The Chiefs will need some hard-nosed running by the likes of junior Josh Livingston to move the ball against the rugged defense of No. 1 Orrick. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

ALMA -- It seems like just yesterday that the Santa Fe football team was slugging out a 21-6 win over Wentworth Military Academy.

Actually, it wasn't much longer than that, Monday, giving the Chiefs only three precious days to prepare for top-ranked Orrick -- the defending MSHSAA Class 1 and I-70 Conference champion.

"Certainly not the best of situations," understated Santa Fe head coach Andy Frerking. "I think our kids are handling it well."

The Chiefs seemed fairly resilient to the schedule shake-up, which delayed them two days from the expected Saturday contest last week, scoring two touchdowns during the first quarter against the Red Dragons.

"The biggest thing I've seen is they've handled adversity with a toughness and a little resolve," Frerking said.

Santa Fe is likely to get a heavy dose of adversity during its contest with the Bearcats (3-0, 3-0 I-70), who have out-scored opponents 106-14.

Between juniors Aaron Blyth and Kalija Rogers and sophomore Logan Eubank, Orrick is loaded with speed -- and is able to keep up the pressure.

"Our challenge is to be playing at that pace the whole time," Frerking said. "Our biggest thing is to play offense, not defense. You've got to get first downs and keep their offense off the field."

Orrick's defense presents its own obstacles, namely all-state senior Leslee Eubank on the defensive line.

"The No. 1 thing that sticks out in my mind is that they are very physical football team," Frerking noted. "They play the right way. You have to match their enthusiasm and intensity each play."

The Chiefs (1-2, 0-0) certainly shouldn't have a problem being motivated against the perennial powerhouse they will face Friday.

"I don't know what will happen," Frerking conceded, "but our kids have made the best of a bad situation."