Northview went back to the basics during its bye week and is set to take on rival Jay, Fla. for its homecoming this week in Bratt.

The Chiefs (3-2) defeated Holmes County 26-20 two weeks ago in a come-from-behind contest. JHS lost 35-0 to Baker last week.

Leading the Royals is running back and defensive tackle James Eddings.

“He’s a heck of a football player,” NHS head football coach Derek Marshman said about Eddings. “I’ve told a bunch of coaches, and even his coaches, he’s probably the most impressive high school football player I’ve coached against. He does all that’s required, and is extremely tough and physical.”

Marshman added that Eddings is just as effective on defense and special teams when he plays on that side of the ball.

Last week, the Chiefs focused on a bunch of things, notably fundamentals and just the basics of the game, Marshman said. He added that the coaches didn’t put any sort of game plan in last week.

“When you start facing this team, and that team, your game plan alters week to week,” he said. “This was a great time for us during the midseason. It was like we went back to fall camp, and there, you can focus on yourself and what you do best.”

With it being homecoming week, sometimes the focus of the players is elsewhere.

Marshman said the players can and are encouraged to have fun Monday through Wednesday.

When it comes to Wednesday night, “all eyes and ears need to be on football.”

“Sometimes it’s tough to keep them focused on the task at hand,” he said. “The good news is that you have rival opponent coming up.”

Kick off on Friday is at 7 p.m.