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Making the playoffs is the goal of every team that starts the season this week, though, and McBain certainly feels it's just as capable as anyone else.

The Ramblers, who compete in the Highland Conference, are big up front, and that could pose a serious problem for the Ramblers of the Lake Michigan Conference.

A physical team that is extremely well-coached, McBain should give Boyne City a good test before the Ramblers begin play in the LMC.

Running a power-I formation on offense, McBain doesn't fool with intricate formations and misdirection plays.

Power football is the Ramblers'game. But they also mix in some play action passes on rollouts.

On defense, the Ramblers appear to be strong. The same players who'll do the blocking on offense will be switching around to anchor the defense.

Size is the Ramblers'major asset on defense as well.

"They have a couple of good linebackers," Hills said. "It's a good football team, and will be a good test for us."

Hills came out of last week's scrimmage at Suttons Bay feeling good about the Ramblers, but also recognizing that there were some things they need to work on and improve before they get into the league schedule.

But, the best thing about it was the Ramblers came out of the scrimmage healthy, and improved on their execution on both sides of the ball enough to make Hills think they could be strong again this season.

Friday night's game plan is pretty simple for the Ramblers.

"We're going try and possess the ball," Hills said. "We're going to try and eliminate negative plays, and hopefully we can get on the board early, try to get some momentum early in the game.

"I think that McBain's numbers are a little bit low. I think they had 16 kids on their roster. For us, we're going to try to roll out a lot of kids early, and hopefully our conditioning will help us in the second half.

"If we can get all of our kids playing, hopefully that will be a positive for us."

Naturally, the offensive line play will figure heavily in the Ramblers'success - or lack of it - on Friday night.

"We've got all returners up front, and if we can establish some control of the offensive line, that's going to allow us to sustain drives, and control the ball," Hills said.

"So, from an offensive standpoint, I think the key for us is taking care of the football and allowing our offensive line to try and take over control of the line of scrimmage."

Two of the key players coming back on offense are Nick Simeri at tackle and center Ryan Musser, a junior who played as a sophomore last year.

Musser is a big part of Boyne City's offense because he calls out the defensive fronts. A lot of the Ramblers'blocking schemes are based upon what kind of front the defense is showing.

Defensively, it's a matter of flying around, being aggressive and playing with a lot of energy.

"It's because of their style of offense -- they're going to try and pound the ball, and take advantage of the fact they're big and physical," Hills said.

"For us, not matching up particularly well in the size category, we're going to need lots of people at the point of attack. So, it's important for us to pursue."

Much of the Ramblers'defense is designed to permit the linebackers to play aggressively and with a lot of energy. Simeri will be a major factor there as well as a returning linebacker.

Robbie Jensen is a returning safety, and can also come up to play run support, as well as stay back and play the pass.

McBain does a lot of play action rollouts, and Jensen's ability to cover the receiver will be a key.