Ronan football update

I made it out to this afternoon's practice in Ronan and was able to talk to head coach Jim Benn. He told me that the two running backs that were injured during the Chiefs' 28-14 victory over Browning will still be out for the team's matchup against Stevensville tomorrow. Lucus Black had a high ankle sprain and J.J. Tanner a strained ligament.

"Lucus was almost ready to go but better safe than sorry," Benn said. "J.J. is out for another week."

The team is adjusting, and senior tight end Cole McArthur is stepping in to play running back.

"Cole stepped in and he has a wrist band," Benn said. "Cole is a senior. He knows the expectations, he's played fullback before."

Stevensville will present an interesting challenge for Ronan. It's a very athletic team cut in the same ilk as Frenchtown, last year's state champions. A highly athletic team that likes to run the ball a lot.

"Stevensville is very athletic, they run a spread offense," Benn said. "Their QB had a ton of speed. they have a lot of good speed kids."

Ronan definitely likes to run the ball too, they only passed six times against Browning and that's a lot according to Benn. They also racked up a Northwest A league high in rushing yards, going for over 300.

"It's what  we do," he said. "I think our line did a fantastic job."

Benn said that his team might struggle earlier to adjust because of the change at running back, but the line play should be very solid.

"I think they did a fantastic job. Their effort was great," Benn said. "They have the potential to be special."

Ronan plays Stevensville at 7 p.m. tomorrow on the road.

PRACTICE PHOTO GALLERY: