Pleasant Valley has already checked two goals off its list this season.

The Bears aren’t ready to stop there.

Riding a four-game winning streak and coming off its second consecutive EPC Monroe Division championship, Pleasant Valley (6-4) will host rival Pocono Mountain East (6-4) Thursday at 6:10 p.m. in the District 11 Class 5A football semifinals.

“Advancing in the playoffs was goal number three of the season,” Pleasant Valley coach Blaec Saeger said. “We’ve accomplished goals one and two, so I believe our motivation and focus will be there to continue the season.”

After dropping four straight games to fall to 2-4, Pleasant Valley responded with four consecutive victories, capped by a 40-36 win over Stroudsburg last Friday to secure another division title.

The Bears’ four losses came by a combined 21 points, including three decided by seven points or fewer.

“The perseverance of the kids, and their ability to bounce back from difficult situations,” Saeger said of what has impressed him most. “Whether it’s after a tough loss or plays within a game that don’t go our way.”

Pleasant Valley has averaged 34.1 points and nearly 350 yards of offense per game, including more than 2,800 yards rushing.

Chris Ward leads the way with 1,276 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, while Sean Cobb Jr. has added 821 yards and seven scores. William Breuer has 19 receptions for 344 yards and seven touchdowns.

Ward scored three touchdowns and delivered a game-ending sack against Stroudsburg, earning Times News Football Player of the Week honors.

But Thursday presents a familiar challenge.

Pleasant Valley defeated Pocono Mountain East 35-11 in the Bucket Game on Oct. 16. The Cardinals, however, eliminated the Bears 27-0 in this same playoff round last season.

“I thought we played very physical in the first game, and that was the difference,” Saeger said. “PME didn’t play well, and I know they’ll be better this time around. It will be a challenge to beat them twice.”

East enters the postseason after a 17-16 loss to Pocono Mountain West last week.

Quarterback Ceejay Serfass has thrown for 1,609 yards and 14 touchdowns, while running back Evan Garrett has rushed for 977 yards and 13 scores. Prince Albino leads the receiving corps with 602 yards and five touchdowns.

Saeger believes Pleasant Valley’s defense will be critical against a team getting a second opportunity to face the Bears.

“Our defense has played well every game since Northampton,” he said. “We gave up points to Stroudsburg, but they’re a very talented offense. Finding ways to get stops and create turnovers is crucial.”

The Bears have forced 15 turnovers this season, including seven interceptions.

A victory Thursday would send Pleasant Valley to the district championship game, and give the program its first district playoff win since 2012.

And while the Bears will have home-field advantage this time, Saeger knows that alone won’t decide the outcome.

“It’s always nice to be home,” he said. “It’s not the advantage that it is in college or pro, but we’d always rather be home than away.”

More than anything, Saeger wants another week with his team.

“We want the season to continue as long as possible,” he said. “I love these kids and don’t want to say goodbye to them.”