LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Class A state champion Central Catholic is gearing up for a year under different circumstances.

Head coach Brian Nay believes his team, led by junior quarterback Clark Barrett has a lot to prove.

"We feel really good about our talent but when those lights come on on Friday night they're pretty bright," Nay said. "We're anxious to see how our young guys handle Friday nights. We're trying to put a lot of pressure on them right now to make Friday night a little bit easier."

Barrett has stayed locked in all summer.

"I was always texting coach Nay at least once, twice a week, asking him when we can get out here," Barrett said. "When we finally got the all-clear it was just awesome. I was so excited. It's been great to be out here playing."

The Knights are all in on a year of uncertainty amid the pandemic.

"You just got to play every game like its your last," senior lineman Sam Seaburg said. "You don't know how many opportunities you're gonna have to play the best game on the face of the earth. If you're having fun and you're playing with your brothers the world is yours. You can go get whatever you need."

What Central Catholic will need is a way to keep their foot on the gas. After two consecutive losing seasons, the Knights captured a first a state title. Barrett said that kind of success attracts a lot of attention.

"We're a successfull program so that's always something we talk about or think about," Barrett said. "We have a target on our back. We use that as motivation to get back to where we belong and stay on top."

CC is living in the moment.

"We're focused on today and these seniors especially understand it can be taken from them at any minute," Nay said. "They're just trying to suck the life out of this practice here today."

Central Catholic opens the new season at home against Tri-West on August 21.