CHEBOYGAN – Friday is a huge opportunity for the Cheboygan Chiefs in more ways than one.
First, the Chiefs (1-1) can keep building early-season momentum if they knock off Elk Rapids at Western Avenue Field. Another would be if the Chiefs do prevail, a 2-1 record would be their best start to a campaign since 2013.
So, with the Chiefs ready to host the Elks (1-1) at 7 p.m. tonight, here’s some keys to the game for Cheboygan.
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Stay aggressive on both sides of the ball
What’s really stood out about the Chiefs is the type of aggressiveness they’ve played with under first-year head coach Bill Nesbitt during the first two weeks.
While the Chiefs were unsuccessful in their season opener two weeks ago, the play calling from Nesbitt was diverse and aggressive, something that should excite Chiefs fans. I know it’s only been a few games, but Cheboygan’s already shown an ability to create plays in the passing game, making them more versatile and dangerous than previous seasons. It also helps to have an offensive line that’s playing well, a young quarterback in sophomore Nolan Schley who had a breakout game last week, and playmakers like Luke Hoskins and Jeremiah Huntley who have stepped up.
The same goes defensively for the Chiefs, who really took over with their physicality during last week’s win at Sault Ste. Marie. One of the lasting images I saw was senior Luke Munger delivering a ferocious hit on one of the Blue Devils, which was a perfect microcosm of a dominant final two quarters.
If the Chiefs stay aggressive, they’ll have a great chance to earn win No. 2.
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Finish drives
Throughout these opening games, it’s almost been Jekyll and Hyde when it comes to Cheboygan’s offense.
Yes, they put up 35 points on the Blue Devils, but it could’ve been even more had they not committed multiple turnovers. The Week 1 loss to Saranac was also similar in the sense the Chiefs’ mistakes denied them of what would’ve been a much more successful night.
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The key for Cheboygan is sustaining drives, ball control and delivering big plays, something they improved on during the win over the Blue Devils. If the Chiefs can do those things, the Elks will be in for a very long night.
Play a clean game
Speaking of what plagued Cheboygan at times last week, penalties were at the forefront. Holdings, false starts and other infractions became a problem for the Chiefs, who committed double-digit penalties. I can assure you that it didn’t make Nesbitt happy and was likely addressed in practice this week.
Discipline is so key, especially in football, and the Chiefs will need to have a ton of it if they want to improve to 2-1. Sure, penalties will likely be committed, but Cheboygan must keep it at a premium to ensure it doesn’t halt their chances of scoring or getting off the field defensively.
Clean things up and get the job done.
WHAT
Elk Rapids (1-1) at Cheboygan (1-1)
WHEN
Friday, 7 p.m.
WHERE
Western Avenue Field, Cheboygan
HOW TO LISTEN
WCBY 1240 AM, and 100.7 FM. Mike Grisdale and Nate King will call the action for the Chiefs, starting at 6:40 p.m.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf atjgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter@sportsCDT
