Medfield Football Team ‘Excited’ for Homecoming Game vs. Hopkinton

Homecoming is an exciting time for past and present students and Friday marks the annual football game at Calvin George Fisher Memorial Field.

Medfield (2-6, 0-3) hosts Hopkinton (7-1, 2-1) at 7 p.m. in a Tri-Valley League Large Division matchup.

“The players are excited for the homecoming game,” Medfield head coach said Erik Ormberg said. “We told the seniors that this is their last home game under the lights. The game is the conclusion of spirit week at MHS and we hope to have a great crowd and festive atmosphere.”

Part of that festive atmosphere will begin at .

As for the game at hand, on paper, the Hillers are the clear-cut favorites in Friday’s tilt with Medfield – but anything is possible on homecoming.

“As always, it's all hands on deck,” said Ormberg. “I expect all of our seniors to play their best game of the year. … “Historically, we've always played [Hopkinton] tough. We split with them in the two games last year. If they are aggressive defensively we need to adjust and throw the ball. If they back off, we need to establish the run.”

Ormberg said two players his team has spent the week preparing against are Alex Hulme and Hank Rudden and the Hillers will present an effective game plan.

“They are very balanced running and throwing,” Ormberg said of Hopkinton. “Their senior captain and quarterback, Mike Decina, was sidelined recently and their backup, Rudden, has filled in admirably. They take chances defensively; running a lot of cover one and cover zero in the secondary. They have a good offensive line and Hulme is a dominant player at wide receiver, running back, linebacker and even quarterback.”

In order to be successful Friday, Ormberg said Medfield will need to be aggressive on defense and sustain long drives on offense.

“We need to recognize their sets and formations and react accordingly,” Ormberg said. “We need to force turnovers and control the clock on offense. … “We had one of our more physical weeks of practice in order to prepare for a talented Hopkinton team.”

After the Warriors’ unit will look to respond against another potent offense.

“I have a lot of faith in our defense,” Ormberg said. “We need to sustain our effort for four quarters in all phases of the game. Set recognition and reads and keys are the primary objectives for us defensively.”

Can’t attend Friday’s game? Be sure to follow Medfield Patch’s as local editor Jeremie Smith provides live blogging updates from the stands in real time!