Ashland Oredockers
Coach: Clay North, fourth season
Conference: Sea-Range
2006 record: 6-4 overall, 5-1 conference
Key returnees: QB Ricky Bretting, OL David Nevala, Ben Blazek and Fred Burns, and RB Nate Dickerson are key on offense, while fellow seniors NG Tim Gast, DT Josh Whitebird, LBs Dave Kontny and Luke DeBriyn and FS Joe Malyuk return to man the defense.
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Key game: The Highway 2 rivalry against Northwestern is always a big game. But the venue -- Malosky Stadium on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus -- makes tonight's game extra special.
Outlook: The Oredockers surprised many in their Sea-Range debut last season, losing only at Proctor. With several experienced players back, Ashland hopes to start strong and again contend for a conference title. Experience is especially important since North is implementing a true wishbone offense, which often takes time to learn. Bretting's ability to run the offense is vital.
