Joshua Gasca ‘25
Staff Writer
gascagma95@lakeforest.edu
The author is a member of the Lake Forest football program.
The Forester Football team has wrapped up a memorable regular season that saw them lift the MWC Championship with a record of 10-0, and will now look ahead to their highly anticipated NCAA D3 Football National Tournament playoff game away against Bethel University on November 30, 2024. With a season defined by teamwork, resilience, and support from the Lake Forest community, the Foresters are ready to make their mark in the postseason.
Throughout the regular season, the Foresters consistently demonstrated that their strength lies in their collective effort. Each game showcased the team’s depth and ability to adapt, with contributions coming from every corner of the roster. While many teams across the country lean heavily on the production of individual stars, the Foresters thrived on their collaborative approach to the game.
One of the season’s standout moments occurred in the ninth game of the season when the Foresters secured a crucial victory over Monmouth College, with the Foresters coming back to win the game in the final two minutes with a score of 35-28. This hard-fought win was powered by a well-coordinated effort on offense, defense, and special teams. In a separate highlight, the final regular-season game against the University of Chicago was a testament to the team’s discipline and preparation, as they won 28-9 and were propelled into the postseason with confidence despite missing out on the tournament in 2023.
Every position group contributed to the Foresters’ success in 2024, with the offensive line paving the way for big plays, the defensive unit delivering critical stops, and the special teams providing plenty of momentum-shifting moments. The coaching staff’s ability to instill trust and accountability throughout the roster helped foster a culture where each player was empowered to play their role effectively.
Behind every great football team is a network of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. For the Foresters, this includes not only the players and coaches but also the managers and support staff. Manager Cheyenne Pellettiere ‘25, a vital part of the team, reflected on her experience: “Being a manager for Lake Forest Football has taught me how to be confident in myself and helped me find what work I am most passionate about. I have made so many great relationships with my fellow managers, players, and coaches that I know will last a lifetime.”
This sense of connection and camaraderie extended to the Lake Forest community, which has played an essential role in the team’s success. Forester Fans filled the stands for every home game, creating an electric atmosphere that gave the Foresters a distinct home-field advantage that could be considered unique at the D3 level. Tailgating and community events highlighted the deep bond between the team and its supporters.
The Foresters now turn their attention to the playoffs, where they face a formidable opponent, Bethel University. The game, scheduled for November 30 at Bethel, represents an opportunity for the Foresters to build on their strong season and prove they belong among the best teams in the nation, as the Foresters consistently received votes for national recognition across the entirety of the regular season.
The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and executing the fundamentals ahead of their tournament game. The team knows that each snap in the playoffs carries weight, and their success will depend on their ability to stay disciplined and play their brand of football. 60 minutes, or as long as it takes.
For the Foresters, the journey through the playoffs is about more than just winning games—it’s about building on the foundation that they’ve established this season. The lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the memories created will carry this team far beyond the football field.
With their sights set on postseason glory, the Foresters are prepared to leave it all on the field against Bethel. Their success has already inspired a community, and the team’s chapter of the 2024 season is far from over. Whether cheering in the stands away at Bethel or following virtually from Lake Forest, fans are ready to support their team as they take the next step in this unforgettable journey.
The Foresters’ playoff run technically began on November 23rd but they were granted a first-round bye, but looking forward to November 30th, the entire community will be behind them, ready to see how far their teamwork and determination can take them.
