EASTON - A trench by definition is a place, position, or level at which an activity is carried on in a manner likened to trench warfare.

That is exactly why when offensive and defensive lineman battle each other up front play after play, they call it the battle in the trenches - due to the physicality and tenacity it takes to win that battle.

On Saturday afternoon, both the Northwestern offensive and defensive lines brought their entire arsenal to the trenches and unleashed fury upon the Wilson Warriors. In a battle of unbeaten teams, the Tigers dominated from the onset, defeating the Warriors 42-6.

Wilson came into its matchup against Northwestern with one of the top passing attacks in the Colonial-Schuylkill League, with quarterback Cayden Stem throwing for 1,080 passing yards and 16 touchdowns to just one interception.

But in the first quarter, the Tigers defense showed their proverbial teeth, sacking Stem on four occasions and locking down dynamic wide receiver Damon Simpson - who came into the game averaging 40 yards per catch.

The result was an early 7-0 Northwestern advantage after an 80-yard drive that ended in a Dalton Clymer 5-yard touchdown run on the Tigers second offensive possession of the game.

From the start, it was evident that Northwestern held an edge in the trenches.

“We needed to go coverage this week with the talent of their skill players, and we felt pretty good about having five guys in the middle of the field,” said Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder. “We went with an aggressive speed rush package to get pressure on their quarterback, and we did a good job of stifling their run.

“Because we did such a good job against the run, we didn’t have to bring another guy into the box, so that helped us in coverage as well. I think we just did a great job in the box today, stopping the run, pestering the quarterback and really getting after it. And then our cover guys did a great job of limiting their big plays.”

In the second quarter, the Northwestern defense continued its strong play, forcing two punts and two turnover on downs possessions, but it was the Tigers offense that stole the show.

Justin Holmes - who is one of the more physical players running the football from the quarterback position - took over.

Holmes scored on runs of 38, 69 and 16 yards, and the Northwestern offensive front was just as impressive, giving all the Tigers runners plenty of room to navigate rushing lanes.

Holmes finished with 149 of his 204 yards and three touchdowns in the second quarter and helped Northwestern lead 35-0 at the intermission.

“Offensively, that was a ground-and-pound game for us,” said Snyder. “I know we’re a spread team, but we spread it to run it, and I think we did a good job just grinding in the run game today.

“Holmes had a monster game for us, and Dalton Clymer was healthy for the first time in weeks and looked really good. Credit to our offensive linemen, who I think just blocked their tails off today. They’re a group that is getting better every week.”

With the game in mercy rule time, the second half was short lived, but Wilson was able to get on the board with a Stem 1-yard plunge in the third quarter. Northwestern got its final score on an 18-yard pass between Holmes and Cade Christopher early in the fourth.

CLYMER CLIMBING … The Tigers’ Clymer has been climbing his way back from injury and looked good against Wilson, adding a power run game to the fold from the tailback position. Clymer finished with 80 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

DOMINATING D … Northwestern’s defense played well in every facet on Saturday. The Tigers held Stem to 28 passing yards, dynamic wide receiver Damon Simpson to no catches, and explosive running back Damian Simpson to just 48 yards.

GOLD LEAD … With the win, Northwestern (6-0) takes the driver’s seat in the Colonial-Schuylkill League Gold Division. Wilson (5-1) and Pottsville (5-1) play each other this week. The Tigers face Blue Mountain (3-3).