After an impressive 21-0 win over the Jenison Wildcats in their season opener, the Rangers look to keep things rolling come this Thursday against the Panthers of West Ottawa. The Rangers offense was on full display in their blowout victory racking up points in a variety of ways with a variety of players. This week the Rangers look for some key guys to have big games in order to advance to a comforting 2-0 start.

Ty Collins-Senior RB

Collins broke loose for a 20 yard touchdown run on the Rangers’ opening drive of last Thursday’s game and continued to be effective carrying the ball the rest of the game. Being the team’s main back, he looks to carry the load this Thursday in a rushing attack that was effective in their opener. The Rangers will need to penetrate the big defensive line of West Ottawa and the aggressive running style of Collins is the ingredient to do so.

Nick White-Senior OL

A three-year varsity veteran, White may not get the love he deserves while doing the team’s dirty work at right tackle, but he is just what this offensive line needs to open up holes for running back Ty Collins. White will also play a huge role in keeping West Ottawa off of Quarterbacks Tanner Hallock and Mark Scannell. It’s going to be a big focus for the Rangers to win the battle at the line of scrimmage this Thursday.

Jack Uecker-Senior WR

Last week against Jenison, Uecker was the main target of Quarterback Mark Scannell, but they weren’t quite able to connect on some balls within the redzone. He is a play maker that has the athletic ability to go up over defenders in the end zone, but also catch a short pass and turn it into a big play. Look for Uecker to have a tremendous impact on Thursday’s game in his last home opener in a Ranger jersey.

Bryce Clay-Junior WR

Clay found the end zone in the second quarter of last Thursday’s game on a 5-yard pass from Scannell. He found himself in the end zone multiple times last year as a sophomore and continues to be a reliable target for the Rangers. With the duo of  WR Clay and Uecker the Rangers have no problem letting the ball fly. In as a third WR, Junior Brennen Bouma can turn this duo into a trio to make this a very dangerous WR core. As for this Thursday, Clay will be key for the Rangers passing attack and offensive production as a whole.

Daniel Riser-Junior K

After missing a few field goals last week, two-year starter Daniel Riser looks to bounce back this week. In a fairly evenly matched game Riser could be the difference maker for the Rangers. If it comes down to it there aren’t many kickers around the Rangers would want to kick the game winner other than Riser. Although a kicker might not be the stereotypical key player, Riser just might be the key player in the Ranger offense this week.