Fairbanks quarterback Braxton Wilhelm (14) is stopped after a running play against North Union. The Panthers will try to break into the win column on Friday at Indian Lake.
(Photo submitted)
The Fairbanks Panthers’ defensive secondary could be in for a busy night on Friday at Indian Lake.
The 1-0 Lakers will employ a spread offense that features 2 x 2 and 3 x 1 receiver setups.
Quarterback Dolan Miller likes to get the ball into the hands of receivers Chase Coburn and Mat Daniels.
“They want to throw the ball, but then they will pound the “rock” up the middle to keep you off-balance,” said Panther head coach Patrick Cotter.
“They’ve got a nice stable of receivers, but they also have a couple of good running backs (Johnathan Gambrel and Elijah Slagle),” he said. “Their skill position guys are solid and their offensive line is comprised of guys who are scrappy players.”
Cotter said the Panther defensive unit will have to play sound fundamental football in order to win.
“We’re going to have to play our assignments well,” he said. “I feel we have the athletes to do that.
“I think our defensive unit can disrupt their offense by being physical… something we like to do every week.”
The Lakers use a 4-2-5 defensive alignment, but will go to a three-man front if the Panthers spread them out wide.
“They are very aggressive up front and put a lot of pressure on you,” said Cotter. “Their defensive backs pursue the ball well and will challenge our receivers.”
The key to allowing quarterback Braxton Wilhelm enough time to throw the ball will rest on the shoulders of the offensive line.
Guys such as Sam Rengert, Ethan Chippas, Billy Reed-Bodey and Dakota Key will have to control the action in the trenches.
It that happens, Cotter feels the Panthers will have success both running the ball with Mason Cushman or throwing it to receivers such as Braylon Green, Trey Good and Gatlin Luke.
Above all else, the Fairbanks boss wants to see how his squad responds after last week’s 50-23 opening-week loss to North Union.
“I want to see how well we come back from things,” said Cotter. “We’re licking our wounds, but I want to see us come back and be ready to play.”