The Saucon Valley High School football team
The Saucon Valley Panthers will host the Northern Lehigh Bulldogs tonight for their 2015 home opener. Last week the Panthers defeated a tough Salisbury Falcon squad 39-15 while the Bulldogs were able to wear down the Pen Argyl Green Knights for their 20-7 victory. Both teams will enter the contest unbeaten.
Things Worth Watching:
Saucon Valley Panthers
When the Panthers have the ball…..
Look for a balanced Panther attack using their different weapons. Evan Culver (#3), Mike Paolini (#48) and Zach Thatcher (#7) all had very good nights running the ball against Salisbury and that trend should continue. Zach Thatcher to Nate Harka (#32) has already flourished as a great passing combination and that will continue as well. Keep an eye on Mike Kane (#82) and Alstan Wolfe (#5). They will likely be getting a few more looks this week.
The Bulldogs are a hardworking pack who pride themselves on toughness. They were impressive last week, limiting Pen Argyl to 102 yards of total offense and only four first downs. Defensive tackle Cameron Kates (#78) at 6’1″, 275 lbs will be worth watching in the trenches. He is a senior and a team captain. However, those Saucon “Hogs” as a unit should wear Kates and the rest of the Bulldogs down, creating bigger running lanes as the games unfolds. Don’t expect the Panthers to totally dominate this game, especially early, but it just doesn’t seem Northern Lehigh has the depth to stop this Saucon Valley scoring machine.
When the Bulldogs have the ball…..
Northern Lehigh Bulldogs
Look for the Bulldogs to try to “ground and pound.” Against Pen Argyl last week, the Bulldogs converted 14 first downs. They ran the ball 49 times for 216 yards and went to the air only eight times for 55 yards. “Smashmouth” is who they are and what they like to do. Averaging 225 lbs. per man across the front line, the Bulldog rushing attack will most likely feature senior tailback CJ Young (#20). Young is listed at 6’1″, 175 lbs. and tough. Panther defensive coordinator Chris Labatch described Young as a “patient and poised” runner. The Bulldogs will “toss sweep” him to the outside and pound him behind their tight offensive formations hoping to get a push. Senior quarterback, Chad Cederberg (#7), will also run “option” where he will fake run to the fullback up the middle and keep it for himself. Don’t be surprised if Cederberg keeps and then pitches to Young creating a true triple option.
No doubt, the Panthers will have eyes on Young (#20) all night long. Those eyes, however, will probably not belong to the Saucon cornerbacks. The Saucon defensive backs need to be careful and expect pass first. The Bulldogs have shown the ability to execute play-action passes. Last week, in addition to a couple of deep fades to the outside, Northern Lehigh twice tried to go play-action to 6’1″ 200 lb senior tight end Brandon Smith (#81). Complementing the deep passes, Cederberg also threw a couple quick hitters to Taz McNair (#22) and Seth Keiser (#4) who will try to use their speed and shiftiness to threaten the perimeter the Saucon defense.
Northern Lehigh is a good football team. But if Saucon’s defense, led by the man in the middle, Christian Carvis (#53), can limit the success of the Bulldog running game while the defensive backs stay disciplined, Northern Lehigh will not be able to answer Saucon’s scores. The Panthers will hit the Bulldogs from many different angles and Northern Lehigh will not keep pace.
Proud Panther Parent Prediction:
- Kim Kemmerer (Mother of Kory #4)
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Kory Kemmerer (#4)
42-14 because… “Saucon has an amazing team!”
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