North Andover sports roundup, Sept. 21 to Sept. 27

NORTH ANDOVER --

HIGH SCHOOL -- North Andover High School played its first home football game of the season on Friday, Sept. 25, student representatives told the School Committee at its Sept. 24 meeting, describing the USA-themed matchup as something "everyone's looking forward to." The team had already played two away games earlier in the season. A committee member raised concerns after hearing about "less than good" behavior in the stands at one of those away games, prompting a discussion of conduct rules: by MIAA requirement, a non-coach site coordinator must be present at varsity games to address problems, and schools must announce a respect policy covering officials and participants before games open to the public. Principal Holman's office made such an announcement over the school speakers, and committee members said Holman felt North Andover students "brought their better selves" at the most recent away game. Homecoming and its pep rally are set for the following Friday, Oct. 2, with Spirit Week activities planned in the days before.

YOUTH LEAGUES -- The North Andover Athletic Association's "Night on the Run," now in its 15th year, returns Oct. 10 after last year's event was postponed due to construction at the high school, Superintendent officials told the School Committee on Sept. 24. The event pairs a 5K run through town with a fun run for younger kids on the high school field, and schools are encouraged to enter teams, with the winner determined by participation rate rather than speed. Officials recalled Thompson School has dominated the school-participation competition in recent years, with one committee member citing "seven years in a row" and another recalling "fifteen years." A Merrimack College track coach has historically helped organize and announce the kids' fun run, a partnership expected to continue this year. The event is run by the North Andover Athletic Association, which officials said also raises funds to support the town's athletic programs.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.