Times News area teams will be in action over the course of the next three days, starting with Lehighton hosting Blue Mountain tonight and wrapping up with Northern Lehigh’s contest at Pen Argyl on Saturday.

Pleasant Valley will be among the team’s playing on Friday night. The Bears will host PM West, opening their season after a two-week delay caused by positive COVID-19 cases within the district.

Blue Mountain vs Lehighton

Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

ROLLER COASTER RIDE

... These are the words Coach Tom McCarroll uses to describe his team’s season so far. The Indians have been an enigma, having played at the very top of their game at times, and then suddenly fall into periods where they have failed to execute on both offense and defense.

“It’s been a strange season,” said McCarroll. “We have thrown and caught the ball well and we have rushed the ball well, but we can’t seem to put them together. On defense, we can’t get stops and get the ball back to our offense.”

NO STOP SIGNS

... To support McCarroll’s claims about his defense, the Tribe played both Tamaqua and Jim Thorpe to scoreless first quarters, but then lost a close game to the Raiders and were beaten by a large deficit by the Olympians. One telling statistic is opponents have outscored the Tribe 48-12 in fourth quarters through their first five games.

“We’ll keep working at it,” said McCarroll. “We’ll have a few personnel changes on defense this week.”

BIG MAN BLUE

... Lehighton hosts Blue Mountain tonight. The Eagles have also underachieved this season, and last week against Tamaqua, Coach Cory Mabry made a change at quarterback that led to their victory over the Raiders.

Gavin Barthlomew, a 6-foot-6-inch, 257-pound commit to Buffalo at the tight end position, was moved behind center. He passed for 136 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for 70 yards and another TD.

“They use him in the wildcat formation,” said McCarroll. “He’s not a true quarterback, but he’s a big physical kid, and we’re going to have to be solid with our tackling.”

The Eagles’ record of 2-3 is deceiving. One loss was in overtime to undefeated North Schuylkill, and another was a one point defeat against Jim Thorpe.

(‘We) going to have our hands full,” said McCarroll.

TENDENCIES AND TURNOVERS

... Lehighton’s record could also be better than it is. “We stood toe to toe with Pottsville, Tamaqua, and Thorpe at the starts of games, but then the wheels fell off. We seem fine when we score first, but then we lose momentum and we don’t bounce back. We have to be mentally tough for four quarters. There’s certainly adversity this week. Time to press the reset button.”

PM West at Pleasant Valley

Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

KICKING OFF

... Pleasant Valley’s season opener was originally scheduled for Oct. 2 at Pocono Mountain East, but positive cases of COVID-19 within the district ultimately forced a shutdown for two weeks. “It feels good to actually be in game week,” said second-year Pleasant Valley head coach Blaec Saeger. “There’s a lot of excitement. I’m happy to be here; the kids are too. We’re fired up, just a couple days away.”

SHOES TO FILL

... The Bears need to replace Jack Stephens, who completed 29-of-75 pass attempts for three touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. Stephens was also a vital part of making the triple option go, rushing for 297 yards and a team-leading eight scores on 80 carries. Junior Robert Papaleo and Jake Gethen - who missed much of last season with injury - were competing for the spot. Saeger has said that Papaleo will be behind center on opening night.

COMING BACK

... Pleasant Valley returns its top two rushers from a year ago in senior Jared Salazar (147 carries, 667 yards two touchdowns) and Papaleo (116 carries, 539 yards, five TDs), who will be key cogs in the team’s triple option attack. Both Papaleo and Gethen will see significant time carrying the ball.

Top pass catcher Ryan Blass (27 catches, 321 yards, three TDs) is back after a solid sophomore season. Though the Bears didn’t throw the ball frequently, Blass was 10th among area players a year ago in receiving yards.

BOUNCING BACK

... Pocono Mountain West rebounded from a 69-0 loss to East Stroudsburg South in the season opener with a 32-7 win over ES North last Friday, Saeger is familiar with PM West head coach Jim McCarroll after facing him while he was an assistant at ES North. “I’ve had many battles with Coach McCarroll,” Saeger said of the Panthers’ head coach. “I know every time you play West, they’re going to be very well coached, they’re going to be disciplined and you’re going to see improvement, and you saw improvement from Weeks 1 to 2, obviously. They’re big, as most of his teams are. They have some fast kids, as most of his teams do. They run a lot of different stuff offensively, and they make you prepare for a lot. They’re also a very active, aggressive defense. We’ve seen each other many, many times, and it’s always fun to get together and strap it up against him.”

RECENTLY

... The Panthers have won the last three meetings by a combined score of 136 (45.3)-40 (13.3). Pleasant Valley’s last win in the series was a 35-27 triumph in 2016. That was also the Bears’ last winning season (8-3).

