With their bye-week last week, the Mancos Blue Jays (1-1) have had extra time to practice for their upcoming game against the Del Norte Tigers (0-3).
Mancos and Del Norte were both blown out by Norwood, and they each had close games with Rangely.
But it's impossible to measure a team by comparing common opponents, so the Blue Jays have been putting in the work to prepare for their third game of the season.
"Del Norte has a good quarterback," said co-head coach Josh Gardner. "He can throw, and he is mobile. Our defensive ends have to have a good game containing him and forcing him into our linebackers."
Sophomore defensive back Kaleb Hargraves came up with an interception in Mancos' last game, and Gardner and co-head coach Bill Parsons are hoping their secondary performs well again.
"Our defensive backs have to have tight coverage and be on their "A" game," Gardner said.
Offensively, the Blue Jays will prepare to see different looks from the Tigers.
After rushing for over 300 total yards in its previous game, expect Mancos to keep it on the ground, and for Andrew Morgan, Axel Bonde and Everett Strazza-Whalen to each get carries.
However, in order for the ball-carriers to find open space, the Blue Jays will rely on the big bodies up front.
"Our offensive line has to be able to recognize the front and know our assignments," Gardner said.
The Blue Jays are hungry for action after their week off, and they're ready to travel to Del Norte on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m.
