Medfield Looks to Play ‘Physical, Downhill’ Football against Norton Friday

It has been a trying first six weeks for the football team as the Warriors enter Friday’s game at Norton with a 1-5 record and 0-2 in the Tri-Valley League Large Division.

After suffering its third straight loss last week, Medfield spent the week at practice focusing on scoring in the red zone and forcing turnovers on defense over 44 minutes.

“We need to play four full quarters of football,” said Medfield head coach Erik Ormberg. “We are planning on all players to contribute in some way. Our goal is to execute at full speed.”

Norton enters Friday’s tilt with the Warriors at 2-4 overall and 0-1 in the Tri-Valley League Small Division. Ormberg said the Lancers present an offensive package that will challenge the Warriors’ defense.

“Norton runs a version of the ‘Wing T’ that forces you to stay disciplined in
your reads and keys,” Ormberg said. “They have had some success running an I-Formation as well.”

Quarterback Mike Ready and 6-foot-5 wide receiver James Keating lead Norton’s offense. Ormberg said Ready also targets receiver Tyler Durocher frequently.

On defense, Ormberg described the Lancers as young and aggressive.

“They put a lot of pressure on the line of scrimmage,” he said.

Ormberg said the key to a Warriors’ victory Friday is sustaining physical play over four quarters – something Medfield has struggled to do in five of its six games this season.

“We need to play four quarters of physical, downhill football,” Ormberg said.  We have to have other players step up so the burden is not on [quarterback] Alex [Opiela] on every play.”

Medfield’s focus on practice this week to prepare for a physical game Friday started with the offense’s blocking assignments.

“[We must] execute and block well,” Ormberg said. “We focused on stalk blocking all week and I expect our [running] backs and wide receivers to provide space and seams for our running backs this week.”

Kick-off is 7 p.m. in Norton.

Inside the Numbers

• 1-6 – Combined record for Medfield and Norton against Tri-Valley League teams. Medfield beat Ashland 45-6 on Sept. 23.
• 27 – Medfield defense points allowed per game.
• 13.2 – Medfield offense points per game.
• 3 – Consecutive Medfield losses (Holliston, 42-14; Westwood, 28-7; Bellingham, 26-6).
• 243 – Rushing yards by Medfield quarterback Alex Opiela.
• 28.1 – Norton defense points allowed per game.
• 13 – Norton offense points per game.
• 4 – Consecutive Norton losses (Millis/Hopedale, 27-0; Westwood, 28-3; Medway, 35-6; Hopkinton, 42-21).