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MIDDLETOWN — Fenwick High School's football team enters the 2008 season another year wiser in the Wing-T offense. Thoughts of a successful season are circulating at Krusling Brothers Field.

"I think we're ready to turn it up a notch," said Fred Cranford, who enters his third season as the Falcons coach. "(I think) they're ready to accept the challenges we've laid out in front of them for Friday nights."

The first step on that road begins tonight, Aug. 22, when Fenwick hosts Mariemont, one of three teams the Falcons defeated last season.

"The kids know we have to play well in all three phases of the game — offense, defense and special teams," Cranford said. "It's no different than any other week of the season.

"They will try to control the clock with a full-house offense like we used to run when we went to the playoffs a few years ago," he continued. "The key for us will be holding them to a lot of three-and-outs and getting the ball back to our offense. We cannot give up any big plays, especially in third-and-long situations."

Fenwick narrowly defeated the Warriors 17-14 on the road in last year's season opener.

Mariemont returns its leading rusher from last season in Steven Douglas, but he is one of only three returning starters on offense. He carried the ball 181 times for 788 yards and six touchdowns as a junior.

The Falcons, on the other hand, lost their leading rusher — Jordan Branco — to graduation, and one of their top returning rushers — junior Sam Keegan — is out indefinitely with health issues.

But Cranford remains confident in his offense with junior quarterback Tyler Murphy and senior fullback Keeton Daley in control.

As a sophomore, Murphy completed 26-of-80 passes for 343 yards and one touchdown. Daley rushed for 344 yards and three scores.

The Falcons must improve on offense when they have a chance to put points on the board, Cranford said.

"Last year, we gave up a couple of turnovers to them in the red zone, and we had a lack of execution in our scrimmage against Waynesville (last week)," he said. "We have to execute better in the red zone.

"I think (the kids) are as prepared as we can get them. It should be a fun Friday night," he added.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or sweaver@coxohio.com.