Eight Times News area football teams will be involved in District 11 playoff action this weekend.

No. 6 Lehighton at No. 3 Northwestern

Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

PLAYOFF, PLAY ON ... Lehighton has been a perennial District 11 playoff entry, while the Tigers, posting a 25-7 the past three years, have also marched into postseason play regularly, advancing to the district semifinals in each of those years.

WHEN THE INDIANS HAVE THE BALL ... Lehighton has found a ground game in recent weeks, primarily with running back JJ McDowell, who averages nearly six yards a carry. Look for McDowell to try to get into space and Chance Neeb to grind out tough yards between the tackles. Wide receiver book ends Zach Hunsicker and Hunter Crum have together scored 18 of the team’s 24 touchdowns and have combined for 69 catches for 1,052 yards. Tribe QB Richard Fronheiser will look down field for his favorite targets, who cause matchup problems with many opponent’s defensive backs.

WHEN THE TIGERS HAVE THE BALL ... Northwestern has been piling on the points in rolling to a 6-1 record in the regular season. Nick Henry has toted the rock for 562 yards and nine TDs while adding another two from the air. At 6-3, 205 pounds, quarterback Justin Holmes has 13 touchdown passes within his 978 passing yards. He’s rushed for 817 yards and 11 times has crossed the goal line. Expect the Double H Boys to be Northwestern’s bread and butter against the Indians this week again.

KEYS FOR THE INDIANS TO WIN ... “Their quarterback is so talented and such a good athlete,” said Tribe coach Tom McCarroll. “He’s a very dangerous runner, so we have to contain him in the pocket and not let him get out to the edge.Henry is a tough runner, and he’s good at catching the ball, too. We have to be smart on defense and watch for their play-action passes that work well for them when they get their run game going.”

McCarroll says Northwestern is very efficient at what they do, so to “get them off their schedule” will be important. Getting them in (third and long down and distance) should work to the Indians’ favor. “We have to sustain our drives and control the clock as much as possible,” said McCarroll. “We did that in our first drive against then last year in the playoffs.”

A Tribe bugaboo has been turnovers, as they have lost the ball 15 times this season. “Last week, we had a first down at the North Schuylkill 23 and we fumbled the snap. We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot,” said McCarroll. “The team that loses the turnover battle usually loses the game.”

KEYS FOR NORTHWESTERN TO WIN ... Tigers’ coach Josh Snyder is fully aware that stopping the Tribe starts with negating their dynamic wide receiver duo. “They have a height advantage and can go and get the ball,” said Snyder. “With their spread offense, they have a speedy back and when their QB is hot, they can score pretty quickly.”

Northwestern will rely on what got them to a 6-1 record, and that is to stay in the “attack mode,” said Snyder, a philosophy that has the Tigers averaging 43 points a game. “We’ll see what their defense gives us and what it tries to take away. We like to play fast and score fast.”

The Tigers’ “D” has been good with take-aways and giving their offense short fields to begin scoring drives. This could be a major factor in determining who wins the game.

Snyder feels his team’s senior leadership is significant during postseason play. “We have some players who are playoff veterans, and they know it’s a brand-new season,” he said. “We have lofty goals and expectations. We play football every year to win championships. It starts by going 1-0 this week, and then move on from there.”

No. 6 Pen Argyl at No. 3 Palmerton

Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

UP FRONT … A position group that has made significant strides this season for Palmerton (2-4) is the offensive line. The Bombers have been able to get a push up front and run the ball effectively week in and week out, improving their rushing yards (243) by an impressive 50 yards per game this season. Palmerton has also averaged 30 more total yards of offense per game, and is averaging close to four more points per game.

MAKING PLAYS … It may sound like a broken record, highlighting these two youngsters for the Bombers, but what they’ve been able to do this season for their age and experience has been extraordinary. Palmerton’s quarterback duo in sophomore Cole Serfass and freshman Matt Machalik helped propel the Bombers to a big victory last week over rival Northern Lehigh. Serfass ran for 154 yards and a score, and Machalik threw for 96 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 134 yards and two scores. On the season, the two have combined for 1,133 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, to go along with 626 passing yards and 10 passing scores.

