Palmerton and Executive Education enter the District 11 Class 3A playoffs looking to put difficult finishes to the regular season behind them.

The fifth-seeded Bombers (7-3) have dropped two straight against rivals Lehighton and Jim Thorpe, while the fourth-seeded Raptors (5-5) have lost four in a row against tough competition from the Philadelphia area.

The teams will meet Thursday night in the district quarterfinals, with both hoping to regain their momentum.

For Palmerton, limiting mistakes will be a priority.

The Bombers committed four turnovers, including three interceptions, against Lehighton before throwing two interceptions that led directly to Jim Thorpe touchdowns last week.

“Football is a lot about making the best of your opportunities,” said Palmerton coach Chris Walkowiak. “We have been our own worst enemy lately, and we have to eliminate our mistakes.”

When the Bombers have been successful offensively, they’ve established their running game and created opportunities for their playmakers through the air.

Quarterback T.K. Gursky has thrown for 1,378 yards and 21 touchdowns with just five interceptions. Freshman Carson Eckhart (537 yards) and Cale Young (354) lead the rushing attack, while Young has added 398 receiving yards.

Connor Lawless has contributed 483 yards from scrimmage, with both Ben Negley and Gavin Meixsell also providing big plays.

“We need to come out and create some momentum swinging plays early in the game, and we need to establish the run game early as well,” Walkowiak said. “Penalties and turnovers are all things that stall momentum, so we have to play disciplined physical football and not shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Executive Education presents its own challenges, particularly with quarterback Shawntez Whitsitt.

The dual-threat standout has thrown for 1,744 yards and 17 touchdowns with six interceptions, while rushing for 681 yards and 15 scores.

Whitsitt has helped keep the Raptors competitive during a difficult closing stretch against Chichester, Chester, Academy Park and Interboro, which have combined for 31 victories.

“It starts with their quarterback,” Walkowiak said. “He does a nice job of getting the ball out quick and spreading the ball around to his receivers. So, we will need to make him feel uncomfortable with pressure.”

Containing Whitsitt will be critical, but Walkowiak also believes the Bombers need to create opportunities for themselves on defense and special teams.

“Winning up front will also be key,” he said. “Defensively, we have been doing some good things, and if we have to be a bend-but-don’t-break defense I’m OK with that, but again I think we need to generate one of those big momentum plays.”

For Palmerton, a return to disciplined, physical football could be the difference between extending its season and seeing it come to an end.