“When you play JV you look up to the Blondes,” he said. “It’s motivation (to get better). Everyone wants to do it.”

“It’s always a good time and soccer season is always fun,” Bailey said.

While the goal every year is to compete for the Section VI title, it’s easier said than done with Class AA being a gauntlet. It figures to be the same this year, but the Spartans have extra motivation for wanting to win their first crown since 2015.

That year was the last time LaMastra dyed his hair blonde. The salt-and-peppered hair of the coach only gets bleached if North wins sectionals.

There are a few photos (see team’s Twitter account) of LaMastra sporting the golden locks.

“I’d like to see it in person,” Adelman said.

North is off to good start in league play but ECIC I figures to be its usual dog fight for the top teams. Lancaster is the reigning Section VI Class AA champion, while Clarence is searching for its sixth sectional title in nine years and fourth in five seasons. Silverstein said the Red Devils have seven newcomers in the starting lineup, which is a lot for them.

Last year’s sectional runner-up, Orchard Park, drew the tough opening schedule as it has lost to Williamsville North, Lancaster and Clarence – each by a goal. North scored with 4 seconds left, while Lancaster tallied 4 minutes into overtime. Nonetheless, the Quakers could very well be one of the final four teams standing as each of those defeats have come on the road. They should be battle tested by the time sectionals roll around, as they play Monsignor Martin champion St. Joe’s and runner-up Nichols along with St. Francis in nonleague clashes.