Edward Little is starting to get healthy — and not a moment too soon.

The Red Eddies will bring rejuvenated offensive and defensive lines into a week seven matchup with Deering, and that will be key against a big, physical Rams team.

“They’re very much like Oxford Hills,” EL coach Dave Sterling said. “They like to run between the tackles. They have good size on the offensive line. They really like to play old-school football and run downhill.”

Sterling said his team is getting back three linemen this week. On defense, that means being able to match the Rams’ size. On offense, that means a better chance of being able to run the ball.

Deering (2-4) likes to stick to the run. Senior Nate Richards plays both running back and quarterback, though he was injured early in last week’s loss to Oxford Hills. Sterling called Richards a “very good running back.” Senior fullback Robbie Dacey is a good complement in the backfield, and is able to catch the ball when needed.

The Red Eddies (2-4) have as good a passing attack as there is in Class A North, but that could get tested against the Rams.

“They do very well in the secondary. They have four very good athletes play at the second level,” Sterling said. “In Class A football there’s always good defensive players playing across from our guys. We just got to create space as we can, and then be able to change it up with our running game.”

Receivers CJ Jipson and Tyler Blanchard will have their work cut out for them, as will quarterback Grant Hartley. A healthy offensive line will help in both pass protection, giving the passing game time as well as opening holes for whoever runs the ball.

Who that will be taking handoffs for EL is a mystery. Caelan Pelletier came back last week, but is still working back to 100 percent. Caden Begos and Maxx Bell are both questionable for Friday night’s game.

“We’ve got to develop more consistency running the football,” Sterling said. “Getting those three linemen back will be significant for us, as far as being able to get off the football and dent the line of scrimmage and be able to create running opportunities for our running backs.”

A lack of a running game has hindered EL’s ability to close out games. The Red Eddies had a lead last week against Sanford, but let it slip away when injuries helped derail a running attack that could have helped close out a win.

Friday night is senior night for the Red Eddies, as well as EL’s Cure for Cancer fundraiser game.

“We have almost 20 seniors, we’ve got some really good athletes that want to go out on a winning note at Walton Field,” Sterling said. “We look forward to a great turnout.”

wkramlich@sunjournal.com