Lehighton and Marian aren't in the same division anymore.

However, there are still a ton of ties between the two storied football programs.Lehighton head coach Tom McCarroll and Marian head coach Stan Dakosty will be separated by 53 1/2 yards on Friday night.But both coaches once helped write the same script on the same sideline."I played at Marian and graduated in '95," explained the Lehighton coach. "I taught and coached there for four years right after college. I have some strong ties and a ton of respect for coach Dakosty. I attribute a lot to how I do things from what I've learned from him. I was fortunate to be on a team that played in the state final four. I've had some great memories playing and coaching there."One thing that's much different than the recent history between both programs is the new faces under the speared maroon helmets.For a number of years, Tyler Cann and Wyatt Clements were a staple of McCarroll's backfield. And now they've passed the torch to a new cast of playmakers.Cody Scherer and Mike Mayernik have made a smooth transition going from role players to becoming a pair of offensive catalysts.Through three weeks, Scherer has over 1,000 yards of total offense, while Mayernik is third among the TN area rushing leaders. The Tribe's offense ranks second in the coverage area, posting 451 total yards per game."They're a different type of team," said Dakosty. "They're balanced and we didn't really worry about the pass last week against North Schuylkill. Mayernik is a great tailback. The quarterback (Scherer) throws and runs well, which puts pressure on you, while the receivers get the ball. I'm just really impressed with their offense, they're the real package."As Lehighton's (2-1) offense has been rolling, Marian's (2-1) defense was impressive during its thrilling road victory last week against North Schuylkill.The Colts yielded a 66-yard touchdown on the opening play against the Spartans. However, the game didn't spiral out of control, largely in part to the play of it's front-seven behind Seth Paluck and company.After the huge opening play, Marian gave up just five more first downs until the last drive of the game."We really challenged our squad in practice last week," explained the Marian coach. "We knew what it would take to beat North Schuylkill. There were four or five Marian players on the ball every time they ran and guys like Kyle Plesch were all over the field. It really validates a lot of the things we've been talking about with hustle, pursuit, and discipline."While Lehighton is having success with its newer starters, the Colts have 18 seniors that are hungry to take down the Tribe for the first time since 2012.A major cog for the Colts could be the play of fourth-year starting quarterback, Ethan Kuczynski, who threw for 1,183 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.The Indians haven't exactly been tested through the air yet this season, while their firstthree opponents have combined for just 30 passes."They go as he goes," said McCarroll of Kuczynski. "We had the luxury of a three-year starter (Cann) last year, so we know what that presents in terms of problems. I know he's dangerous and a great athlete. They've got a great target in (Matt) Stanziola, so we're going to have to key on him as well.With all of the familiarity between the two programs and communities, expect the intensity level of our Week 4 Game of The Week to be kicked up a notch."There's a real buzz about the whole deal here," Dakosty said. "The school is excited, and we've had great crowds our first three games. The place is going to be packed, there's no doubt about it."