Northern Lehigh still remembers last year’s playoff loss to Pen Argyl. The Bulldogs will have their shot at payback Friday when they welcome the unbeaten Green Knights in a key early-season matchup.

Bangor (0-2) at

Northwestern (2-0)

When: Thursday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

The defending state champion Tigers have roared into 2025, scoring 98 points and piling up 737 yards of offense through their first two games. Six different players have reached the end zone. The one-two punch of Braxton Lakatosh (19 yards per carry) and Chase Sukanick (10 yards per carry) has been nearly unstoppable. Northwestern also mixes in the wildcat out of multiple packages, with senior quarterback Shane Ley controlling the tempo behind a physical offensive line. Nine different receivers have caught passes, led by Michael Lagowy with five receptions for 100 yards. Mason Bollinger and Shane Hulmes have combined for 266 total yards through the air. Against rival Northern Lehigh last week, Northwestern rolled to a 56-13 win. Brady Zimmerman returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, and Lakatosh broke free for scoring runs of 68 and 42 yards. On defense, linebackers Hulmes, Zimmerman and Bollinger have helped limit opponents to under three yards per carry and just 36% passing.

Story of the Week

Bangor comes in at 0-2 after back-to-back decisive losses. The Slaters dropped their opener to Saucon Valley, 42-21, and were overpowered by Lehighton, 38-7, last week. Their youth is showing, especially in the trenches, where they were pushed around by the Indians. Sophomore Eziah Cartegena and freshman Lincoln Rehrig split time at quarterback last week, while running back Riley Waldron is averaging 52 yards per game. Jacob Hillis has been the top target in the passing game, averaging 42 receiving yards.

Coach’s Corner

“It’s a short week, but we take pride in how we practice and prepare, and that shows on game day. We got a lot of pieces back from last year, and we’re more diversified this season with a number of talented skill players. Our quarterback Shane is doing a nice job getting the ball to our playmakers, and we like the wildcat as another way to attack defenses. We know we have tough opponents coming up, but right now we’re just having fun and taking care of business.” — Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder

Pen Argyl (2-0)

at Northern Lehigh (1-1)

When: Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Pen Argyl rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Palmerton, 27-20, last week, improving to 2-0. Quarterback Mason Soos threw for 158 yards and a touchdown, while running back Clayton Faust ran for 70 yards on 15 carries. Northern Lehigh, meanwhile, is coming off a 56-13 loss to rival Northwestern. Quarterback Garrett Smoyer passed for 180 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, while running back Grady Newhard rushed for 45 yards. Through two games, Smoyer has 266 passing yards and Newhard has 126 on the ground. The Bulldogs’ top rusher, Chris Frame, was limited to minus-9 yards last week. Pen Argyl also beat Northern Lehigh 32-14, in last year’s District 11 Class 2A quarterfinals.

Story of the Week

The Bulldogs will need to stop Pen Argyl’s rushing attack while jumpstarting their own ground game, which produced 257 yards in their opener, but stalled last week. Defensively, Northern Lehigh has allowed 62 first-half points through two games and can’t afford another slow start. Revenge is also a factor, as last year’s playoff loss to Pen Argyl ended with tensions running high.

Coach’s Corner

“Pen Argyl returns three nice skill players from last year with their quarterback (Soos), running back/defensive back No. 3 (Terrell Estes), and running back/defensive back No. 21 (Faust). We have to stop their run game, or it will be a long night. Offensively, we have to account for their linebackers, but I think we’ll be able to move the ball if we can finish drives. This is a game our kids have been looking forward to since we lost to them in the playoffs.” — Northern Lehigh head coach Joe Tout

Pleasant Valley (1-1) at

Exeter (2-0)

When: Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

The Bears earned their first win since 2023 with a convincing victory over Dieruff last week. Quarterback Jaxson Haines has been sharp in Coach Blaec Saeger’s triple-option system, completing 20 of 27 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns through two games. Running back Chris Ward has 144 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries, while Nico Payan, Isaac Westerman and Jacob George have combined for 247 rushing yards. In the passing game, Haines has spread the ball around, with Marcelus Solt and Ward combining for 12 catches, and William Breuer adding five receptions for 90 yards. The defense has been stingy, allowing just 39 passing yards across two contests.

Story of the Week

Exeter is a perennial 5A contender, with multiple district titles and a 22-4 record over the past two-plus seasons. The Eagles have outscored opponents 92-17 so far, powered by a massive offensive line and a deep skill group led by Leomar Brown (245 rushing yards, nearly seven yards per carry). Senior quarterback Riley Martinez has been injured, and his status is a game-time decision.

