The foundation is built, and now the focus shifts to execution for the Fitchburg State University football team.
As head coach Izzy Abraham enters his third year leading the program, the Falcons are aiming to translate their steady growth into tangible progress on the scoreboard. The team's maturation process has been a daily focus throughout camp, with Abraham emphasizing consistency, execution, and team chemistry.
“We are preaching to take it day by day, keep stacking the days, building off each other and getting closer off the field because the closer we are off the field the better we’ll be in those late-game situations,” said Abraham during Media Day at Landry Arena at the Wallace Civic Center. “The guys are buying into each other, which is great.”
That message has resonated with captains Oriowokite “Orio” Fatoke, Camren Topkin, Peter Norton and Andrew Gendron, who have helped anchor the culture since Abraham’s arrival in 2024.
“We’re going to try to put our best foot forward,” said senior running back Fatoke (94 carries, 459 yards, 4 TDs), a punishing runner who never shies away from physical contact with a defender. “With this being the last season we’re all here, we’re going to try to play our best. Playing under coach Izzy for the third year is definitely exciting. He’s done a lot of good things with this program. We’re trying to leave with a good record, but we’re taking it day by day.”
“Coach Izzy is great for our program and he’s a great head coach,” said senior linebacker Topkin, who registered a team-high 105 tackles and was second on the defense with three sacks.
The Falcons open the 2026 season on the road at Dean College on Saturday, Sept. 5 at noon. The following Saturday, Sept. 12, Fitchburg State hosts UMass-Dartmouth in its home opener at Elliot Field at noon.
“We never look past anybody,” said senior tight end Gendron. “That’s our main goal right now. We take everything day by day. We take everything at face value, week by week and we never look past our opponent and we keep strengthening our brotherhood.”
Last season, the Falcons coasted to a 49-14 season-opening win at home against Dean. They started the year at 3-2, but lost five straight to finish under .500 at 3-7.
“Last year we were learning how to win,” said Topkin. “It was new for us. This year we understand the other team is going to make big plays, but it’s how we’re going to bounce back for our team to succeed to get a win at the end of the day.”
Coach Abraham has the full support of his captains, who all enjoy playing for the Falcons’ leader.
“We have definitely evolved with the times,” said senior wide receiver Norton (16 receptions, 141 yards, 3 TDs). “Coach Izzy takes a player-friendly approach, which I think a lot of players appreciate and are able to grow around. I think that’s a big reason why we’ve seen the growth over the recent years with the team.
“All of our coaches dedicate so much time to us and to our growth,” said Norton. “We want to reflect that back on game day and make them look good out there because we know how much they care about us.”
Abraham is hoping the program can take another leap forward this fall.
“This is a really big stage for us to really try to take a bigger step in terms of on the field, but obviously off the field, bringing everything together as a program,” said Abraham. “We talk about being the best versions of ourselves on and off the field. It’s about wins and losses, but it’s also about stuff like community service. I feel like this is the year we can start making stuff happen.”
Navigating the highs and lows of the past two seasons, including battling through key injuries a year ago, has forged a mentally and physically resilient group. Now, the Falcons are eager to step onto the field, put their hard work on display, and show the results of their preparation.
“From the beginning, we have been a family-cultured program,” said Gendron. “I feel like everyone has a great vibe with each other, and that has been expressed even more this year, especially having senior captains. I feel like everyone has been able to bond a lot more and come together as brothers. I feel like we’re going to do great this year.”