By RANDY GONZALES

rgonzales@dailynews.net

Not knowing exactly what to prepare for, one might think the first game of the season would be the hardest, if you were a coach.

Hays High School football coach Rick Blosser thinks it's the easiest, for that exact same reason.

Blosser begins his second year with the Indians Friday in a 7 p.m. game against Concordia against Lewis Field Stadium.

He said not knowing for sure what the Panthers will do makes the game plan less of a challenge.

Concordia showed one thing on tape from last year, and something else in its scrimmage last week.

As a result you adjust during the first half and halftime to what the opponent is doing.

"I look at it as an easier week, because you don't know," Blosser said.

"(It's) being able to adapt on the run. Kids are knowledgeable enough, we know what base defense we've got to be in.

"You've got more halftime adjustments, as well," Blosser added.

Despite the uncertainty, Blosser thinks Concordia, 3-6 a year ago, will come out throwing. The Panthers ran the West Coast offense last season, which emphasizes the short passing game.

"We're guessing they're going to try to throw the ball," Blosser said.

Concordia returns senior quarterback Kaden Buer, who completed 64-of-189 passes (36 percent) last year for 826 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Panthers also have a running threat in senior tailback David Mortimer. Last year, Mortimer ran for 808 yards and four touchdowns.

Hays High graduated most of its skill position players off last year's 2-7 team. Stepping in at quarterback is senior Kelton Rule, last year's backup until injuries elevated him to a starting role late in the season.

Rule displayed his passing ability in limited action last year. But the Indians run the veer, a ground-oriented offense.

Blosser added pass plays this offseason, but said that was a normal progression in installing the offense. In the team's preseason scrimmage, Rule looked comfortable both throwing the ball and running the option.

Lining up behind Rule will be senior halfback Jay Sanders and junior fullback Travis Pfannenstiel. The tight end will be senior Thomas Rohleder, with senior Logan Downing and junior Bryant Bombardier the wide receivers.

Blosser thinks the offense will be improved; in 2007 the Indians averaged 13.3 points per game.

"I think we're executing our offense better Week 1 than Week 9 last year," Blosser said.

But more than anything, the team is ready to start the season, Blosser said.

"We're tired of practicing against each other," Blosser said. "We're ready for a game."