It was a tough but experience-filled season. That simple sentence summarizes the experience of first year head coach Joe Beler and the rest of the N.D. football team. After all, four mid-season losses were by a touchdown or less. A play that went the other way, one less penalty -- and those games might have ended up differently, but the Lancers definitely see a bright future and reason for optimism. With Coach Beler arriving and attempting to re-build a program that had struggled in recent years, he immediately started building a sense of community among the squad. A team that suffered several key injuries during the season, N.D. often fought hard and gave their opponents, including defending-state champion Brookfield and annual power-house Masuk, tough games. The Lancers did post wins over New Fairfield, with a great come-from-behind victory, and a hard-fought game versus Bunnell. In the end, the Lancers posted a final record of three wins and seven losses. With the lessons learned, and the teamwork shown in 2009, the future is bright for the Lancers. SWC honors were awarded to: Brody Brandstatter (All State), Kevin Tirella (All State), Joe Dobbins - First Team All SWC; Chris Pond, Dan Goncalves, Kevin Harrigan - Second Team All SWC; Brendan O'Malley and Aaron Johnson - Honorable Mention.