The focus again is on tackling this week during practice for the Incline High School football team.

Incline is coming off a 36-0 loss Saturday at Rite-of-Passage Silver State Academy in Yerington, Nev. The loss dropped the Highlanders to 0-2 this season, and 0-2 in Northern 2A play.

“They were unbelievably fast, in all aspects of the game,” said IHS coach Kyle Gordon. “We played great in the first half; I mean, we went into halftime thinking we could win. But their quarterback is amazing; he’s got to be the fastest quarterback in (Northern Nevada), 4A or 2A or whatever.”

ROP’s speed was a problem for Incline, which led to some missed tackles, Gordon said. Turnovers also were a problem, he said. Incline had six in the game — four fumbles and two interceptions.

The Rams (1-1) lost their first game 40-13 against 2A power Battle Mountain High School. Gordon said that final score was a bit misleading, however.

“When we scouted ROP, 10 of their players didn’t play against Battle Mountain, and at least five were starters,” Gordon said. “But they played against us. They’re outstanding — one of the best teams in the 2A.

“But the important thing is our kids played hard; they played well.”

Tackling continues to be the focus this week in preparation of Friday’s homecoming game against rival North Tahoe High School, Gordon said. The game begins at 5 p.m. at IHS.

The Lakers are 0-3 (0-2 Northern 2A) this season after suffering league losses to Mineral County (26-12) and Battle Mountain (62-6) high schools. They also lost 48-16 against non-conference foe Biggs (Calif.) High School to begin the season.

IHS senior Tyler Cramer won’t play in Friday’s game, however, as he broke his collarbone on the third play of Saturday’s game. Cramer is out for the season.

Read Friday’s Bonanza for a preview of the Incline/North Tahoe game.