The second half of the high school football season begins tonight when Pleasant Valley host Nazareth.

Most teams lace it up on Friday. Lehighton, Tamaqua, Panther Valley and Jim Thorpe — along with the Bears — are all hoping to gain a win to get to the .500 mark. Northern Lehigh will try to avoid slipping to the .500 mark, while Palmerton looks to extend Wilson’s losing streak.

Pottsville (2-3) at Lehighton (2-3)

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Last Friday was a big challenge for Lehighton, as it faced one of Pennsylvania’s top-ranked teams in Northwestern, falling 50-0. The Tigers showed why they’re considered among the state’s elite programs, controlling the game from start to finish and rolling up 470 total yards, while holding the Indians to just 74. Northwestern scored on every possession in the first half, thanks in large part to quarterback Shane Leh, who completed 15 of 19 passes for 166 yards. For Lehighton, it was a difficult evening against exceptional competition. Lukas Croizier, who had over 100 rushing yards in each of the first four games, was held to 33 yards on 11 attempts.

Pottsville enters this week following a 35-17 loss to Southern Lehigh — the same Spartans team that defeated Lehighton 21-20 two weeks ago. The Crimson Tide can be explosive on offense, evidenced by an impressive 44-13 victory over Bangor, and a solid 16-7 win against Jim Thorpe.

Storyline of the Week

Both teams enter at 2-3, and are looking to gain positive momentum. For Lehighton, the focus is on responding with the character they have shown throughout the season. The Indians have demonstrated plenty of resilience, competing hard against Southern Lehigh in a thrilling battle, and having different players step up each week. Blake Roberts has been a reliable receiving target, while Ty Nansteel has hauled in four touchdown passes this season. The offensive line has created running lanes for Croizier, who has been the workhorse in the backfield alongside quarterback Jayse Lawrence. “Either we let this loss define us, or we get back to work and challenge ourselves to be more competitive,” Lehighton head coach Tom McCarroll said following last week’s loss against Northwestern.

Pottsville brings its own strengths to the contest. According to MaxPreps, Tide tailback Juleon Bainbridge averages 97 rushing yards per game, so expect Pottsville to try and establish the run early and often. Just like Lehighton, Pottsville hung a big number on Bangor earlier this year. The key for both teams will be execution, and taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

Coach’s Corner

“The message is really just trying to press the reset button every single week, with obviously the way last week went. We want to do that sooner rather than later. We had arguably the best team in the state come to our house, and we kind of allowed them to push us around, and we didn’t really compete physically, but we have a great opportunity this week to kind of put that in the rear-view mirror and hopefully get a much-needed win.

“Coach (Mike) Brennan has a very successful track record. Pretty much everywhere he has been, he’s won. I know they’ve had their own shares of ups and downs this season as well. They’re kind of in the same boat as us. To me, this is what I think makes this game a high-stakes deal. It’ll be interesting to see how each team responds because both of us are coming off losses that I’m sure we would’ve wanted to compete in. It’s going to be a great challenge for us. There is a ton of history and tradition over there, and I think they’re going to be fired up, ready to go, just like we are.” - Lehighton head coach Tom McCarroll

Tamaqua (2-3) at Bangor (0-5)

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Tamaqua has shown tremendous growth through its first five games with valuable lessons learned from each outing. While the record might not reflect it, this young team has competed hard in every contest, building the foundation for what could be a strong finish to the season. The Blue Raiders are a ground-and-pound offense, averaging 277.8 yards rushing per game behind sophomore Terrence McDowell, who has emerged as one of the area’s top running backs. Through five games, McDowell has carried 137 times for 807 yards and 11 touchdowns, while demonstrating remarkable consistency and vision. Last week’s 42-6 victory over Salisbury showcased what happens when all the pieces come together. McDowell rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries, including touchdown runs of 2, 2, 19, and 51 yards. The performance highlighted both his versatility as a runner, and the improved blocking from his offensive line.

What makes McDowell’s story even more unique is his commitment to multiple activities — after the Salisbury game, he quickly changed from shoulder pads to quad drums to perform with the Tamaqua marching band.

It’s been a rough go for the winless Slaters this season, who were blanked 35-0 by Blue Mountain last week. Bangor is a very young team that has a few players who have shown flashes of future upside.

Storyline of the Week

The main question facing the Blue Raiders isn’t about talent — it’s about consistency. After narrow losses to Pen Argyl (14-6) and Jim Thorpe (35-27), plus a challenging night against North Schuylkill (50-7), Tamaqua appeared to put together its most complete performance of the season against Salisbury. The difference showed in execution and preparation, according to the players themselves. The offensive line has shown steady improvement, with center Luke Frohnheiser leading a unit that includes guards Logan Pribila and Logan Zimmerman, along with tackles Carter Troutman and James Nalesnik.