“Cole and Matt did a great job of extending plays for us and making big plays on the ground. We’re going to need them to continue to do that for us throughout the postseason,” said Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak. “All season long, with each week you could see both of them gaining confidence, and that showed last week for sure. Their getting better and more comfortable, and they have both worked hard.”

CHARITABLE … Although Palmerton was able to come away with a win last week over the Bulldogs, it still lost the turnover battle (3-1). Turnovers have been a big issue for the Bombers this season, as they currently have a (-8) turnover differential. Creating and not committing turnovers has to be a priority for Palmerton moving forward if it wants to advance in the postseason.

“There is no doubt about it. We have to clean up the turnovers,” added Walkowiak. “That’s something we need to continue to work on, but it’s one and done now, so we have to show some urgency there.”

DUAL THREAT … Pen Argyl quarterback Gavin Amerman will be the main focus of the Bombers’ defense. Amerman has thrown for 727 yards and six scores, while rushing for 412 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Collin McKeague also has big play ability, as the Green Knights like to move him around to different spots to exploit potential mismatches. McKeague has caught 25 balls for 418 yards with three touchdown receptions on the year.

No. 3 Jim Thorpe vs. No. 2 ND at NW

Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

HIGH-POWERED … Notre Dame Green Pond (6-0) has been known over the years for its high-powered and high-scoring offenses. This season is no different as the Crusaders are averaging just over 45 points per game. The NDGP passing game has once again been efficient this season, as quarterback Collin Quintano has thrown for 1,350 yards, 12 touchdowns and just one interception.

MORE PHYSICAL … The Crusaders always have a powerful offense, but they’re usually anchored by their skill players in the passing attack more than their offensive line and running back positions. However, this season they have the luxury of both a physical rushing attack and high octane passing game. Notre Dame running back Matt Frauen has rushed for 866 yards and an impressive 17 touchdowns this season.

“Just by watching the tape, you can see that this is a team that is winning the battle in the trenches. They are physical up front, and they have an exceptional running back that is a one cut and go guy that is a major concern for us,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger. “They always have dynamic skill kids, but to now add a physical running attack to that, and you get a very good football team.”

BATTLE OF DEFENSES … Both defenses have played solid football this season. The Olympians (6-2) have surrendered 16.4 points per game, while Notre Dame is giving up just 13.3 points per game. The Crusaders shut out their last opponent - a tough Palisades team - 28-0.

BALANCE … Thorpe has depended heavily on its running attack to carry the offensive load. The Olympians have rushed for 1,005 yards on the season, compared to compiling just 567 yards passing. Thorpe was able to hit a few plays in its play-action passing game a week ago against Nativity, but it will need to be better this week against a tough and physical Notre Dame front that will be keying on the run.

“Offensively, we’re going to continue to do what we do. We’re going to need try and chew up some clock, but we’re also going to need to win early downs and be good on third down. I thought our play-action passing game worked well last week, and we’re going to need to continue to improve there and utilize that aspect of our offense this week,” added Rosenberger.

No. 4 Tamaqua at No. 1 N. Schuylkill

Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

SHAKING OFF THE RUST … North Schuylkill (6-0) played its first game in over two weeks last Saturday after COVID-19 complications within the program. It didn’t skip a beat, defeating Lehighton 48-14. The Spartans offense, which has averaged 40.5 points per game this season, racked up 509 yards of total offense in the win.

BALANCED … The North Schuylkill offense has been so good this season because it has been balanced and explosive. Spartans’ quarterback Jake Hall passed for 232 yards last week and four touchdowns, while freshman running back Josh Chowansky rushed for 148 yards and two scores. It’s tough to key on just one aspect of the North Schuylkill offense.

“They’re a very athletic team, and they like to spread you out with four wide receivers. Their quarterback took a big jump this season, and has looked really good and runs their offense well,” said Tamaqua head coach Sam Bonner. “It’s a challenge for sure. You have to create pressure on the QB, but you also have to have enough guys left to cover their guys in space, and then also if their running back, who is a really slippery kid gets through that initial line of defense, he can take it to the house.”

