The last time Rudder played the Taylor Ducks, the Rangers were beat up and broken-hearted. This season, things are a little different and a lot healthier.

The Rudder Rangers' first senior class will kick off the 2010 season on the road, facing their former District 24-3A foes at Memorial Stadium.

"I'm excited about this year," Rudder head coach C.M. Pier said. "I like our team. We've got some pretty good kids. We've got our first senior class. I'm ready to play some ball. We've had a good week of practice.

"It's so long getting to this point when you start in August. You get tired of hitting on each other and you go through a period with a lull. We need some games. If we get that, we'll be all right."

Last season, Taylor beat Rudder 27-25 as the Ducks forced three turnovers, running an interception back for a touchdown that proved to be the difference.

Rudder was missing offensive stalwart Tre Hammond, who had suffered a concussion the previous week. In his stead, running back Restevin Anderson gashed the Ducks for 151 rushing yards and a touchdown.

"The two major statistics in losing are turnovers and rushing the football," Pier said. "If you can't stop the rush or if you can't rush, you're probably going to lose. You can't be one-dimensional, not today. If you eliminate turnovers and can run the ball, you've got a shot to win the game."

Taylor head coach Rick Cobia brought in a new offensive coordinator during the offseason. The Ducks now will run the slot-T this season, which uses a lot of misdirection plays involving quick pitches and counter traps. Rudder has some experience facing the offense, for it's very similar to what Caldwell's Dale Williams runs with the Hornets.

The Rangers will have to contend with a couple of very good athletes, though, in Taylor running back Lorenzo Sanford and junior quarterback Jarvis Caldwell.

"They've got a big tailback [Sanford] who's about 225 pounds," Pier said. " He's a big, strong man. He'll be tough. [Caldwell] is big and athletic. Rick Cobia is one of the best coaches in the area. We've seen them in two scrimmages now. They're going to be tough."

Taylor's biggest strength lies in its defense. Senior linebacker Kelbie Stifflemire leads the way for the Ducks. The all-district performer led Taylor with 108 tackles and can wreak havoc on opposing passing games.

"The best part of that team is the defense," Pier said. "That defense is salty. They've got some very good players over there. It's going to be quite a challenge to move the ball on them."