POULSBO — The sour taste of last year’s 39-35 loss to South Kitsap hasn’t left many of the returning players on North Kitsap’s football team.

But rather than dwell on the unchangeable past, the squad is looking forward to its very changeable future — with sentiments that suggest this year’s team is better than the last.

Not only do the players and coaches of this year’s squad see a group with more talent and dedication than a year ago, they also believe it as one with improved goals.

“The one big thing was beating South,” said fullback Andy Sturza of last year’s season. “But we have different goals this year.”

Taking one game at a time. Holding teams on defense and crushing them on offense. Going undefeated. Making the playoffs. Winning state. The list of the team’s objectives this year go far beyond winning one game versus its cross-county rivals.

“We better not lose to South,” Sturza said. “But whatever happens, it won’t bring us down.”

The excitement in the locker room has also changed this year, remarked linebacker Jacob Snell.

“We’re more enthusiastic and more willing to keep our heads up this year,” Snell said.

The goal is to keep that level of enthusiasm — through thick and thin — up for the team.

A year ago, North Kitsap opened its season with the greatest potential for success it had ever had in recent memory. Quarterback Jared Prince was throwing the ball in ways no one had ever seen — especially under the traditional running style of long-time coach Jerry Parrish.

The team was 5-0 with wins over the Gig Harbor, Bainbridge, Kelso, Olympic and Bremerton. South Kitsap came into town Oct. 10 for the annual Civil War game.

Though NK nearly scored in the closing second to beat the Wolves, they came up four points shy. Blame for the loss was varied, but coach Parrish still has his beliefs.

“You don’t score 35 points and get beat,” Parrish said.

Though North would scrape out wins against Port Angeles and Central Kitsap, the team lost its final two games to Shelton and Bellarmine to drop out of the playoff race. Hope to capitalize on the best potential in years had evaporated.

“It really killed our pride,” wide receiver Travis Tobin said of the South game.

Prince said he believes some on the team just couldn’t get past the loss.

“Once we lost to South Kitsap, a lot of people checked out,” Prince said. “This year, we’ve got to come back for each game.”

For this season, most of the varsity core has returned to the team and Parrish said he believes the team has added talent coming up the ranks. The potential is no secret either, with WashingtonPreps.com pitting the team as the eighth best in state.

Only time will determine just how North will compete this year. But one thing is certain — the team is fired up to find out.

“We’re just solid,” Snell added. “I’m excited to see what we can do.”