Tigers and Wolverines set for gridiron battle
Weiser has won last four meetings by combined score of 95-36
BY Scott Ford
Argus Observer
scottf@argusobserver.com
Thursday, September 10, 2009 10:20 AM PDT
| |
| Scott Ford | Argus Observer
The Ontario fan base will have something new to cheer for Friday when the Weiser Wolverines come to town. Ontario and Weiser have not played a game since 2004, which had Weiser winning 32-6. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. |
Ontario—It has been a few years since the Ontario Tigers and the Weiser Wolverines have hit the gridiron in competition, but Friday that football friendship will be rekindled, in what some may say, has been a long time coming.
“We respect Weiser and we know it will be a physical match up,” Ontario head coach Randy Waite said. “Hopefully, the Pendleton game prepared us for that.”
The last time these two teams met was in 2004, with Weiser coming out on top 32-6, in fact during the early part of this decade, the Wolverines have owned the Tigers with four straight wins dating back to 2001. (recorded scores from Idaho sports only date back to 2001.)
“It’s exciting to get back to playing football against local teams,” Waite said. “I think the fans are excited for this one.”
Weiser (1-1) is coming off a 20-14 loss to Baker, while the Tigers are heading into their second game of the season on a 15-7 loss to Pendleton.
Weiser will attack the Tiger defense with a variety of things.
Offensively, the Wolverines pose some problems for the Tigers Waite said.
Weiser will run a double wing set in addition to their typical veer offense, and with its towering receiving corps, Austin Winegar and the Wolverines will toss the pigskin around as well.
“We will have to be disciplined on defense,” Waite said. “We are concerned about their big receivers and Winegar is doing a good job for them at the quarterback position.”
As for the Tigers offense, Waite said consistency is the key. He said against Pendleton, his team did not sustain the long drives and put points up on the scoreboard. Play makers like Matt Anthony, Frank Lopez and Nico Martinez will need to bring their “A” game Friday.
“We will have to block better and sustain those blocks longer.” the coach said. “We have had a pretty good week of practice,” “We are looking forward to Friday night”
The Tigers have added a few new wrinkles to the playbook, which will play into the talent of their quarterback Josh Mejia.
The keys to victory for the Tigers will be consistent play, physical play and play for four quarters.
Ontario will be with out its starting center Tom Henninger for the Weiser match up. Henninger hyper-extended his elbow, but the back up snapper has stepped up and done a good job at practice, according to Waite.
The Tigers will have four-year starter back on the field Friday in Marcus Marines. Marines will play linebacker on defense and on the line on offense.
The game is slated to kick off at 7 p.m. at Tigers Stadium on Friday.
