With autumn comes fall foliage, chillier days, and ultimately Thanksgiving. Autumn also marks the beginning of football season. Whether high school, collegiate, or professional, many flock to stadiums across the country to cheer on their beloved football teams. As the Knights prepare for their first playoff game of the 2015 season, the Knight Crier is shedding light on the “Wilde Bunch” back in the late 70s.

In 1977-78, the North Penn football team persevered through many games of inclement weather to obtain their only victory of that season against Quakertown. Although only finishing 1-9, the team known as the “Wilde Bunch” for head coach Jim Wilde, established unity and a sense of brotherhood much like our players today.

“I believe the same amount of students attended games in ’78,” explained North Penn alum and Athletic Director Mr. William Bartle. “[However], when comparing football in ’78 to the present, many things have changed. That can be said for all sports. Education on training/preventing or caring for injuries, nutrition, psychology, and training equipment have all been enhanced. Also, there were no District and State Championships in ’78.”

The Knights, whose regular season record is 8-2 and who recently earned the title “Suburban One Conference Champions”, have been preparing all week for their first playoff game away at Unionville tonight.

Over the years North Penn football has come a long way. Despite much advancement between then and now, the camaraderie and passion that comes with the sport has stayed the same.

“I believe everyone takes winning for granted as they think it is automatic. We would have been ecstatic in ’78 if we were half as successful as today’s team,” expressed Mr. Bartle.