Chiefs to visit Vernon for playoffs Friday

Northview will be facing a tough challenge in Vernon on Friday in the FHSAA’s Class 1A Regional Semifinals.

The Chiefs (2-7) enter this week’s contest after a week off for some much-needed rest, NHS head football coach Sid Wheatley said.

“Last week, we just worked on fundamentals,” Wheatley said. “This week, we’ll work on schemes and what they’re showing on offense and defense, and what we feel like is best suited for us on offense against their defense.”

Wheatley said Vernon runs a four-man front on defense, and multiple on offense.

“We need to be able to stop the run on defense,” he said. “We need to tackle well, block the front and their linebackers.”

Wheatley added that the Chiefs must control the ball on offense and get points when they have opportunities.

“They’ve got a good team,” he said. “It’s a tough place to play. They’ve got a really good middle linebacker on defense, and a couple skill players on offense.

“It’ll be a challenge,” he said. “If we play well, we’ll have a chance to win.”

Wheatley said the players, who are no strangers to the postseason, are excited about the game.

“It’s a good and exciting time of the year being involved in the playoffs,” he said. “If we’re fortunate to move on, then we’ll be one of eight teams left. It’s there and ready to go. We’ve just got to decided whether to go and take it.”

Kick off in Vernon on Friday is at 7:30 p.m.