The Jim Thorpe and Palmerton football programs have come to a fork in the road in their 2022 gridiron campaigns.

A surprising loss to Palisades last week for the Bombers (2-1) - and an even more surprising 1-2 start by the Olympians - have both squads at a definite crossroads at this point in their respective seasons.

A win for either team will take them down a road that will likely lead them to the postseason, but a loss could almost certainly send them down a terrifying path to each team’s worst fear - missing the playoffs.

This season-defining matchup between Palmerton and Jim Thorpe is the Week 4 Times News Game of the Week.

Contrasting styles is also a top storyline in this battle, as the dynamic aerial attack of the Bombers will face off with the Olympians’ strong pass rush and ground-and-pound run game.

Palmerton’s passing attack has been the best in the Times News area so far this season, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing. The Bombers are averaging 245 yards per game through the air, with junior quarterback Matt Machalik throwing for 736 yards and nine touchdowns.

Machalik already has three receivers with 10 catches or more on the season, with Kendall Robinson leading the way with 13 for 251 yards and three touchdowns. Daniel Lucykanish (207 receiving yards) and Dalton Drake (175 receiving yards) have also proved to be formidable weapons for Machalik.

The Olympians have had some issues defending the pass this season, giving up 163 passing yards per game, and they have yet to force an interception.

“They have some scary good athletes on the offensive side of the ball, and a quarterback who is really good at extending plays as well as taking off and running with the football when he needs to,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger. “We need to play physical, and play fast on the defensive side of the ball and make sure we have players flying to the football at all times. We’ve been playing pretty well up front this season, and that will again be a key for us this week.”

Jim Thorpe’s plan of attack will most likely feature a consistent dose of bringing pressure to get after the quarterback, and then on the offensive side of the ball feed the rock to running back Sal Capria.

Thorpe defensive linemen Bryson Heydt and Noah Rosahac - who both measure 6-5 and weigh in the 250-pound range - - are long and quick and have proven effective at rushing the passer. They have combined for eight tackles for losses this season, as Haydt leads the team with two sacks.

The Olympians’ rushing attack has also proved dymanic this season as well, with Thorpe averaging 220 yards per game and 6.5 yards per carry on the ground. Capria has looked good at running back, rushing for 372 yards and four touchdowns at nearly eight yards per carry.

The Bombers struggled last week against the run, as they gave up 161 yards rushing and four touchdowns to Palisades’ running back Steven Lilly.

“This is one of those games where you better buckle up the chin strap. We need to be physical up front, get off blocks and finish tackles against their rushing attack,” said Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak. “We need to make sure we learn and grow from our mistakes last week, and it starts with our physicality and focus. Another key for us will be controlling their pass rush. We just need to be able to take what they give us, make smart reads and take care of the football.”

Currently, Palmerton is rated as the No. 6 team in District 11 Class 3A, while the Olympians are hanging onto the eighth spot.

There’s no doubt this one will most certainly have a profound impact on the 3A playoffs, as both tension and excitement figure to high on Fireline Road come Friday night.