Fairbanks running back Chase Litzke attempts to elude a tackler last week against Southeastern. The Panthers will host West Jefferson for Homecoming on Friday.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Mac Cordell)
––––
The Fairbanks High School football team will go into Friday evening’s Homecoming game against West Jefferson in a position they haven’t been in for some time.
The Panthers moved above the .500 mark as the 2017 season reached its midway point with last week’s thrilling victory over Southeastern.
“This showed the kids that they can finish tight games,” said head coach Patrick Cotter.
Things looked a bit difficult for the Panthers (3-2) at halftime, but they came out a different team in the second half.
“Our mental attitude changed at halftime,” said Cotter. “We brought our level of play up and I think that gave us confidence that we can come back to win (games).”
Fairbanks (which is ranked 10th in this week’s computer ratings for Region 23 of Division VI) will have to maintain that type of intensity this week.
The Roughriders are 5-0 and currently ranked eighth in Region 20 of Division V.
The game will mark the opening night of play in the Ohio Heritage Conference’s North Division.
West Jefferson will line up in the spread formation, but is not as pass-happy as other teams that employ that type of offense.
“At times, they will line up in the I formation and pack it in,” said Cotter.
The Panther boss said the Roughriders have two solid running backs in Wyatt Dillion and Gabe Jones.
Dillion is averaging eight yards per carry and has scored five touchdowns to date.
Quarterback Lance Lambert has a solid arm and is also adept at running the ball.
He has rushed for more than 200 yards with six touchdowns.
Lamber has also thrown 11 touchdown passes and has been intercepted only once.
Cotter said his defense will have to be on guard against a number of Roughrider weapons.
“They have a host of skill kids,” he said. “They can throw seven-to-nine different kids out there against you.”
Cotter said his team will have to play fundamental football and not give up the big plays.
“We will have to get off the field on third down,” he said.
West Jefferson will show a 4-3 defensive front with cover two and four in the secondary.
“They don’t blitz a lot, but they are aggressive,” said Cotter. “They let their defensive line play the game and try to control the line of scrimmage. Their defensive backs are also very athletic and can cover you.
“Our offense will have to get into a rhythm and put the ball where they are not,” said Cotter. “This is just a very solid West Jefferson football team.”