Balance in the game of football is a key attribute that can help a team win a big game, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The ability to attack defenses with equal success in both the running and passing game provides an advantage that usually will give that certain team a "W."

Enter the Lehighton Indians.The Tribe (9-0, 8-0 AFL) has had their way with opposing defenses both on the ground and through the air. However, this week the Indians could very well be presented with their toughest test to date this season as Anthracite Football League rival Jim Thorpe (8-1, 7-1 AFL) invades Lehighton.With an AFL Championship, postseason implications, and the Route 209 Trophy on the line in this match-up, the game between the Indians and Olympians has been deemed the Week 10 Times News Game of the Week.As noted, Lehighton is one of the most balanced football teams in not only the AFL, but all of District 11. The Indians can pound the rock with running back Wyatt Clements (1,283 yards rushing, 19 TDs) or they can dissect opposing defenses through the air with Tyler Cann (1,291 yards passing, 13 TDs, 2 INTs). Lehighton can hit you from every angle on offense, which means Jim Thorpe's "Red Swarm" defense certainly has its work cut out for it come Friday night. The Tribe is averaging 383.2 yards of total offense per game."We need to make sure we continue to do what we've been doing all season long on both offense and defense and that we do it well," said Lehighton head coach Tom McCarroll. "This is obviously a big game for both teams. There could be momentum changes throughout the game, but the most important thing for us is to execute and not lose our composure at any moment. I think we're prepared for whatever is thrown our way come Friday."The Olympians are coming into this week's matchup looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to what looks to be a perennial AFL power in Blue Mountain.Jim Thorpe was dominated up front, which doesn't bode well for them as they enter this week's contest against a very good and physical Indians offensive and defensive line. The Olympians gave up 303 total yards of offense to the Eagles, which is 100 yards more than their season average (195.2 total yards of offense given up per game).For the Olympians to be successful, they must certainly bring more energy and fight into the trenches than they did a week ago."Coming off of last week, we know we didn't play well up front on offense and defense," said Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger. "We need to be a lot more physical and we need to use our team speed to our advantage. We have to be able to move people off the ball and sustain some long scoring drives. We can't depend on the big, explosive play like we've been this season against teams of this caliber."The big, explosive play has been the Olympians go-to this season. Thorpe running back Robbie Heller has been the reason, as he's rushed for 1,360 yards and 19 touchdowns averaging just about nine yards per carry. Even with the Olympians struggles last week, Heller broke off a big 65-yard run for their lone score of the night.Jim Thorpe has been averaging over 250 yards per game on the ground."They run the ball extremely well and have a talented stable of backs," said McCarroll. "For us, we need to be physical up front and play disciplined assignment football. We also need to really fly around the football and make good sound tackles."Good football teams create turnovers and that's what the Indians have been able to do this season. Lehighton is plus-13 in the turnover department and has shown the ability to turn those type of plays into touchdowns. In a game earlier in the season against Panther Valley, the Tribe was able to return four PV turnovers for touchdowns."They have the type of defense that really forces the issue and creates turnovers," said Rosneberger. "We have to take care of the ball. Giving a team that talented more possessions, especially if they get good field position out of it really puts you at a disadvantage. Taking care of the ball is key for us."Essentially, Friday night is a playoff game for both teams. For JT to have a shot at a district berth it must win and in order for Lehighton to win the AFL championship outright it must also win. It's also the end of an era as Lehighton will be hosting its last regular season game at Indian Stadium as it will have a new home next season.Emotions will certainly be running high come Friday night."We want our kids to play with a ton of emotion, but not to get emotional out there," said McCarroll. "We preach that, but these kids know that. They've been a unique group since day one here and a talented group and its been showcased every Friday night."