Thunderstorm / 72° F
Football Preview: Otters, Comets start season on the road
Published 9:04am Thursday, August 30, 2012The football season is in full swing as the Fergus Falls Otters and the Hillcrest Comets will both open their seasons on the road.
The Otters will travel to face Central Lakes Conference foe Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm.
Otters’ Head Coach Richard Risbrudt for the Storm’s tricky double wing offense that sees motions from all over the offense.
The Storm have rumored to have a thunder and lightning backfield attack with a power back and a speeding scat back.
“Our defense will have to stay home and play their position to watch for counters coming back the other way,” Risbrudt said.
The Otter offense will be looking for linebackers and stunts as Risbrudt expects blitzing pressure from several spots on the field.
“It’s been a long time awaiting since the end of last season. The players have spent many hours in strength and speed training and after 3 weeks of solid practice are very anxious to start playing the schedule,” Risbrudt added.
Across town, the Comets are gearing up for another season as they also are on the road against the Ortonville Trojans.
Comets’ Head Coach Charlie Brue expects to see the kitchen sink from Ortonville offensively as the 9-man squad runs several different formations.
“They will run out of the wishbone, they will run out of I-formation, and they will also spread it out and run out the gun. I expect that they will be in a hurry-up offense, attempting to wear us down.”
Brue sees Trojans’ quarterback Jade Hasslen and wide receiver Cole Peters as possible x factors for Ortonville in the matchup.
The Comets will look for running back Theo Taylor to carry the load this week, but expect Chris Bigelow and Vinnie Veum to get carries as well.
The Comets are set to blast off in their opening game as many of the players are eager to hit the field.
“The boys are ready to play football. Many have been working hard in the off-season to get ready. I am very impressed with the character of this team and we trust that this strength will bear fruit on the football field,” Brue added.
Both games will begin at 7 p.m. on the road Friday.
