”
Lucas brings experience from several levels of football. He previously coached at St. John’s, played collegiately at Worcester State and spent last season away from coaching. Originally from Connecticut, Lucas said playing at Worcester State helped him develop a strong connection to Central Massachusetts.
“I came up here, played at Worcester State, and when I came to play at Worcester State, just fell in love with Central Massachusetts,” Lucas said. “It’s just where I want to be. I see myself being right here and wearing maroon and white for a very, very long time.”
Northbridge enters the season coming off a 10-2 campaign, but there are several important positions to replace, including quarterback following the graduation of Joel LaChapelle.
Lucas said Mason Maughan and Joel’s younger brother, Evan LaChapelle, are among the players competing for opportunities at quarterback. He also pointed to sophomore Blake Wentz, senior Tanner Hayden, Bryce Rogozinski and Mo Dagle as players expected to take on important roles.
Lucas said Evan LaChapelle has taken advantage of offseason opportunities, participating in passing leagues and captain’s practices, while Maughan is looking to make the jump into a larger role after not starting at quarterback last season.
The new coach wants this year’s team to develop an identity built around effort and execution.
“Guys that are going to outwork you every week, week in, week out,” Lucas said. “Guys that are going to come to practice focused, ready to execute. Execution is going to be huge.”
Northbridge will be tested early. The Rams open their season Sept. 11 at Clinton and will play their first two games on the road before hosting Auburn on Sept. 25. Auburn handed Northbridge one of its two losses last season.
Lucas said building mental toughness during preseason will be critical in preparing his players for difficult practices, injuries and adversity once the games begin.
“That mental fortitude is extremely important to start the season,” Lucas said. “It helps build not only what you have going into the season, but when the offseason does approach, it helps those guys remember that they need to be in the gym.”
While there is a new head coach, Northbridge has retained members of its previous coaching staff, something Lucas believes will help keep the program connected to its history.
He said returning coaches can share stories and experiences from previous Northbridge teams with current players, helping make sure the program’s tradition remains part of the team’s identity.
The season will once again conclude with one of the area’s longstanding Thanksgiving rivalries when Northbridge faces Uxbridge. Lucas said this year’s matchup will feature two new head coaches and plenty of talent on both sides.
As for season expectations, Lucas stopped short of making championship predictions but said he believes Northbridge has the potential for another successful year.
“We have a lot that we need to install. We have a lot that we want to get to,” Lucas said. “But I do think that we should have a very successful season.”
His message to the Northbridge community as his first season approaches was simple.
“I’m here. I’m not going anywhere,” Lucas said. “Go Maroon. Go White. Go Rams.”
For the full interview with TJ Lucas, click here: The Zone – TJ Lucas (Northbridge Football Head Coach)
