Saucon Valley Panthers
Friday night lights will surely be shining brightly in Salisbury Township when the Saucon Valley Panthers compete in this season’s Colonial League opener. A week 1 match-up rarely gets better than this, as both teams have an extraordinary amount of talent and skill. Each team is also part of the preseason championship chatter. Last year Saucon won 39-36 with Salisbury scoring 22 fourth quarter points. Tomorrow night will likely be another shootout, with the winner claiming the inside track to the 2015 Colonial League title.
Salisbury Falcons
5 Things Worth Watching
- Check for Leaks
* Are the Saucon “Hogs” controlling the line of scrimmage? Try and see what kind of “push” up front the SV big boys are getting. If you see a wall of white shirts moving forward on running plays without any blue shirts leaking through, it’s probably going to be a good night for the Saucon running attack. Likewise, if the Hogs can prevent the leaks and provide protection for Saucon Valley quarterback Zach Thatcher when he throws, Saucon will roll to a great opening night win.
2. Are 3 better than 1?
Evan Culver #3
* If you have trouble focusing on the Hogs, note the match-up of the running backs. Saucon’s Evan Culver ran for 1,700 yards last season. Salisbury, with their Wing-T attack, will lean on their three-headed monster that combined for 1,300 yards in 2014. Let’s hope Culver can outrush Salisbury’s Devin Irwin (#2), Shane Wittman (#25) and Alex Kubinec (#5) Friday night.
- What a Rush!
Mike Kane #82
* Pass rush that is. When the Panthers are on defense, check out #82 Mike Kane. It will be a huge advantage for Saucon if Kane is getting good penetration and harassing Salisbury’s quarterback Tevon Weber (#7). Weber is 6’6”, 195 lbs. and a very accurate passer. He has pretty good feet but if Kane can get pressure and make Weber uncomfortable the Falcon passing game may crumble. Look for Salisbury to double-team Kane. If so, it opens the door for some other Panthers to step up and have a big night.
- Who has the Better Connection?
Zach Thatcher #7
* Salisbury’s Mason Donaldson (#21) was Weber’s favorite target last year accounting for nine of Weber’s 19 passing TDs. In addition, Weber has a 6’6”, 245-pound receiver in Kyle Hartzell (#88) to target. On the other hand, Saucon QB Zach Thatcher who threw for 1,300 yards of his own last season has sure-handed Nate Harka’s 480 yards and eight TDs as part of the Saucon game-plan. In addition, look for Thatcher to throw to 6’4” tight end Mike Kane who had 450 yards receiving and five TDs in 2014.
- King Kong v. Godzilla?
* A head-to-head match-up will likely not happen, but it could. If so, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun to witness Saucon Valley’s “King Kong” Cody Zrinski (#76) battling against Salisbury’s “Godzilla” Brett Sonntag (#77). Zrinski is listed at 300 lbs. while Salisbury’s Sonntag dents the scale at 320. Definitely worth watching if it happens!
If both teams bring their “A” game, this contest is going to be a war. Both teams are loaded deep with talent at the skill positions. Expect some fantastic offensive fireworks.
The Panthers, however, will win for two reasons. They are going to do a better job of playing a clean game. The Panthers will limit their turnovers and take care of the football while minimizing drive killing penalties. The other reason is due to the athleticism of Zach Thatcher. As good as Weber is, Thatcher has the ability–moreso than his counterpart–to use his feet and create big plays as a very capable runner.
No matter the outcome, this opening game of the season will be a Colonial League classic. Saucon Source hopes to see you there!
