The Times News area has three District 11 games and one Eastern Conference contest this weekend.

District 11 3A Quarterfinal

Salisbury at Lehighton

Saturday, 7:10 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

TO 200 AND BEYOND

… Both Cody Scherer and Taquan Bradley-Chambers have each rushed for over 300 yards in a single game this season. Bradley-Chambers rushed for 373 against Tamaqua, while Scherer went for 309 against Pottsville. Neither eclipsed the 300-yard mark last week, but they were close as they were back at it against Jim Thorpe. This time, in a Schuylkill League Division 1 championship winning-performance, Scherer rushed for 214 yards, while Bradley-Chambers went for 202. As a team, the Indians rushed for 428 yards against the Olympians. Establishing the run game will surely be one of Lehighton’s main goals against the Falcons on Saturday night.

HIGH SCORING

… The Lehighton offense has been putting up tons of points on the board this season. In fact, the Indians lead the Times News area in points per game, averaging 41.9 per contest. Salisbury has given up big numbers to teams with winning records this season. Notre Dame Green Pond (56), Palisades (49), Palmerton (56), and Southern Lehigh (51) have all scored 49 or more points against the Falcons. If that is any indication Lehighton figures to have plenty of scoring opportunties.

YARDS A PLENTY

… The Lehighton offense broke a school record for total offense last week against rival Jim Thorpe, gaining 643 yards. The Indians “O” also had 22 first downs and did not punt the ball in the game. “Offensively, and just overall, we’ve been playing with a no quit mentality, really the kids have just been playing with a chip on their shoulders all year long,” said Lehighton head coach Tom McCarroll. “This week, we’re going to continue to do what we do and try our best to execute it. We’ve had big play, we’ve put points on the board, and that’s a testament to the work our kids put in and the focus they have each and every week preparing for our opponents.”

District 11 2A Semifinal

Catasauqua at Palmerton

Friday, 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

NEW SEASON

… The Bombers and Rough Riders have already met this season. It was just three weeks ago when Palmerton was able to come away with a 26-7 victory. However, Bombers head coach Chris Walkowiak wants his team to focus on this week. “It’s playoffs, you can throw out the records. Every team is 0-0 coming into the playoffs,” said Walkowiak. “Catasauqua has some talented athletes and we have to be at the top of our game in every facet, that’s how we’ve been preparing for our opponent - with that mentality this week.”

ROUGHIES PLAYMAKERS

… As Coach Walkowiak mentioned, the Rough Riders have no shortage of playmakers. The Catasauqua passing attack is where its most dynamic with quarterback Andrew Brett having thrown for 1,492 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. His top target is one of the best in the Colonial League in Miguel Hernandez, who has caught 60 balls for 780 yards and five scores. Catty also has some capable rushers as well with Derrick Rodriguez (741 yards, 6 TDs), and Wil-Quon Clemons (697 yards, 7 TDs).

DEFENSIVE PRESSURE

… In the Bombers last outing with the Rough Riders, getting to the quarterback was a big reason why Catasauqua could only muster just seven points. The Palmerton defensive front was able to consistently penetrate the Roughies backfield, coming through with multiple sacks and quarterback hurries in the game. The pressure held Brett to just 114 yards passing, and Hernandez to a modest 72 yards passing – with 34 of those yards coming off one touchdown catch. Catasauqua was only able to gain 158 yards of total offense in the game. “We did a nice job defensively against them last time, and we need to mimic that performance this week. We played physical, we were focused, and up front our defensive lineman really got after it,” said Walkowiak. “It’s going to take another effort like that to keep their athletes in check.”

District 11 1A Semifinal

Marian at Williams Valley

Friday, 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

SCORING A LOT

... Williams Valley has scored no less than 35 points in any game this season. The Vikings have held opponents to seven points or less in five separate occasions. “They have big-play capability all over the place, so we need to keep the ball out of their hands,” said Marian head coach Pat Morgans. “Defensively, we need to stay disciplined.”

STUD

... Dylan Rabuck leads the Vikings with 2,149 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns. That’s an average of 214 yards per game. “They’re a good ballclub,” said Morgans. “Rabuck is the real deal. He’s the total package. He can run with strength and speed. We need to stop him before he gets going.”

LAST YEAR

... These two teams met in the championship last year. Marian was ahead for most of the contest, but the Vikings came back and won, 34-31.

THE MESSAGE

... Morgans stressed to his team that it’s a new season now. “I told them the slate is wiped clean now,” he said. “There’s a second season now and everyone is 0-0. You win and move on and you lose and you’re done. Fate is in our hands, and if we come ready to play and execute we’ll be OK. This is their opportunity now, and everything in the past doesn’t matter. We need to move forward here. We need to make the most of our opportunities.”

Eastern Conference

Bangor at Northwestern

Friday, 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

IN OUR LAST EPISODE

... Northwestern and Bangor played at Tiger Stadium on the first Friday night in October. Now, they’re playing there again on the first Friday in November, but this time the Eastern Conference Championship is at stake. In the first game between the two teams, Northwestern won 14-0. Justin Rodda had a 13-yard touchdown run and Caleb Clymer hauled in a 23-yard TD pass from Deven Bollinger.

A STRETCH OF SUCCESS

... “We’ve played at least 11 games five years in a row now, so some of these guys have been a part of that and they don’t take it for granted. They’re excited about having another home game in particular, so everything is positive and we’re excited,” said coach Josh Snyder.

Last season, Northwestern had to go on the road in an effort to win the Eastern Conference, losing 51-30 to Blue Mountain last fall. Northwestern won the EC in 2014.

YOU’RE GROUNDED

... When Bangor fell behind 14-0 to Northwestern, it took them out of their game plan. The Slaters like to run the ball with running back Garrett DeBoer, who rushed for 97 yards against the Tigers in their last meeting. Northwestern has also found a rhythm for their ground game, with the inclusion of the Wildcat offense into their scheme.

HOT FEET .

.. Northwestern did a decent job of containing DeBoer in their first meeting, especially when one considers what he’s done in his last two games. In wins over Pen Argyl and Wilson, DeBoer, a junior, has run for 466 yards and three touchdowns.

“They’ve found an identity on offense and have really been pounding the ball,” said Northwestern coach Josh Snyder. “Their running back [DeBoer] has had some really big games, and they’ve been using the play-action off of that. I think it’s just that they’ve settled in to what they’re good at doing.”

PREP TIME

... It’s been a while since either team has had to face a team twice in the same season, let alone twice in a month. Now, both coaches are faced with the dilemma of how to scheme for their meeting this week. “We had to do that with Palisades and Saucon Valley a few years ago,” said Snyder. “It’s tough to beat the same team twice in a season, but I think as a staff, we do a pretty good job of tweaking things and learning from previous games, so we’re looking forward to it.”