Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms Sheffield running back Jeremiah Richardson fights for yards in during Sheffield’s opening day loss to Bucktail last Friday.

Sheffield looks to bounce back today for its home opener as the Wolverines host the Otto-Eldred Terrors on Wolverine Mountain.

The Wolverines were without multiple starters due to illness in their 42-12 loss on the road against Bucktail last Friday.

Meanwhile, the Terrors also dropped their first game of the season, falling to Elk County Catholic 35-30.

“Yes, it was a loss, but we focused on the things we did well,” said Sheffield head coach Mike Barr. “We put it in perspective on building the next level of the foundation. We focused a lot on their mentality. We focused on their drive to keep playing football. Even down 26-0, to come back and score, you didn’t see heads hanging and the here we go again mentality.”

Down 35-18 midway through the fourth quarter, Otto-Eldred was able to score twice to pull within a touchdown. Quarterback Andrew Schenfield threw for 291 yards and four touchdowns, going 24 of 33. Hunter App and Manning Splain were both key targets for Schenfield, combining for 219 yards and four scores.

“Otto didn’t quit,” Barr said of the Terrors. “They’re going to come, and they’re going to be physical. They like to spread us out. We need to mindful of our positions. This week here is going to be on our defense.”

The Wolverines will still be without three rotational players, but Barr is confident his returning guys will help to elevate the offense and take advantage of Otto-Eldred on the ground the same way Elk County Catholic was able to. Given the Terrors’ ability to attack through the air, Sheffield will have to control the tempo and the clock on this afternoon. Sheffield running back Jeremiah Richardson ran for 91 yards off 15 carries, and scored once against Bucktail, averaging over 6 yards per carry. Sheffield turned the ball over three times last week; two interceptions and one fumble.

“We’re able to do a couple things we weren’t able to do last Friday night with the line,” said Barr. “I’d like to think we’re going to stick to that gameplan. Our gameplan is going to be trying to match their physical play.”

Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. today.