When Cicero-North Syracuse football practice kicks off, Alex Nobles is on the field. In fact, he rarely leaves the field. He's the starting linebacker, plays on special teams, and participates on the scout team.

"The team's special because we're such a tight community," said Nobles, a C-NS senior. "We always stick together through thick and thin. I think that's what's brought us the success we've had in the past."

Off the field, Nobles has found success too. He's the salutatorian of a senior class with more than 600 students. His favorite subject is Advanced Placement biology.

"It's just how the world works," said Nobles. "It's fascinating. Science is how I like to figure it out."

Those study habits extend to the Northstars' playbook, and Coach Dave Kline says they help players up and down the roster.

"It actually does translate," said Kline. "He's a very intelligent kid. He understands what everyone around him is supposed to do. It's good. He makes all of our defensive calls. He does all that, takes care of that, makes the adjustments we got to make with the linebackers, so he does a lot of good things."

Good things that include helping lead CNS to a shutout win against CBA in Week 1. His focus has shifted to studying up for Liverpool.

"Just like listening to a teacher teach in a class, take your favorite subject," said Nobles. "That's what football is to me, and listening to your coaches tell you what to do and we practice it enough where it's just instinct."

As for what's next after graduation, Nobles is undecided. He sees a future in science, but for now, he's experimenting with tackling senior year.

You can watch Nobles and Cicero-North Syracuse take on Liverpool on Spectrum News. Our Friday Night Matchup kicks off at 7 pm. After the game, you can catch highlights from across the region on First and Ten at 11:00 p.m. Friday night.