The HCI Mohawks football team is underway with final preparations for their biggest game of the season to this point.

On Friday, the Mohawks will be hosting the Churchill Chargers from La Ronge, with the winner securing a spot in the provincial quarterfinals.

Head Coach Cory Popoff noted that the team has taken big strides since their first practice in late August.

"I think our team is starting to become better at reading plays, better at blocking, and just experience, is really what we were lacking," he explained. "They obviously have had a lot of play time now, and it is showing."

Through the process of working with a relatively inexperienced group of starters, Popoff says that it has been a test for his coaches, but it is all coming together.

"Patience as a coaching staff is key at this juncture, and that has paid off. We still have high expectations of our players, and they have high expectations of themselves, so because of that, they learn, and they grow."

The Mohawks started the season with a pair of losses to Nipawin and Melfort, before bouncing back with wins over La Ronge and Tisdale.

Despite being on the winning side of a 27-13 score in La Ronge, Popoff noted that the Chargers will have made efficient use of their bye week to be fully prepared for the Mohawks.

With that, he says that the team needs to ensure one major component of the game to assist with their play on Friday.

"They have to come out to play and be tough and physical right from the first play. Should that be guaranteed, then play execution will come along with it. We have to hit hard right off the hop."

The Mohawks will take some time to celebrate their past as well as the community during the game.

A grand opening celebration will take place at halftime for the big blue structure that sits on the sideline at midfield, known as the Conexus Community Tower.

Popoff says that the team always has good support, and they are hoping to see that once again.

"It really would help our play quite a bit if we were able to get a big crowd. This community has been so supportive of us and that shows with the tower itself and the fundraising that went into it," he noted.

"I hope they also come out, as well as our alumni to support us and once again celebrate Mohawk football."