Palmerton at Saucon Valley

Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

YOUNG BUT EXPLOSIVE

… After losing much of their offensive production due to graduation last season, the Bombers (1-2) offense has been able to put up solid numbers. Palmerton is averaging 30.3 points and just over 300 total yards per game. The Bombers have been especially impressive running the football with sophomore quarterback Cole Serfass leading the way with 488 yards and six touchdowns. Palmerton is averaging 258 rushing yards per game, and rushed for 338 yards against a tough Northwestern team last week.

“We’ve been able to run the football and establish the run early on in football games, which is always a benefit to your offense. If you can run the football, it really opens things up,” said Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak. “Our offensive line once again did a nice job last week of opening up holes. Cole was able to get going for us, and Lucas Heydt also looked good as well. We have to be more efficient with our passing game, but we’re progressing there; we have young guys who are getting better and that are working hard.”

ON THE FLIP SIDE

… The Bombers offense has been solid, but their defense has struggled at times this season, albeit against high octane offenses in Notre Dame Green Pond and Northwestern Lehigh. Palmerton is giving up 39.7 points, and just over 450 total yards per game.

“Defensively, this week we will need to be better on the outside with the running ability of their quarterback,” said Walkowiak. “Big plays have once again hurt us this season, so we will be focused on that as well; but their offense starts with the quarterback, so it will be key to contain him.”

DUAL-THREAT

… Palmerton’s defensive focus as Walkowiak mentioned will need to be on Saucon Valley (1-1) quarterback Dante Mahaffey. Mahaffey has thrown for 398 yards and three touchdowns, and has also rushed for 166 yards and two scores on the season. The Bombers will also need to try and lock down Mahaffey’s favorite target in Ty Csencsits, who has caught 15 balls for 256 yards and two scores.

Northwestern at Salisbury

Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME

… After giving up 51 points in its season opener, Salisbury has stiffened its defense and has allowed 48 points in its last two games combined. Still, the Northwestern offense has been able to roll up points on teams, scoring 99 points in its last two games and 170 points overall on the season. The offensive barrage has come with different players taking their turn in the spotlight.

A MISSING HEAD?

... One of the three heads of the Northwestern offensive monster may not be able to contribute as much as the other two this week. Nick Henry left the game against Palmerton with a hand injury that required stitches, and while he’s technically available, Snyder wasn’t sure how much Henry will be able to play because of the injury.

MIRROR IMAGES

… Snyder has noted the progression of Justin Holmes at quarterback each game this season. While Holmes is in his first season as the team’s quarterback, Snyder is well aware of Salisbury quarterback Quintin Stephens. The senior QB has thrown for nearly 500 yards in three games with eight touchdown passes. Stephens also has 332 yards rushing and three touchdowns on the ground this season to lead the Salisbury offense.

THE EMERGING DEFENSE

… The Northwestern defense may be able to take advantage of one area of Stephens’ game that can be a little suspect. When he’s pressured, he tends to make mistakes through the air and has been intercepted five times. Taylor Wikert has four interceptions this season for the Tigers, and Stephens will have to be aware of just where Wikert is at all times. “I think that our defense has really picked up its game over the past couple of weeks,” said Snyder. “Again, it’s about having young guys fit into their roles with the team and adjust to doing what they need to do for us to win games. I think when you compare where we were after that first game and where we are now, it’s a big difference.”

Tri-Valley at Marian

Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

TOUGH SLEDDING

... Marian has played North Schuylkill (5-0) and Nativity (4-1) in consecutive weeks, losing by a combined score of 84-0. The Colts will now face a Tri-Valley team that has started the season 2-0 and outscored its opponents 97-7.

PLAYMAKERS

... The Bulldogs are led by senior tailback Chase Herb, who has rushed for 359 yards and five scores on 31 attempts (11.6 yards per carry). Herb also has one catch this season - an 82-yard touchdown. Sophomore Jake Scheib has carried the ball 14 times for 115 yards with three TDs. Tri Valley hasn’t thrown the ball a lot - it hasn’t had to - but junior quarterback Jonas McGrath has completed 6-of-12 pass attempts for 167 yards and a score. His favorite targets have been Jake Tietsworth (two catches, 55 yards) and Jolten Flory (two catches, 26 yards).

BACK ON TRACK

... Marian played last week’s game at less than full strength with sophomore Andrew Baran getting the start at quarterback for the Colts, who rotated several players under center. Marian head coach Stan Dakosty was optimistic senior QB Julian Cerullo, among others, would be back on the field soon. “We were down five starters tonight, and that’s tough to do,” Dakosty said after the loss to the Spartans. “We had some kids play for the first time, and it’s experience. But what we have to do is put the whole thing together. Hopefully, we’ll get our people back and our quarterback back next week, and get things moving in the right direction.”

FLIPPING THE FIELD

... Marian’s senior punter Mike Baloga had nine punts for a 32-yard average last week against North Schuylkill. His longest was a 60 yarder, and he pinned the Spartans inside the 20 yard line once. Baloga’s only kickoff also resulted in a touchback.

