One team will be walking away with their first win of the season when the Tanque Verde Hawks match up against Rincon/University High School this Friday.

Improvement is the name of the game for the Tanque Verde Hawks and head coach Jeremiah Johnson, who will look to correct some of the key issues from the first three weeks of the season.

“The biggest area of improvement is execution of the offense and alignment and assignment on defense. We have lots of new players. This week our goal is no turnovers, rush for over 200 yards and commit no arm tackles,” said Johnson.

The Hawks began the season on a low note, losing 55-6 to Douglas High School to start off the non-conference slate.

Tanque Verde then went on a bye and returned to the gridiron during Week 3 to take on the Amphitheater High School Panthers.

Not much would change for the Hawks as they were defeated 45-0. There was a lot to improve for the team as they eye Week 4.

The attention of the team now turns to Rincon/University, also looking for its first win of the season.

Both teams come into this matchup looking to erase the sour taste of big-time defeats this past week. While Tanque Verde was defeated by Amphitheater 45-0, the Rangers were defeated 56-6 by Sunnyside High School giving both teams records of 0-2.

When asked what the keys to the game were for the team, Johnson's answer was simple, “Alignment and assignment on defense. On offense we must sustain blocks and hold on to the football.”

The offense has been a weak point this season scoring only six points in three weeks this season. To fix their recent struggles, the Hawks have gone back to the fundamentals on both sides of the ball to make sure they are prepared to take on their next opponent.

“Going up against Rincon/ University, we are practicing against their offense to keep their score down. As for the offense, it’s back to execution and fundamentals of plays,” said Peter Olberding, senior captain.

Even though the start has been far from ideal, the Hawks are committed to improving and stay connected as a team.

“Moving forward from of the season to right now, we’re looking to improve upon our team bond, accountability and discipline. Changes are happening within in the program and they will progress the season forward,” said Olberding.

The Hawks are looking to rely on the likes of sophomore quarterback/ defensive back Corbin Austin and junior running back Kahlo Valenzuela to carry the load for the team.

They will also look to tighten up on the fundamentals and continue to play as a team in hopes of outlasting the Rangers.