GROUND AND POUND … The Raiders (5-3) kept a dangerous Pine Grove offense off the field last week, rushing 67 times for 418 yards as a team, collecting 25 first downs and finishing off long clock-grinding drives, scoring 38 points. Tamaqua will need to do a lot of the same this week to keep the Spartans’ offense off the field, though it will be against a very physical North Schuylkill defensive front.

“They’re going to be as physical as we are up front, so we’re not just going to be able to just line up and play power football the whole game like we were able to last week. We’re going to have to add some stuff in this week and get our passing game going and not just pass when we have to, but pass when they don’t expect it. We’re going to need to make some big plays to extend drives and throw a few surprises in there for sure,” added Bonner.

BRUISING DUO … The Spartans did give up 239 yards on the ground to Lehighton last week. Seniors Nate Curvey (173 yards) and Nate Wickersham (165 yards) combined for 338 yards rushing and five touchdowns against the Cardinals.

No. 7 Sch. Haven at No. 2 No. Lehigh

Saturday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

FOCUS ON SATURDAY … Veteran Northern Lehigh head coach Joe Tout knows what it takes to win in the postseason. And he knows his squad must be ready from the opening snap Saturday. “We talked to our kids today, and to not look past this game. I know their program, and I have a ton of respect for it. So, we understand that not only does Schuylkill Haven expect to be in the playoffs, but they expect to win district titles. So, we must focus. They’re a younger team, but like we said, we can’t be overconfident.”

DOUBLE TROUBLE … Tout knows the Hurricanes love to do one thing, and that’s pound the ball. “They’re lucky if they throw four times a game,” Tout admitted. Mason Reber and Connor Goehring have been the focal point. Goehring has rushed 88 times for 951 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Reber has accounted for 742 yards on 132 carries and seven TDs. Between the two of them, they have chalked up five and three 100-yard games this season, respectively. “We got to make sure we contain them,” Tout said. “I’m watching film on them, and those kids, out of nowhere, they pop a big play. So, that is what our concern is. We must make sure that we contain those two. But they’re pretty good.”

FEARSOME FOURSOME … The Bulldogs have a strong rushing attack as well, chalking up 1,474 yards on 217 carries as a team. Matt Frame (84 carries, 623 yards, nine TDs), Mike Repsher (56-430, five), Joe Abidelli (34-256, four) and Trevor Amorim (20-164, one) have led the way on the ground. But quarterback Dylan Smoyer throws in a threat behind center, and can keep defenses honest through the air. Smoyer has completed 39 passes on 81 attempts for 648 yards and seven touchdowns.

GETTING THERE … The last three years, the Bulldogs went from winless one year to a 5-5 mark the next season. Last year, they took another step in the right direction, finishing at 6-4. They finished this season 3-3. “Last year, we barely missed out on an Eastern Conference playoff spot,” Tout said. “So, we’re trying to get back to that attitude where we think we’re going to have a nice team the next two years. So, we feel confident that we have the ability to get to a district championship. And our goal is to win one. We think we have the talent to do so.

“But, yeah, like I said, we’re trying to have that attitude now having our kids expect to get to playoffs, and this will be a good experience for us.”

No. 8 Panther Vy. at No. 1 Palisades

Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

PROGRESS REPORT ... The Panthers have qualified for the district tournament for the first time since 2009.

WHEN THE PANTHERS HAVE THE BALL ... For the most part, PV’s success has been with the ball in the hands of quarterback Michael Pascoe, and all-purpose player Louis Clouser, who have accounted for 17 of the team’s 20 touchdowns. Pascoe averages nearly five yards a carry, but the big scoring threat is the speedy Clouser, who has a remarkable 12-yard average and can take it to the house on any single play.

