LAWRENCE — Even as the rain poured down, John Sexton was all smiles.

On Thursday morning, under the leadership of first-year head coach John Sexton, Central Catholic joined dozens of other MIAA programs across the state in beginning football practice ahead of the 2023 season.

The sight was an unfamiliar one to those who have followed the Massachusetts high school football scene for the last two decades. Beginning in 1997, Chuck Adamopoulos manned the sidelines as the Raiders’ head coach, winning three Super Bowls before stepping down following the 2022 season. Sexton was beside Adamopoulos for all but two of four seasons, joining the Central Catholic staff in 2001 before taking over as offensive coordinator in 2011.

“To say I’ve been excited for our first practice is an understatement,” Sexton said. “The offseason training and 7-on-7 the kids do is all great, but there is something special about the first day of practice with everyone out here.”

Sexton will continue to call the offensive plays as head coach while Jason Fielding is the new defensive coordinator. Adamopoulos steered the team’s defense during his tenure.

“Our kids have put the work in, which is the big thing,” Sexton said. “I think we have a lot of potential with this offense but we will have to execute.”

Central Catholic is green in many respects but has no shortage of players with over 160 signed up throughout the program. Clemson-bound quarterback Blake Hebert is a household name. Up front, the Raiders are led by left tackle Thomas Galusha, while Presley Titus leads the pass rush. Jackson Pereira spearheads the secondary.

Adamopoulos has not traveled far. He spent the morning assisting with the defensive line.