by: Tyler Stark
The Redwood Rangers football team (0-2) will be facing Tulare Union (1-1) on Friday night.
The Rangers are looking to break through and win their first game of the season on Friday night in front of a packed Mineral King Bowl crowd hoping to see a homecoming win for Redwood.
Redwood is coming off of two losses that have come within a touchdown. Running back Alex Perch ‘24 says that while losing such close games have been tough, the competition they’ve faced has been really solid.
“It’s always hard to go 0-2 to start the year, especially with such close games. But we played two division 1 teams and lost close by one score to both.”
Perch goes on to say that he’s excited to play in front of the big crowd on homecoming night.
Last week against Clovis North the Rangers were very successful with their rushing attack. Redwood recorded 167 yards rushing on 32 attempts. Whenever a team has a good day rushing the football the offensive line deserves a lot of credit for making key blocks and allowing the running backs to find holes. Guard Bj Wainwright ‘24 feels that the key against Tulare Union from the line’s perspective is just to follow their assignments.
“Our job is pretty simple. We just need to follow our assignments and trust each other. If we give our running backs any room they can burst through the hole and score six. I was really proud of how our line worked together last game. We played as one unit rather than 5 individuals. If we play with last week’s intensity and fix a few small mistakes we will do great.”
If the offensive line can follow their assignments, and make key blocks, it could be another big night for Redwood’s running backs.
Coming into Friday night’s matchup with Tulare Union fullback Ty Potts ‘23 feels that if Redwood wins the passing game will play a big part.
“With the way Union’s defense is set up, I think we’re gonna have to be able to take advantage of the passing game and make some big plays through the air.”
Linebacker Noe Viveros says the main goal against Tulare Union is to secure that first win of the season.
“Tomorrow’s main focus you know it’s just all about getting the first team win and just working as a team and minimizing Our mental mistakes and just coming out victorious and Move On and take it out next week and having an amazing season from now on.”
If the Rangers can pull out the big win on Friday, that would give the whole squad a lot of confidence going forward.
One of the huge bright spots for the Rangers this season has been the defense. Defensive end PJ Myers ‘23 sees great things coming for his unit.
“Our defense showed that we can still compete at a high level. With the way our defense has been practicing, I can see great things from our defense in the future.”
Moses Burk ‘24 has been the Rangers’ go-to target this season. Last year Burk found In the first two games Burk averaged 99 receiving yards a game.
Burk says, “it’s been nice getting to find myself as a starter this year, it’s also been nice having Reece Bueno and Evan Galley alongside me.”
Burke has been a workhorse for the Rangers this season, if he can continue his success Ranger fans could be in for a treat.
Quarterback Frankie Alvarez ‘23 says the key to victory is to finish strong.
“The key victory to win against Union is to stop their run and to finish the game strong until the final buzzer goes off..”
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
Tags: redwood football, redwood high school, redwood journalism