By STEFAN GESTWICKI
OBSERVER Sports Reporter
Westfield is assured a spot in the playoffs after back-to-back league wins, but the Wolverines know they can't overlook Forestville when the Hornets come to town tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The game will actually be played in Brocton as the team, which contains players from both Westfield and Brocton, celebrates its second homecoming.
"It's kind of neat to have a game over there," Westfield coach Bob North said of playing at Brocton. "Dan Ferguson is one of our Brocton kids. He's always pumped up. He's always ready to play. I think everyone gets excited for homecoming."
It's no secret that quarterback Jake Nosbisch is the engine that runs the Forestville offense.
"I watched them on film and offensively, they do some nice things," North added. "The quarterback is really good. He's athletic and they looked really good against Pine Valley (last week)."
If ever there was a defense that can contain Forestville, it's the Wolverines - who recorded a 27-0 win over Southwestern early in the season and held Cassadaga Valley off the scoreboard in an 18-0 victory last week.
"I think we're getting better and better," North continued. "I think we've improved defensively. We're getting there. We're pretty healthy now, which is good."
On the offensive side of the ball, North has watched his team develop into a big-play threat, especially after plays like a 45-yard run by Mike Okerlund and a 67-yard run by Ferguson in the win over Cassadaga Valley.
"I think we have to be," North admitted. "We're not one of those teams where we can drive the ball down someone's throat. We haven't done that on a regular basis. We're a big play offense. That's kind of what we are right now."
The Hornets (0-5) have struggled to get their first win of the season, but even in a non-league game, Westfield won't be taking anything for granted.
"We got refocused after getting beat by Sherman (in Week 3)," North stated. "That woke them up a little bit. They know they have to take every day seriously. This is a week to get sharper on both sides of the ball.
"This week is a good test for us because (Nosbisch) really makes the offense go," he added. "He runs the ball well and throws well. He obviously creates problems. Our defensive ends are going to have to be sharp. If we miss him, he's going to turn it into a big play."
Tailback Nate Maines is another Forestville player that North noted he'll have to keep tabs on.
"It's an assignment week," he concluded. "They run some options and run them well. I think our defense will have to be on top of things."