Coach’s Corner

“We are very pleased with our team. Jaxson has made good decisions with the ball, and we’ve been winning the turnover game. We’re more balanced this year with the run and pass, and we’ve been able to spread the ball around. Exeter is an excellent program, and we’ll have to sustain drives, manage the clock, and play well on both sides of the ball. This is a tough stretch for us with Exeter, Parkland, East Stroudsburg South and Nazareth, but we’re just looking to keep improving each week.” — Pleasant Valley head coach Blaec Saeger

Southern Lehigh (2-0) at

Lehighton (1-1)

When: Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Lehighton rebounded from a Week 1 loss to Northern Lehigh with a dominant 38-7 victory over Bangor. Running back Lukas Croizier has carried 33 times for 302 yards — a 9.15 average — with help from an improved offensive line. Quarterback Jayse Lawrence has been steady, completing 17 of 32 passes for 322 yards and four touchdowns, including three to sophomore Ty Nansteel, who had four grabs for 117 yards last week. Southern Lehigh has impressed early with wins over both Quakertown (35-14) and Blue Mountain (28-0), and is ranked 62nd in the state by MaxPreps. QB Colston Sams has completed 71% of his passes with two touchdowns, while senior Sean Steckert has six scores and 350-plus rushing yards.

Story of the Week

This is a step up for Lehighton against one of the Colonial League’s top programs. Southern Lehigh is balanced, experienced, and physical on both sides of the ball. Lehighton’s offensive line, dominant against Bangor, will be tested by a Spartans front that consistently controls the line of scrimmage. The question is whether the Indians’ ground game can establish momentum early enough to keep pace.

Coach’s Corner

“I think they’re a more complete team than they were a year ago. There aren’t too many weaknesses across the board. They have great quarterback play, great running back play, and a ton of receivers. They’re very big up front, so we’ll need to play a very clean game. I liked how we played against Bangor — it was a clean game — and we’ll need the same this week. We also have some young linemen who only play one way, which gives us fresh legs. That’s something we don’t usually have, and it’s been a positive for us early.” — Lehighton head coach Tom McCarroll

Saucon Valley (1-1) at

Palmerton (0-2)

When: Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Palmerton fell 27-20 to Pen Argyl last Saturday after jumping out to a 14-0 lead. Caleb Sagastume ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns, and the Bombers limited the Green Knights to 112 rushing yards (2.4 per carry). But Palmerton gave up big plays through the air, and couldn’t stop Pen Argyl on fourth down (6-for-6). Saucon Valley was shut out 17-0 by Palisades last week. QB Braden Rohn has been the Panthers’ top weapon, rushing for 242 yards and three touchdowns and passing for 188 yards through two games.

Story of the Week

Palmerton has moved the ball, but needs to finish drives and generate more explosiveness on offense. Defensively, the Bombers must get off the field after allowing Pen Argyl to convert every fourth-down opportunity. Saucon Valley presents a challenge with Rohn’s ability to run and extend plays.

Coach’s Corner

“Missed opportunities have been a big theme for us. Week 1 it was turnovers, last week it was missed chances. We need to finish when we have a lead, create turnovers, and get off the field on third down. Rohn is very concerning with his feet — he can run and extend plays — so our pursuit and angles will be key.” — Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak

Pottsville (1-1) at Tamaqua (0-2)

When: Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Tamaqua is still searching for its first win after losses to Pen Argyl (28-20) and North Schuylkill (50-7). The Raiders have scored just 13 points while allowing 64. Running back Terrence McDowell has 170 rushing yards and one touchdown on 40 carries, while QB Chase Serfass is 14-for-30 for 166 yards, a TD and an interception. Pottsville is coming off a 16-7 win over Jim Thorpe after dropping its opener to Shamokin. The Crimson Tide leaned on a balanced attack and tough defense in their bounce-back victory.

Story of the Week

Tamaqua’s biggest challenge has been sustaining momentum. The Raiders have been outscored 22-0 in the second half this season, putting pressure on them to maintain early leads. Pottsville, meanwhile, has shown resilience and will try to stack back-to-back wins. The matchup likely hinges on whether Tamaqua’s ground game can control the tempo and keep it close into the fourth quarter.

Jim Thorpe (1-1) at

Blue Mountain (0-2)

When: Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Jim Thorpe dropped a 16-7 decision to Pottsville last week. QB Cole Lazorick continues to be a dual threat, throwing for 133 yards (12-of-18) and rushing for 63. Josh Louk added 73 rushing yards and five receptions for 48. Lazorick has thrown for 364 yards, and leads the team with 128 rushing yards through two games. Blue Mountain has lost to two ranked teams, Schuylkill Haven (34-27) and Southern Lehigh (28-0). RB Brody Foose has 196 rushing yards, while QB Cohen Kirby has 187 passing yards and two total touchdowns. The Eagles have won the last four meetings, including last year’s 49-0 victory.

Story of the Week

Blue Mountain is hungry to end its 0-2 start, while Jim Thorpe looks to rebound from a gritty effort against Pottsville. The Olympians will need another strong defensive showing after holding Pottsville to just 83 rushing yards.

Coach’s Corner

“Blue Mountain is an outstanding 0-2 team. They lost to two teams at the top of the state rankings. They’re very physical and fast on defense, and offensively they’re big and strong up front. I thought our kids played hard last week, and hopefully we can get some guys back from injury.” — Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger