Battle of Red: Knights vs. Riders on Friday
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TORONTO -- The way both coaches see it, Friday's meeting between Weir High and Toronto at Clarke Hinkle Stadium is going to be a challenge for each of their clubs.
For the Red Knights, who are entering coming off of back-to-back wins by large margins over schools similar to their size, it will be the first big test against a bigger school this season.
"They're going to be a test for sure," Toronto coach Josh Franke said. "They're obviously a much bigger school, a Division IV school by Ohio standards, they have a bigger roster … they're going to have depth and fresh legs to bring in if the game comes down to the fourth quarter.
"They have athletes on the edge that we have to make sure we are covering and they have a big line on both sides of the ball.
"They have good, quality players in all facets of the game. We're going to have to play very well. They're comparable to us in a lot of ways, they bring a lot of experience back at quarterback, tailback, on the line … that presents a lot of challenges for us.
"They're a good team and they're going to be a big test and a good measuring stick for us to find out where we're at."
The Knights' schedule has such tests by design, Franke said, to make the team better and battle tested when the playoffs roll around.
"We feel as if this is going to help us be prepared for the playoffs," he said. "Obviously it's a game we want to win, but at the same time it's also good competition that's comparable to what we might see on a playoff run, it's a game that can prepare us to take the next step. The ultimate goal is to be our best in the playoffs."
On the flip side, the Red Riders and coach Frank Sisinni are expecting Toronto to provide a big challenge for the Weir High defense, with a plethora of offensive weapons on the Toronto side led by quarterback Zeb Kinsey.
"They come at you from every angle," he said. "They're very explosive, they had 500 yards of total offense. Zeb Kinsey was efficient, he didn't have to complete a lot of passes, the ones he did were all homerun shots. We're well aware of what they're capable of. Part of the game plan this week is to limit those explosive plays.
"It's going to be a very big test for our defense. This is a great test for us as a team to go out on the road against a very good team."
The Red Riders are feeling excited with the way the season started, coming off a commanding victory over rival Oak Glen to retain the Carl Hamill Trophy.
"It was a complete effort, we played well up front, we kept Oak Glen in check, we ran the ball well and threw it well," Sisinni said. "We're looking to build on that success and take another step in the right direction."