By: Tyler Stark
The Redwood Rangers (1-2) are set for a matchup with the (2-1) Tulare Western Mustangs Friday, September 9th. The Rangers are coming off a huge 48-20 win against Tulare Union on Friday at the Mineral King Bowl.
Running back Alex Perch ‘24 wants to see a complete game from his team.
“We want to run the ball well, We want to pass the ball well, we want to do it all.”
A big storyline from Friday’s matchup was the monster game from quarterback Francisco “Frankie” Alvarez ‘23. Alvarez threw a season-high 4 touchdowns to help lead his team to victory. Alvarez says feeling comfortable was the key to his breakout game last Friday.
“I felt really confident and comfortable which definitely helped with throwing.”
In regards to this Friday’s matchup against Western, Alvarez is expecting a defense that is gonna make his squad fight for every yard. “They’re a good team and they can definitely make us work for our yards”
Coming into Friday’s game Ranger’s wide receiver Moses Burk ‘24 is expecting a second straight win for Redwood.
“I believe that we will win our game this week. We have been practicing hard to get ready to play western because there a good team. But In the end, I believe we are going to win this game.”
A second straight win for the Rangers would be massive. If the Rangers can make it happen that would be a very strong sign for the rest of the season.
Redwood guard BJ Wainwright ‘24 believes his offensive line has gotten better each game. “I think we have continually improved from game to game. We started the season rough but our last two games have been great. Our backs have had lots of production. Success is always pretty much the same for us. We just have to follow our assignments and limit mental errors. We have to work as one unit.”
Linebacker Noe Viveros ‘23 feels that the key to beating Western is going to be being 100 percent all into the game.
“We need to stay focused and locked in and eliminate all the mental errors. We’re facing some injuries so the next man up needs to do their job and execute.”
If the Rangers are all in and can play smart it could be an exciting night for Redwood fans. The Redwood defensive line is one of the stronger units on the team. Defensive end Kai Preisendorf ‘24 says that for the Rangers to win on Friday the defensive line will have to try and get to Western’s quarterback.
“We need as much pressure on them as possible, we have a great d line and they got a great o line. It’s gonna be a dog fight and you know I love them.”
Tyler Stark
Tyler Stark ('24) is in his freshmen year, and this is his first year writing for the Redwood Gigantea. Tyler hopes to work for Sports Illustrated in the future. you can contact him by email with: tyler.st3800@vusd.us