Fairbanks’ Brogan Green comes up from a tackle against Springfield Catholic Central. The Panthers will host Northeastern tonight. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
The word hybrid is at the forefront of the high school world this fall.
Classes in many school districts are being held on a hybrid (part actual classroom and part online) basis due to COVID-19.
Hybrid also applies to the Northeastern football offense the Fairbanks Panthers will face at home on Friday.
“I would call it a ‘hybrid spread’ offense,” said Panther head coach Patrick Cotter. “They will line up with trips at times, but also use a tight end pro set with a couple of running backs on other occasions.”
Quarterback Cade Houseman leads Northeastern’s offense.
“He’s a very good athlete who throws the ball well,” said Cotter. “However, he also makes things happen with his legs.”
Houseman threw the ball only 10 times last week against Cedarville. However, he completed eight for 208 yards and a trio of touchdowns.
He also gained 85 yards on three carries for another score.
The Jets opened the campaign by rolling past Cedarville, 48-7.
While Houseman makes Northeastern’s offense go, he isn’t the team’s only weapon.
Hunter Albright is described by Cotter as a shifty running back, while Jake Nicols is a clutch receiver from the tight end spot.
“We have to make sure we keep Houseman where he needs to be,” said Cotter. “Our defensive unit will have to aggressively keep track of their other playmakers as well.”
The Jets’ defense is also described by the Panther coach as a hybrid.
“They basically line up in a 3-4,” said Cotter. “However, they can walk one or two other guys up to make four and five-man fronts.
“They will also always play with four defensive backs.”
Cotter said the Jets try to confuse opponents with the various defensive looks.
“They’ll move guys here and there and will also blitz their linebackers at times,” he said.
The Panthers will have a better advantage against Northeastern than they did during last Friday’s 50-6 triumph at Springfield Catholic Central.
“We didn’t have any film on Springfield Catholic, so we didn’t know what to expect,” said Cotter. “As a result, we got off to a slow start during the first quarter.”
Armed with more intelligence against the Jets, Cotter expects the Panthers to get off to a much better start.
“The biggest improvement I want to see over last week is getting off to a fast start,” he said. “Once that happens, we just need to keep the foot on the pedal.”
“F” is the first letter in the local school’s name.
Another couple of “F’s” will apply to how the Panthers approach Friday’s game.
“We want to be fundamental and have fun,” said Cotter. “The guys know our rules and if we follow them, we’ll be able to take care of everything else.”