Coach’s Corner

“I feel like we’re really starting to create an identity, which is running the ball and doing some play-action when we have to. But Terrence (McDowell) has been doing a great job, two games in a row with over a hundred yards, and the last two games with over 200 yards. He’s been a workhorse. But that being said, a lot of the guys up front are doing a good job for us. I feel like we’re pretty well-conditioned. I feel like our kids are doing a good job of pushing through that third and fourth quarter. I think that’s a big deal, especially when it comes down the stretch.”

“Luke (Frohnheiser) is averaging probably over 10 tackles a game, and he plays center for us. He’s kind of the guy in the middle of the defense that makes things click, and offensively, it’s the same thing. Brady (McCabe) is another guy, I think last week he had an interception, a strip fumble, a fumble recovery. I think he might’ve had eight tackles for us, and he had one catch for about 25 or 30 yards. Those two seniors are stepping up for us and doing a great job.” - Tamaqua head coach Sam Bonner

Notre Dame-GP (5-0)

at Northern Lehigh (3-2)

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Northern Lehigh got off to another slow start last week in its rivalry game against Palmerton. The Bulldogs posted the game’s first score, but then fell behind and entered halftime trailing by a 17-8 count. Joe Tout’s club managed to rebound and pull away for a 37-25 victory over the Blue Bombers that pushed its record to 3-2. Quarterback Garrett Smoyer ended with a solid line, completing 12-of-19 passes for 222 yards and several touchdowns. The key play of the game was an 80-yard TD pass to Colin Karetsky after Palmerton had closed within three points with under six minutes left to play. While the NL offense was solid, gaining 353 yards, its defense allowed 302 yards, including 188 on the ground.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, had no trouble disposing of Catasauqua, rolling to a lopsided 58-0 win to remain undefeated. The Crusaders are currently the No. 1 team in District 11’s Class 3A. Senior quarterback Matt Bodnar hit on 22-of-32 passes for 357 yards and a whopping six touchdowns during the victory, with the scores going to five different receivers. In all, 12 different ND players caught passes in the rout. The Crusaders finished with over 500 yards of offense.

Storyline of the Week

Coming into the season, Coach Tout said his secondary would be one of his team’s strengths after returning plenty of experience in the defensive backfield. That strength will be tested to the max against Notre Dame and its potent passing attack. Bodnar has throw for 1,205 yards already this season with 17 touchdowns. He has completed double-digit passes in all five games, and has thrown at least two scores in every contest. For the Bulldogs to have a chance at a victory, they’ll need their offense to stay on the field — thus keeping ND’s on the sideline. Defensively, they will need to prevent the big play and try to get some pressure on Bodnar.

Coach’s Corner

“In film prep, this is the least I’ve seen them run the ball. They love crossing routes ... And they love screens. They’re a heavy, heavy screen team. They’re going to run rocket screens, they’re going to run traditional running back, tailback screens. They love the back out of the backfield in their passing game, and then they’re going to take four or five shots (deep downfield) as well. They’re also big in that they get the ball to their athletes in space. Defensively, I think you have to mix your looks ... It’s not one guy. They spread the ball around.

“We have to piece together four quarters. And absolutely, we’re going to have to come out ready to play. North Schuylkill had some success in the running game. When we’ve kept games close against them, that’s been one of the things we’ve been able to do ... If we win this game, it’s going to be because of time of possession and quality drives. We have to avoid the three-and-outs.” - Northern Lehigh head coach Joe Tout

Tri-Valley (3-2)

at Panther Valley (2-3)

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Panther Valley is riding a two-game winning streak, its latest a 41-24 victory over Nativity last week. It’s the first time the Panthers have won two straight since 2017 when they finished 3-7 overall. Quarterback Brody Breiner was an effective dual threat with his 16-for-20, 158 yards passing with one touchdown, and also rushed for 202 yards with three scores. Wide receiver Gavin Yuricheck caught seven passes for 76 yards, and fellow receiver Chase McArdle also hauled in seven passes for 52 yards with a touchdown. The Panthers accumulated 411 yards of total offense.

Tri-Valley suffered a hard-fought 14-7 loss to undefeated Williams Valley, breaking its two-game winning streak. Bulldogs running back Parker Hatten, who has rushed for 442 yards this season, was held to just 24 last week. Williams Valley grinded out 245 yards rushing against Tri-Valley. The Bulldogs routed the Panthers 49-7 last season.

Storyline of the Week

The Panthers need to keep it rolling with their running game, but their passing game was also in sync last week. In turn, they will need to slow Tri-Valley’s rushing attack.

Coach’s Corner

“We were very happy last week. We were strong on both sides of the ball, and had over 400 yards of total offense. We were balanced, and it was a true team win. We need to clean up our special teams, and that will be an emphasis this week. We fumbled a punt, gave up a kick return for a touchdown and they recovered an onside kick. Outside of those plays, we were able to control the game for the most part.

