Starting off any season winless is hard, but possibly none is harder than the ever constant battle that is football. Not only is football a game of strength, men battling for feet at a time, but one of will and attitude. Countless times have smaller, less talented players smoked out the stars because of their ability to dedicate themselves to their position and the game. But dedication can start to falter. After three heartbreaking losses for the Rhinelander football team, us Hodags traveled to Ashland to take on the Oredockers in a contest we were ready to dominate.

And dominate we did, as the offense totaled over 400 yards and the defense held Ashland to just 12 points. Senior captain Richard Klaver had an amazing game, as he not only rushed for over a 100 yards with two touchdowns, but intercepted two Oredocker passes to earn himself the player of the game.

Things seemed to come together at the right time for the Hodags, and apart from several broken plays resulting in long Oredocker gains, the Hodags were in control throughout the contest. We drove home content with our first victory of the year, washing the taste of defeat from our mouths and freshly motivated for our next challenge. And boy is our next challenge a significant one.

On Friday night we traveled to Minocqua to take on one of our biggest rivals, the Lakeland Thunderbirds. Years of rough play and hard fought games have fueled the bad blood between these schools, and both are looking to take a big step forward in the GNC with the win. With a Thunderbird in our cross hairs and new fire in our bellies, we look to work our way to 2-1 in the GNC, trudging towards a potential playoff berth.

But our journey is for naught if not for the help and support of our Rhinelander community. Thanks to everyone who supports the Hodag football team and program, and we will continue to make new believers.

Editor’s note: For more coverage of local sports, visit StarJournalNOW.com and HodagSports.com.