Ranger Football Team Looking Forward To Home Opener

The Lakewood High School football team starts its home schedule on Friday, September 4th. The Rangers will start their second season under head coach Mike Ribar. Ribar and his team have been working hard during the offseason to prepare for the new campaign.

Ribar is optimistic about the team, which he feels is far ahead of where it was last year at this time last year. “We got stronger and faster [this offseason],” he said, “kids are ready to go.” When asked what his goals are for the season, he responded, “To compete every night, to win the conference and make the playoffs.” He says that the keys to the season will be preparation and execution of the fundamentals.

This season’s schedule will present many challenges for the team. For the third time since 2006, the program is switching conferences. After three years in the West Shore Conference, this will their first year in the Southwestern Conference (SWC). The SWC is an upgrade in competition, featuring four teams in this year’s preseason Plain Dealer top 25 (Midview, Avon, Berea-Midpark, North Olmsted). Ribar says the new league will present, “a test every week. The team that stays healthy will do well.”

The strength of this year’s team will be its skill position players on offense. Ribar is confident that the passing game will be much better than in 2014. “I feel very good about the passing game. Quarterback will throw the ball and let the receivers do the work.” Jack Witri, who started three games at QB last year, will be the starter. He is joined in the backfield by Senior Running Back Michael Goolsby and Junior Back Quentin Palmer. Palmer, who started at fullback last year, rushed for over 300 yards in 2014. The receiving corps will include Junior Sean Wiggins.

The defense will be led by a veteran linebacking corps. Junior Kevin Musai, already a two-year starter, will be a key part of the LB group. The secondary features Senior Safety Adam Giffels, Sean Wiggins, and Atticus Kenny. Senior Joe Fitchwell, a two-year starter and all-conference player in 2014, will lead the defensive line.

The team is hoping for strong fan support at home games this year. “Home field advantage is a huge thing to high school athletes,” says Ribar. The Rangers have five home games this season. In addition to the home opener against Berea-Midpark, they will host four other conference opponents. Homecoming will be September 25 against North Olmsted. The September 18 game vs. Avon Lake will be “Youth Night.” The regular season will end on October 30 vs. Amherst Steele at “Senior Night.” Senior players, cheerleaders, and band members will be recognized before the game.

LHS football tickets cost $6 for ages 6-59. LHS students can get $4 tickets via presale at school. Lakewood senior citizens (age 60+) and kids aged five and under are admitted FREE.