WDAY Fall Camp Tour: Father-son duos aim to lead Fargo North football back to greatness – InForum

FARGO — At Fargo North High School, Friday nights aren’t just about football. They’re about family.

For generations, Spartans have suited up with pride, and this season is no exception. Two coach-and-son duos are carrying on the tradition, side by side.

“It’s not our first rodeo. That’s for sure,” said assistant coach Jerry Schneider.

He’s been coaching his son Eli since his flag football days. Now, Eli is suiting up under the lights hoping to follow in his dad’s footsteps as a tight end, just like Jerry did in college.

“It’s been great. I just kind of look up to that, and think that’s what I want to get to and maybe even more,” said sophomore Eli Schneider.

Eli’s connection to Fargo North runs deep. He’s been on the sidelines since second grade, starting as a ball boy.

“He knows what I do on the weekends stats, film, prep. He’s been around it all,” said Jerry.

And while having your dad as a coach can bring challenges, Eli says it gives him a new perspective on the game.

“I think it’s very good that he’s my coach, just so I can see a different kind of light of it,” said Eli.

Just across the field is another father-son pairing making memories on the gridiron, Kris and Kellen Dougherty.

Kris, a North alum and now an assistant coach, gets to share one final season with his son Kellen who is the Spartans’ starting quarterback.

“It’s fun. At times he gets mad at me, sometimes I get mad at him. But we work out the lumps and it works fine,” said senior Kellen Dougherty.

Kris remembers when he played for the Spartans, even though his position looked a little different.

“I was a defensive tackle, in the trenches, trying to stop guys like him from succeeding. It’s fun to see the other side of the game now, through his eyes,” said Kris.

While roles have changed, one thing hasn’t: The pride of being part of something bigger.

“It’s fun for any parent to be around their kids. But I get to have extra time with my son every night and I get to see him grow as an athlete and a person,” said Kris.

For these families, the wins are meaningful but the moments shared together? Even more so.

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