Good news for Gardiner Area High School football fans: Forrest Chadwick is practicing and could be ready to play this weekend.

Of course, with an exhibition against Camden Hills Regional High School on tap Friday (7 p.m.), it's also likely Chadwick will be limited as he comes back from an left Achilles injury suffered last week against Oak Hill.

"Forrest is doing pretty well," Gardiner coach Jim Palmer said. "He practiced (Wednesday) and he will practice (Thursday). We'll see how it looks on Friday. He doesn't have any discomfort, but it's an exhibition and we won't take too many chances. But he's running without any setbacks."

Chadwick suffered the injury early in a 32-6 victory last Saturday against Oak Hill. He played sparingly in the final three quarters and finished with 71 yards on six carries, including a 52-yard touchdown run.

Sophomore Dalton Eldridge picked up the slack, rushing for a game-high 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Palmer said Wednesday that Eldridge was scheduled to play in the junior varsity game, but his heavy workload Saturday forced a change in plans.

"We decided that he could run and condition with the varsity," Palmer said.

Palmer added that Eldridge could see more time with the varsity, possibly as a wingback when Chadwick returns.

The Tigers (1-0) also should have quarterback Mike Denham (hyperextended knee) back this weekend as well.