At Minneapolis North, only one group of no more than 50 players practices on the inner-city field, downtown skyline on the horizon. The equipment is just a few footballs — no blocking sleds, dummies or running ropes. Some players wear game jerseys since there aren’t enough practice ones. Community members watch from the bleachers while coaches’ kids and players’ siblings wander the field.

Yet North is pegged to go 1-2 with much-larger Minneapolis Washburn in the Minneapolis City conference and contend for the Class 1A championship.

The century-old school has seen attendance drop from thousands to hundreds in recent years and has been on the verge of shutting down.

“I took a chance four years ago of just giving freshmen the opportunity to play,” coach Charles Adams said. “The only thing they could do is get better.”

Adams said his players want to help rebuild the school’s legacy and improve the image of the community.

“I walk down the hall and see all the trophies they’ve won,” senior wide receiver Keyon Thomas said. “It makes me feel I’m great to come to North.”

Junior quarterback Tyler Johnson said everyone knows who he is and he feels pressure to lead the team.

“Everyone wants to come see us play Friday nights,” said Johnson, who hopes to see his name and jersey on the walls of the school once he graduates.

Megan Ryan