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By C.Y. Peters

Unaka High School’s football team is set to take on Hancock High School in what promises to be a critical game, not only for their season but for the morale of the team. For the first time since their season opener, Unaka will be back at full strength, a much-needed boost as they prepare to face a packed schedule due to recent hurricane-related cancellations.

The return to full strength could not have come at a better time for the Rangers. After battling injuries and being shorthanded for several weeks, the team is eager to get back on track with a full roster. Despite the adversity, the Rangers have shown resilience, but this week’s matchup against Hancock brings an added level of excitement and optimism.

“This is the first time we’ll have everyone available since Week 1,” said Unaka coach O’Brien Bennett. “It’s a huge relief to have our team back to full health, especially with the challenging schedule we have ahead.”

The recent hurricane cancellations have created a difficult situation for the Rangers, who now face the task of playing multiple games per week to make up for lost time. This grueling stretch means there will be little opportunity to game-plan extensively for each individual opponent. Instead, Unaka’s focus has shifted toward perfecting their core strategies and ensuring that they can execute their base concepts at a high level.

“With so many games in rapid succession, we won’t have the luxury of spending a lot of time focusing on each opponent,” said Bennett. “Right now, our biggest priority is on our kids. We want to make sure they’re OK and that we’re not adding to their burden. At the same time, we need to focus on what we do best and make sure we execute it at a high level.”

This week’s game against Hancock is just the first in a series of challenges that lie ahead for Unaka. With multiple games in close succession, the team will need to rely on their depth, conditioning, and mental toughness to navigate the busy schedule successfully.

“We’ve talked a lot about staying mentally tough during this stretch,” Bennett noted. “It’s not just about the physical demands—it’s about making sure our kids are in the right place mentally and emotionally. It’s been a tough few weeks with all the uncertainty, but we’re confident in our team’s ability to handle it.”

Hancock High School presents its own set of challenges. Known for their physical style of play, they will undoubtedly be a tough opponent. But for Unaka, the focus remains inward—on the execution of their base principles, playing as a cohesive unit, and staying resilient through this demanding period.

“We know Hancock is a strong team, and we respect what they bring to the table,” said Bennett. “But right now, it’s about us. If we take care of our game, execute our base, and play for each other, we’ll put ourselves in a position to be successful.”

As the Rangers gear up for this stretch of games, there’s a sense of optimism and determination that comes with getting their full team back. While the road ahead is tough, Unaka is ready to embrace the challenge, starting with their game against Hancock.

This week marks a critical moment in the season, but with a full roster and a renewed focus on their core strengths, Unaka is prepared to weather the storm and emerge stronger as a team.

Unaka’s remaining schedule:

• Oct. 15: at Thomas Walker
• Oct. 18: vs. North Greene
• Oct. 21: vs. Hampton
• Oct. 25: at Happy Valley
• Nov. 1: vs. Cloudland

With a full lineup and a challenging schedule ahead, Unaka is focused on making the most of each opportunity on the field.