Freeport's football team is in the midst of a brutal three game stretch to begin the season — games against Derry, North Catholic and Elizabeth Forward.

Yellowjacket players would benefit by taking on the mind-set of their head coach, John Gaillot.

“All three games are against (Big East) conference opponents, so we have to play them at some point,” he said. “We've had schedules in the past that were top-heavy. Some coaches would complain, but it doesn't matter to me who we play or when.”

The 'Jackets dropped a heart-breaking 19-13 decision in overtime against Derry last week and are hoping to break into the win column Friday when they take on North Catholic (2-0) at the Mars Athletic Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Freeport's task could be even more formidable if halfback Conor Selinger is unable to go. The senior left the game against Derry with an ankle injury.

“He hasn't practiced all week and is day-to-day,” Gaillot said. “If he's not in there, it puts more pressure on everyone else on the offense, including (quarterback) Austin Romanchak.”

Romanchak rushed for both of Freeport's touchdowns last week, including an 80-yard scamper.

Selinger rushed for 653 yards and seven touchdowns last year. His possible absence would mean Ricky Hunter and Miles Troup splitting carries against the Trojans.

Even though Freeport may not have all hands on deck come Friday, North Catholic coach Patrick O'Shea expects a difficult test.

“They stick to what they believe in and you have to respect that,” he said. “There's nothing fancy with them. They are a tough, well-coached, blue-collar football team.”

North Catholic has opened the season with a pair of lopsided victories — 49-12 over Albert Gallatin and 41-7 over Burrell last week. But O'Shea knows there is progress to be made.

“We've turned the ball over in both games,” he said. “Defensively, we've missed some tackles. Early in the season, tackling isn't always where you need it to be.”

The Trojans' starters have yet to play a full game. That includes junior quarterback Zack Rocco, who threw for 279 yards and five touchdowns in the first half last week before being pulled from the game.

North Catholic's ground game is still a work in progress. While Cam Branch rushed for over 100 yards in Week Zero, Anthony Serventi, Eamon Straub and Pierce Khoury each are vying for more responsibility.

“Cam has done a very good job, but our running backs are capable of playing different positions — slot receiver and H-back,” said O'Shea. “We are trying to figure out how to get them on the field as much as possible.”

“North Catholic is an extremely talented team,” Gaillot said. “They have a lot of skill and are big up front. They're a very high-caliber team.”