“We came out healthy and need to get ready for Tri-Valley, who is always strong and physical.” - Panther Valley head coach Mark Lavine

Southern Lehigh (5-0)

at Jim Thorpe (2-3)

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Jim Thorpe recently dropped a 26-14 decision to North Schuylkill, but the Olympians did gain 464 yards of total offense. Quarterback Cole Lazorick completed 15-of-28 passes for 277 yards with a touchdown, and also ran for 40 yards. For the season, Lazorick is 51-of-89 for 820 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Wide receiver Josh Louk has 18 receptions for 193 yards, and Bobby Levins has caught 13 passes for 193 yards with a pair of touchdowns. The Olympians have been outscored overall in the first half this season by an 84-41 margin.

Southern Lehigh is the top team in the state Class 4A rankings. The Spartans are coming off a 35-17 victory over Pottsville last week. They are the defending District 11 Class 4A champions, and have won 17 of their last 20 games. Running back Sean Steckert, who ran for 263 yards and scored four touchdowns last week, is having a banner year with 979 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. Quarterback Colton Sams has thrown for 793 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. The Spartans won last year’s regular season contest, 56-12, and then defeated Thorpe again 56-27 in the playoffs.

Storyline of the Week

The Olympians have a Herculean task ahead to corral the Spartans’ arsenal that has averaged 30.6 points per game and 208.4 yards on the ground per contest. Jim Thorpe will need to play its own game of ball control, as they have averaged 125.6 yard rushing per game.

Coach’s Corner

“Our effort was excellent, but our red zone execution was not good offensively. That is an area of focus for the week. Defensively, we need to get better on all levels as well as tackle in space better.

Southern Lehigh is a big physical football team with the district’s leading rusher. Their quarterback is a very accurate thrower, and they have exceptional skilled, speedy receivers.” - Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger

Wilson (0-5) at Palmerton (1-4)

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Palmerton suffered a 37-25 defeat to Northern Lehigh last week, and the Bombers are in the midst of a two-game losing streak. Michael Garey rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns to spearhead the Blue Bombers’ 188 rushing output. Ben Negley has 17 catches for 188 yards with a touchdown. The Blue Bombers downed Wilson 32-28 last year. It was the first meeting between the two teams since 2017 when Palmerton edged Wilson, 38-35. Palmerton has been held scoreless overall in the third quarter, and has scored only 21 total points in the fourth quarter this season.

Saucon Valley dumped Wilson, 35-13, sending the Warriors to their losing streak of 36 games over nearly four years. The Warriors’ last win was over Notre Dame, 40-34, on Oct. 30, 2021. Running back J’son Johnson has a team-high 221 yards with three touchdowns, while quarterback Ryan Bonham has 213 yards with three touchdowns. Nickenson Louis-Jenue has a team-high 25 tackles.

Storyline of the Week

No team wants to be the victim of Wilson’s first win since 2021. The Blue Bombers will need a methodical, relatively balanced offensive scheme similar to last week – 188 rushing, 114 passing. Palmerton also needs to gain control of the game in the first half.

Coach’s Corner

“We need to finish games, and take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. We had opportunities, but did not take advantage of them to seal the victory. Turnovers, not reading keys and giving up big plays still contribute to our inconsistencies.

“We need to execute at a higher level and consistently throughout the game. We are looking for a clean game in terms of penalties and turnovers. We will need everyone to do their job and take care of their assignments. Playing with a purpose, along with complimentary football, is a must.” - Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak

Nazareth (4-1)

at Pleasant Valley (2-3)

When: Thursday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

The Bears stomped East Stroudsburg South, 35-6, last week behind Chris Ward’s three touchdowns. Ward caught a 47-yard touchdown pass, scored on a 16-yard run, and returned a fumble 20 yards. The Bears limited Eastburg South to 29 yards rushing, and 172 yards overall. Ward is the team’s leading rusher with 251 yards with six touchdowns, and has caught 13 passes for 144 yards with a score. Pleasant Valley ran for 184 yards behind Niko Payan’s 66 yards. The Bears have played better in second halves this season, being outscored 58-54 overall after getting off to slow starts (90-48) overall in first halves.

Nazareth was rocked by Parkland, 42-6, a game after it lost Auburn recruit quarterback Peyton Falzone for the season with a clavicle injury. Falzone had thrown for 1,176 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. Cooper Madson took over for Falzone and completed 20-of-32 passes for 181 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Marquez Wimberly is the Blue Eagles’ leading rusher with 528 yards and seven touchdowns, but Parkland held him to 15 yards. Luke DiPietro is the Blue Eagles’ leading receiver with 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Nazareth won last year’s contest, 60-7.

Storyline of the Week

Pleasant Valley will need to keep its running game moving forward, and its defense will need to stymie Nazareth’s running game behind Wimberly. Nazareth will look to get back into the EPC race, and Madson is a suitable replacement.

Coach’s Corner

“I was very pleased with our ability to win the line of scrimmage against East Stroudsburg South on both sides of the ball. We were able to make key conversions in the pass game, while our run game was solid all night. Our defense played its best game of the year.

“As for Nazareth, they are without their Division 1 quarterback, which brings them back to earth some. But they are still a fantastic team with lots of talent.” - Pleasant Valley head coach Blaec Saeger