On Friday, October 9th, the 6-0 Rangers will face their toughest challenge yet against 6-0 Tulare Western in what is being argued as possibly being the game of the year. Three players look over this heavyweight matchup.
By Ellie Hernandez and Ben Newell
Two teams will enter undefeated, and one has to lose the zero in their record.
Tight end Exavier Jackson ’30, will prepare for the game against the Mustangs by, “learning all the plays and getting closer to the QB, and I’m gonna physically prepare by going to the trainer every day and preparing my body,” said Jackson.
Tulare Western is arguably the toughest opponent Redwood Varsity might have gone against, Jackson said. “Talking to the coaches, figuring out where I need to be and figuring out who I need to guard throughout the game.”
The team has been preparing for the Mustangs by studying the plays over and over, and making sure they are ready to defeat them.
What Jackson believes he could work on as a player is his blocking, making sure he’s blocking in the right place.
Cornerback Nathan Gonzalez ’27, explains how he’s going to mentally prepare for Friday’s game. Gonzalez says, “Tulare Western is a big game, so I’ve been watching a lot of film, especially on their two receivers, I think numbers 3 and 2. And 2 of Mario and Taylor, because that’s their D1 receiver, so I’ve been watching a lot of him. I’m also trying to pick up tendencies that, like they give up because every team is different. Tulare Western has a pass-heavy offense. So I’m prepared to get a few picks.”
Preparing for Tulare Western is like preparing for, “Any other game, because I’m there to go ball out regardless. So, I guess it’s not preparing for Tulare Western, it’s me mentally preparing to go do my best.”
Gonzalez believes he could improve as a leader, especially on the defense as though they are great, communication lacks at times.
With the winning streak being 6-0 undefeated, Gonzalez says, “God is good. We work really hard, this is what we all want to do out of high school, so you know it’s really important to us. And I think our record is a representation of our hard work.”
Gonzalez explained how the team was improving by, “I think the past three games we went through some dogfights, so I think we’re more prepared to go into, like, a hard-fought game.”
Jaius Brooks ’28 WR, FS talks about how he’s going to mentally prepare for the Pink Out game against Tulare Western, “Making sure I’m thinking about the thing and that the game. You know, I worked in practice, and it all starts in practice and work Monday through Thursday, and then when it hits 7:30 on Friday, we’re ready to play.”
Brooks explains how he is going to prepare for the tough game against Tulare Western, “I prepare the same for every game, make sure my mind is in the right place, and I’m going to play the same way that I’ve been playing. Nothing’s going to change.”
Brooks thinks of some things he wants to improve on as an individual and team, “I think I need to work on blocking a little bit better, and you know, finishing through the play. And as a team, we can work on being a bit more not getting penalties, and stuff that caused us a lot less game time.
As Redwood continues it’s campaign into Tulare Western currently 6-0, the team’s morale stays as high as ever. Brooks feels amazing about the team being undefeated and says, “It’s great, but it’s definitely not going to stop us, we will be 7-0 tomorrow.”
Ellie Hernandez
Ellie Hernandez '30, is a first year sports writer and reporter for the Redwood Gigantea. If you would want to reach me my Gmail is [email protected]
Ben Newell
Ben Newell '27, is a senior here at Redwood High School and has been involved in Redwood media for the past 3 years making it his goal to tell Redwood's story. Newell is a passionate sports writer and social media manager for the Redwood Gigantea. You can reach him at [email protected].
Tags: football, redwood football, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood rangers, redwood sports, rhs, visalia ca
