Northwestern is in familiar territory once again, playing championship-caliber football in the postseason.

The Tigers will host No. 4 seed Executive Education tonight at Tiger Stadium in the District 11 Class 3A semifinals, with a chance to advance to their seventh consecutive District 11 championship game.

Northwestern and Executive were both able to roll in their quarterfinal matchups.

The Tigers defeated Panther Valley 69-0, while the Raptors took care of business against Palmerton 41-18.

The Tigers’ play in the trenches has consistently reached another level in the postseason, a formula that has fueled four consecutive District 11 championships and a remarkable 57-3 record over the past three seasons.

Northwestern once again controlled the line of scrimmage in last week’s victory, rushing for nearly 200 yards at more than 10 yards per carry while limiting the Panthers to just 2.8 yards per attempt.

For the season, the Tigers are averaging 216.2 rushing yards per game and 7.32 yards per carry.

Chase Sukanick has led the ground attack with 1,369 rushing yards, averaging 8.25 yards per carry and scoring 20 touchdowns.

Defensively, per usual, Northwestern has been just as dominant against the run.

The Tigers are allowing only 62.5 rushing yards per game and 2.41 yards per carry, while surrendering just four rushing touchdowns all season.

“We have an experienced group in the trenches on both sides of the ball. And they have been able to get better and stronger as the season has gone on,” said Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

“It’s an athletic group, but they can also get physical and get in people’s faces. I am excited to see how the battle in the trenches plays out this week, because they have some nice size and players up front as well.”

Executive’s offensive line also turned in an impressive effort against the Bombers last week, paving the way for a 263-yard rushing effort at an average of 9.7 yards per carry.

Dynamic dual-threat quarterback Shawntez Whitsitt led the charge, rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries, while sophomore running back Ayden Ramos added 117 yards and a score on the ground.

Whitsitt has put up impressive numbers all season, throwing for 1,914 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions while adding 827 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the district.

“Their quarterback is a really good athlete that makes them go. He can throw it and he can run it. He picks up a lot of yards on scrambles, and they run a lot of RPO stuff in the run game. A lot of their rushing attack falls on his shoulders,” added Snyder.

“So, we are going to try and give them a lot of different looks. We don’t want to make it easy on him. We have two ends that are fast and athletic, and that like to get after the quarterback, and they’re going to have to be able to do that come Friday night.”

Even at 11-1 and a lot of dominant wins throughout the season, Coach Snyder believes the Tigers have yet to play their best game.

“I’m really proud of this senior group. For all four years that they have been here, they have played a home game as late as they will allow you to play one. I know they’re excited about getting out there and competing in front of the community this week,” said Snyder.

“This has been another team that has been a joy to coach. They love going to practice every day and so do our coaches, and it’s a group that’s open to criticism and very coachable. And I still don’t think we’ve played our best game yet. So, we’re going to keep challenging them. They know what is at stake this week, and as always we’re just looking to put our best foot forward and advance.”