GETTING DEFENSIVE

... Sophomore Joey Walko led the Colts with five tackles last week, while Matt Martin (one tackle for loss) and Jacob Fenstermaker tallied four apiece. Sophomore Rawlin Melendez also came away with a sack, and senior Rob Sunder had a pass deflection. Martin had two quarterback hurries, while freshman Brandon Klitsch had one.

Panther Valley at Pine Grove

Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

ONE DIMENSIONAL

... Coach Rick Jones has stressed the need for balance in his team’s ability to move the ball down the field. They’ve been successful on the ground with quarterback Michael Pascoe lugging the rock for 370 yards and five touchdowns, along with Louis Clouser, who’s gained 526 yards at an astounding 13 yards per carry while hitting pay dirt six times.

GROUNDED

... Panther Airlines is another story, as they’ve had trouble getting off the ground. So far this season, PV has rushed for 1,093 yards and passed for 207. The numbers are proof of a grossly unbalanced offensive attack.

“We have to find a passing game,” said Jones. “We’ll put in a package for Clouser, who’s been dealing with an injury all year, so it’s been tough to have him for a full game.”

BIRDS FLY HIGH

... The 1-4 Cardinals appear to have the opposite problem with their offense. Quarterback Josh Leininger has thrown for 935 yards and five touchdowns. His favorite targets include Shea Morgan, with 33 catches and 538 yards, along with Dalton Geesey with 18 receptions for 275 yards. Leininger has been most of Pine Grove’s ground game with 199 yards over the five games.

“Leininger is elusive, and will run from the pocket and get to the edge,” said Jones. “We have to take better angles from our edge rushers to keep him contained. We might also put a spy on Leininger to help out.”

‘DOGS WITH A BITE

... Pine Grove has been underdogs in most of its games, and has not run away with its tails between its legs. They lost by seven to Jim Thorpe, were trailing by two points after three quarters to undefeated Notre Dame - Green Pond, and then went on to upset Blue Mountain.

“They’re very aggressive and athletic,” said Jones. “We’ll come to play for sure. Our kids have a great attitude, and they will run through a wall for us. We’ll play hard for the whole game.”

Northern Lehigh at Pen Argyl

Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

BREAKING OUT

... The Bulldogs (1-2) collected 240 of their 307 yards of total offense over the final two quarters in Saturday’s 37-20 win over Wilson. Northern Lehigh outscored the Warriors 30-6 over the final two quarters. Matt Frame had two touchdowns and recorded 74 of his 108 yards rushing in the second half. Mike Repsher (10 carries, 62 yards) cashed in with a 29-yard touchdown run after a Wilson fumble.

UP AND DOWN

... After falling to Wilson 33-26 in the season opener, Pen Argyl responded with a 36-13 win over Catasauqua. But the Green Knights couldn’t hold back Salisbury last week, suffering a 46-20 setback. Despite the uneven start, Northern Lehigh head coach Joe Tout knows Pen Argyl presents one of his team’s biggest challenges so far. “It’s going to be a different animal this week,” said Tout. “We’re going to see an offense that we haven’t seen before. And the concepts are all the same, but the way that they run things are a little different.”

A PHYSICAL PRESENCE

... Senior Gavin Amerman lines up at quarterback for the Green Knights wearing No. 44. Amerman, who is listed on his team’s roster as a running back and middle linebacker, won’t shy away from contact, having carried the ball 33 times for 178 yards and three scores. Amerman isn’t the only one who won’t mind mixing it up. “Pen Argyl will be the biggest team we’ve faced so far,” said Tout. “They’re big up front across the board. Their quarterback is like a fullback playing quarterback; he’s a bigger kid. That’s what we have to adjust to; we have to make sure defensively that they can’t just line up and pound the ball against us.

KEEP AN EYE ON

... Senior Jared Albanese leads Pen Argyl in rushing with 207 yards on 39 carries and three touchdowns. Sophomore Kristoffer Kessler has carried the ball 26 times for 87 yards and one score. In the passing game, Amerman has completed 27-of-54 attempts for 444 yards, with five touchdowns and six interceptions. Amerman’s top targets have been seniors Collin McKeague (14 catches, 244 yards, two touchdowns) and Matt Ragozino (three catches, 130 yards, two TDs).

STEPPING UP

... While Josh Schaffer was a force on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs once again against the Warriors, the senior was forced to leave the game briefly because of an injury. In his place stepped Austin Smyth, who is Nos. 42 and 77 on the roster for a reason. “He’s in a bit of a unique position this year,” said Tout. “He’s a tight end for us, but if something happens to one of our tackles, which it did when Josh (Schaffer) rolled his ankle and was out for a couple series, So we bring an extra jersey for Austin on the sideline, and he jumped in at tackle, and that was key for us.” Tout also praised the play of sophomore Jayden Krempasky on the line.

Brad Hurley, Chuck Hixson, Rich Strack and Patrick Matsinko contributed to this story.