Get the offense going early:

In weeks one and two, FHC’s offense has gotten off to tremendously slow starts and even found themselves with only six points at the half against West Ottawa. With a struggling Ottawa Hills team, it will be important for the quarterbacks and running backs to establish that dominating ground game we saw in week one. This can be a big confidence boost heading into a better defense week four, in the Greenville Yellow Jackets.

Pick up the slack in the secondary:

With senior corner Kade Shomin day to day with a hip injury, it will important for the Ranger secondary to stay consistent and make the routine tackles on the outside run. Kade has been a shutdown corner to this point and had a big interception against Jenison week one. Although the Bengals have only scored six points through two games, it will be huge for experience and fundamental football to have a big week in the secondary.

Spread the ball through the air:

Last week especially, senior wide receiver Bryce Clay was heavily targeted against West Ottawa’s corners. It eventually became predictable and tough to get an outstanding playmaker, like Bryce, the ball. It will be huge in upcoming weeks to use all of the wideouts, tight ends and fullbacks the Rangers have to spread out opposing defenses and make it easier to find playmakers in the passing game. Junior Tate Hallock started to heat up on Friday and proved he can make big plays in big situations. Senior tight end Michael Peliotes also has great hands and despite his blocking role, is able to reel in balls thrown in his direction. If FHC can spread the ball to numerous weapons this week, it will make them harder to defend down the road.

Keep striving for perfection in all facets of the game:

It’s no secret that Ottawa Hills has struggled as a team in two games, giving up 95 points and only scoring six. Staying focused and taking this week of practice seriously will be essential for FHC. It will also give the opportunity to try new plays, stunts, players, and positions out for everyone, finding out what works and what doesn’t for the weeks of conference play ahead. Huge quantities of time can be spent playing the young or inexperienced players, along with seasoning the vets.

Key players of the week:

This week, instead of one key player, I’m putting it on senior captains Bryce Clay, Elijah Gurley, Andy Trapp and Jace Thornton; they will be huge this week. After last year’s major controversy surrounding this game, leadership will be key to keep everyone safe after the whistle. FHC has planned for the entire team to meet at the 50 yard line with the Bengals and shake hands as a token of respect and sportsmanship in pregame. Look for that leadership to keep other players from committing unnecessary penalties and jaw jacking to a minimum.