When the Albert Lea Tigers take on the Wasea tonight, the most experienced player on the field will be Bluejays quarterback Brad McIntosh.

A senior this season, McIntosh is a three-year starter behind center and the team’s best leader, according to Waseca head coach Brad Wendland. He has two weapons — his speed and throwing ability — and leads the Bluejay’s Wing-T offense.

The Tigers’ defense will need to be patient and focused to stop Waseca from scoring.

“We need to be disciplined,” said Albert Lea head coach Clay Anderson, of his team’s defense. “We have to match their physicalness and tackle well.”

Defensively, the Bluejays are just going to worry about themselves.

“So many times the first game of the year is decided by who is the most ready and who makes the fewest mistakes,” Wendland said. “We are going to try to execute our schemes and limit turnovers and penalties.”

But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t scouted the Tigers.

“We expect a solid run and play action pass offense with some option and spring out,” Wendland said. “The Tigers are extremely well coached, they play solid defense against the run with strong defensive ends and linebackers that read well.”

In their season opener, the Tigers will be lead by senior quarterback Kyle Kriewall, his second season starting in that spot.

Kriewall’s main passing target will be senior Aaron Klatt, a 6-foot 5-inch receiver who led the team in receiving last season.

For coach Anderson, the game plan for tonight is simple:

“We need to come out with enthusiasm,” he said.

“Play with confidence and make plays.”

The Tigers lost to the Bluejays last season and both teams are improved entering this fall.

“We will have to do a much better job than we did last year to score on them,” Anderson said.

Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m. at Hammer Field.