Following a 28-20 win over the Richfield Spartans, Park football prepares this week for Thursday’s home game against rival, Benilde-St. Margaret’s. The game will be played early because of Yom Kippur.

According to senior defensive back and kicker, Skyler Rudelius-Palmer, last week’s win provided team with confidence as they prepare for kickoff against BSM.

“Even though we might have a few mistakes that give up big yards, if we cut those down we are going to be a really elite defense and an elite offense”

Head coach Ben Wolfe said the team feels ready to face the Red Knights despite the shortened week of practice.

“We feel prepared. It is a team we have faced for a lot of years. They are a good team and we are a good team too,” Wolfe said.

According to Rudelius-Palmer in preparation for the this week’s game, the team focused on preparing efficiently throughout practice because of the earlier game.

“We’ve been putting in a lot of hard work,” Rudelius-Palmer said.

Wolfe said that although BSM may be seen as a rival, the team sees the game as a chance to add another tally to the win column.

“We don’t necessarily look at it as added pressure, more so as an opportunity to beat a good team at home in the middle of the season,” Wolfe said.

Rudelius-Palmer said having strong defense will be a crucial component of stopping the Red Knight’s offense.

“(We cannot allow any) blown coverage(s), for the defensive backs. We have a tendency to play really well, and then we have a few plays where we have blown coverage and let up a big play,” Rudelius-Palmer said.

Wolfe said although the team is approaching the matchup like any other game, it is a game they have had circled on their calendars since the schedule was released.

“It’s a game we have been looking at for a long time, and we have been preparing for going into this season,” Wolfe said.

Park plays Benilde at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at home.