October 3, 2018 at 2:06 p.m.
Pigskin preview: Ashland at Rhinelander
Rhinelander to face upstart Ashland team for homecoming
Pigskin preview: Ashland at Rhinelander
Perennial cellar dwellers for much of the GNC's decade-long existence, the Oredockers are having a renaissance season under second-year head coach Travis Larson and could clinch a share of the conference title with a win Friday.
Ashland showed signs of life last year, upsetting Merrill and getting to the verge of playoff eligibility, but losses to the Hodags and Medford the final two weeks of the season kept the Oredockers from getting to the postseason for the first time since 2009.
The Oredockers have already secured a playoff berth this year this year and - with an athletic, senior-laden squad - at least one home playoff game is not out of the question, should the team win out and claim the conference title outright.
Rhinelander coach Chris Ferge has taken note of Ashland's success.
"They're sticking together and have won some close games," he said. "They've won against good teams, on the road and at home. They deserve everything they've received this year. They've earned it."
In addition to Ashland improving, Ferge said the Oredockers' resurgence is part of a Great Northern Conference that had become more competitive, from top to bottom, over the last couple of seasons.
"I know we haven't won a game in conference but there hasn't been a game where I've felt overmatched, physically, and there isn't a lot you can do, Xs and Os, to compete with a team," he said.
Some other storylines to follow heading into tonight's game.
Not looking ahead
With the Hodags out of the playoff race, it would be easy for the team to cast an eye toward the future with a roster that has only 10 seniors. Ferge said that will not be the case.
"I'm in the present at all times," he said. "What I know we can control is playing Ashland this week. We have seniors on this team that I'm not going to give up on. I want to coach them these last two games. I know our coaches feel the same way and our players feel the same way. They need to do everything they can to win these last two games for our seniors, and put them out on a good note."
The Hodags were able to do that last year, defeating Ashland and Lakeland after being eliminated from playoff contention to finish the season 3-6.
More options
Ashland comes in with a high-powered offense that averages more than 30 points and 375 yards per game.
Much like Merrill did last week, the Oredockers will attack Rhinelander with a triple-option offense. Ferge said the difference is that Ashland runs its offense more efficiently.
"Ashland (is) very athletic, very fast and they can score," he said. "You make a mistake and they will score with their triple option. Other teams, you make a mistake with their triple option, they might get a first down. They're very lethal with a couple athletes that they have. They're able to make up for their mistakes with their athleticism as well."
Like Merrill, the Oredockers like the fullback dive. Justin Miller leads the team with 717 yards rushing so far this season, but Ashland's option centers around dual-threat quarterback Jordan Brennan, who has passed for 658 yards and eight touchdowns, and rushed for 588 yards and another 10 scores.
Zach Lindenberg is Ashland's big play threat at receiver. He's averaging more than 41 yards per catch and has scored five touchdowns on the season.
Ferge said playing another option team last week was a benefit for his defense, though the team may tweak some of its defensive assignments going into this contest after allowing 364 yards - all on the ground - in the loss to the Bluejays.
Athletic defense
Defensively, the Oredockers come in allowing 18 points and just less than 242 yards per game. Ferge said the team's overall athleticism shines through on that side of the ball.
"Defensively, they're very athletic. That's what I see. They will make mistakes but they're a bend but don't break defense," he said. "They will let you move the ball but, when you get inside the 20, they have the ability to get off the field or get a turnover."
Linebacker Brennan Corbine has a team-high 78 tackles, including five tackles for loss (TFLs) and two sacks. Brennan and Isaak Livingston are the big-play threats defensively for the Oredockers. Brennan has two forced fumbles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Livingston leads the team in TFLs (13), sacks (5) and fumble recoveries (3).
Homecoming happenings
As always, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities taking place during homecoming week. Ferge said his message to the team is to have fun, but remember that tomorrow night's football game is the main event of the entire week.
"We want our kids to enjoy homecoming as long as it's not a distraction," he said. "They need to understand that they need to take care of their bodies and get their homework done, take care of all of their responsibilities with practice. Nothing changes. We don't take it easy on them ... No matter what, the kids want to win this game. They want to do it for the community and the school. It's important for our program."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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