WHEN THE PIRATES HAVE THE BALL ... Ground-and-pound is their game, led by super-back Mason Smeland, who had 995 yards and 14 touchdowns during the regular season. He added seven catches for 121 yards to his resume. Quarterback Jaden Newton runs an efficient offense that averages 260 rushing yards as part of Palisades’ smash-mouth attack.

KEYS FOR THE PANTHERS TO WIN ... Coach Rick Jones said his players are excited to play another game, and motivation never shows up on the statistics sheet. “We need to move the ball on offense and get some success early to keep us emotionally in the game. If we compete, the wins and losses take care of themselves,” he said.

On defense, Jones explained that the Pirates have tendencies to turn the ball over, so the Panthers need to be opportunistic. “They do make mistakes with the ball. If we can hang with them and put them in panic situations, that will certainly benefit us,” said Jones.

KEYS FOR THE PIRATES TO WIN ... Coach Ramie Moussa’s team has won five of seven games with a simple strategy. “They’re explosive and talented,” said Jones. “They come right at you.”

The Pirates would rather not have to throw the ball, and instead rely on their run game to get them a lead and eat time off the clock. “There’s a certain mystery to them because we have no common opponents,” said Jones. “On film, they line up and play. We have to be ready right from the start.”

MORAL VICTORIES ... For a program that has struggled for years, Coach Jones believes there has been improvement in terms of his Panthers competing with effort in most every game.

“We haven’t lost 70-0 to anyone,” he quipped, “and we’re still playing.” His word to his troops this week is the same since he took over the program last year. “Play hard. Compete. That’s all we can ask,” Jones said.

No. 8 Pleasant Vy. at No. 1 Nazareth

Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

NOT EXPECTED … The district playoffs became a reality for Pleasant Valley and head coach Blaec Saeger despite a 41-21 setback to Stroudsburg last Friday, and Saeger admitted he did not quite expect it to happen for the Bears, who were 1-2 in the regular season. But he didn’t give up, and now PV is in the postseason for the first time in four years. “We’re really excited, and very honored going up against Nazareth, the defending district champs and probably the best team down here right now,” Saeger said. “So, it’s going to be a monumental task, but we’re just excited to be in. It’s good for the program, and it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”

NUMBER FIVE … The Nazareth Blue Eagle who sports No. 5 is the man that takes the snaps on offense, senior Matt Bugbee. “He has a tremendous arm. He makes plays with his legs,” Saeger said. “He is smart. He is tough. He is tall. He is probably the best quarterback in the Valley, and he does it all, and he has weapons galore at his disposal. How do we plan for him? We don’t have anybody that can physically matchup. We have to use everybody, so we have to rally around him. We have to be very sound. We have to keep him in the pocket, and not let him escape. We need to pressure him any time we can.”

GOT TALENT??? … Saeger had a hard time pinpointing just one playmaker for the undefeated Blue Eagles (6-0). “They just have talent everywhere,” Saeger added. “They honestly don’t have a weak link. They’re big up front. They’re strong up front. They have speed. They have athleticism. There are several reasons why they’re defending champions. They’re the real deal. They’re everything they’re cracked up to be, as I have seen them play a few times this year. It’s going to be fun.”

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON … Football runs through the blood lines in the Saeger family. Which is why it’s going to be an unusual Friday night under the lights for the Saeger’s this week. While Saeger will be on one sideline coaching his Pleasant Valley program, his son Nick will suit up on the other sideline for Nazareth. “It’s kind of weird, as we won’t really know how to act when this happens,” the eldest Saeger said. “We’re both kind of almost trying to push back the aspect of it out, and you know, just treat it just like any other football game. I’m sure as the week goes on, there will be more jibber jabber going on back-and-forth between us though.”

NO MATTER THE OUTCOME … Nazareth is the defending District 11 Class 6A champion. Saeger is proud of the strides his team has made to be in the field … “Just to be in the tournament, and be able to have this conversation about playing a team like Nazareth, is something special for my kids,” Saeger stressed. “I am proud of them, and keep stressing to them how proud of themselves they should be. We are certainly not done working. We are going to continue to try to strive to be better. We’re probably a little bit ahead of schedule in the turnaround here.”