Medfield Football Will Look to Control the Ball Against Unbeaten Westwood Thursday

In its second league game in six days, the football team will look to limit Westwood’s offensive chances Thursday by controlling the ball and line of scrimmage.

“Offensively, we need to win the line of scrimmage and move the chains,” said Medfield head coach . “We are evolving into a ball control offense and the more we can limit Westwood's opportunities with the ball, the more we like our chances. We didn't have any turnovers last week and we want to extend that streak.”

Medfield (1-3, 0-1), , is looking forward to the opportunity to get on the field and even its league record.

“Short week of preparation had us focusing a lot on team sessions,” Ormberg said. “The competitiveness at practice was evident all week. The players know what they are capable of and how quickly we get a chance to go 1-1 in the league.”

Standing in the Warriors' way of a league victory is an aggressive and unbeaten Westwood (4-0) team coming off a 28-3 victory over Norton last week.

“They have not showed a lot of exotic fronts and coverages, but they have executed well in their two TVL games against Bellingham and Norton,” Ormberg said. “Offensively they are efficient and balanced. They try to pound the ball inside and are effective getting to the perimeter. They have an impressive bubble screen package and a very physical, north-south running back.”

That running back is Brandon Rodenbush, who Ormberg says will demand the attention of his defense.

“Our success defensively depends on stopping him,” he said.

Westwood also presents a “trick play” in special teams the Warriors have been preparing for.

“Westwood has a very unorthodox rugby punt,” Ormberg said. “We saw them run a fake punt on film so the special teams units have been preparing to defend their spread punt.”

As for other preparation this week in practice, Ormberg said his team did a “good job” focusing on Westwood’s crossing patterns and covering the running back out of the backfield. Controlling the line of scrimmage was also a focal point at practice.

“We think we can outphysical them up front,” Ormberg said. “If we tackle well and contain Rodenbush, we will be in a position to succeed.”

Ormberg expects Jack Papadinoff, Aaron Cohen and Cam Donnelly to have big games on offense for Medfield, while Jake Mintz and Ife Adebayo to lead the defense.

Despite the short week to prepare for Westwood, Ormberg said from a physical standpoint, the Warriors are ready.

“They are in the weight room twice a week during the season and conditioning-wise, I am impressed with their endurance,” Ormberg said. The quick turnaround forces us and Westwood to prioritize our strengths in preparation.”

Kick-off is 7 p.m. on the MHS turf.