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By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
STRATFORD – Stratford football coach Cal Tackes saw some good things, and some bad, in last week’s season-opening 32-8 win over Marawood Conference rival Auburndale.
As the Tigers head into Friday’s game against an improved Pittsville squad (7 p.m. at Pittsville High School), Tackes hopes Stratford can fix some mistakes and put together a solid all-around game heading into a brutal portion of its schedule that includes four straight games against top teams in the area – Osseo-Fairchild, Marathon, Chippewa Falls and Edgar – that begins Sept. 17.
Stratford’s main concern was committing six fumbles in last week’s victory against the Apaches. Granted, the Tigers only lost one of those mishaps, but the fumbles were wasted plays, according to Tackes, and contributed to a few stalled drives during the game.
“I think we’ve developed some confidence in some things that we can do and have a little more insight with the guys, as coaches, that we can count on to get some things done in particular situations,” Tackes said. “We know what things we need to fix – obviously we can’t put the ball on the ground six times and throw two interceptions and expect to be in a game against a quality-type team every week. Those things are easily fixed and hopefully we will get that part taken care of this week.”
Stratford used mainly a ground attack to dismantle the Apaches, piling up 300 yards on 55 carries. Four different running backs and quarterback Nick Viegut had at least seven carries and all gained at least 33 yards, led by Jamie Aschebrock’s 97 yards.
“We knew we had three solid kids there, and the fourth kid, Josh Reif (40 yards on eight carries), really came around and did a nice job,” Tackes said. “We thought we saw that after the scrimmage and moved another back to end. Now that will give us an opportunity to keep him at end and give us some strength so that we are four-deep in that position as well as in the backfield.
“I feel real good in our backs. I thought they ran extremely hard and made some cuts at the right time.”
Pittsivlle is coming off a 52-8 drubbing of Phillips that saw the Panthers run for 183 yards and throw for 155 more. Quarterback Gavin Hautala was a precise 11 of 17 and threw two touchdown passes. Seven of throws went to Jordan Rayburn for 118 yards, and running back Ryan Schwanebeck had 10 rushes for 130 yards and three scores.
“I expect them to give us a little bit different game,” Tackes said. “Where Auburndale is going to run it at you and be a little more power, Pittsville’s going to be a little more of a finesse team. Their skill players are their strength. Their quarterback (Hautala) is a four-year starter, their running backs have all had opportunities, so those are people they are going to count on.
“Their line is young and inexperienced, and hopefully that is where we can take some advantage of them.”
Watch for full coverage of Friday’s game at MarshfieldAreaSports.com.