Panthers return home looking to go 8-0 !
Tonight the 7-0 Saucon Valley Panthers return home after a 55-0 thumping of Wilson last week to take on the 0-7 Bangor Slaters. The winless Slaters represent the one last hurdle for the Panthers to clear before the much anticipated showdown with undefeated Notre Dame of Green Pond.
Things Worth Watching:
Saucon Valley Panthers
When the Panthers have the ball…
Offensively, the Panthers have yet to be stopped. The Hogs have led the way to a dominant offense that averages 490 yards per game. With limited carries and playing time the past couple games due to “mercy-rule” victories, Evan Culver (#3) still ranks among the best running backs the Lehigh Valley has to offer. Culver averages 195 yards per game and found the end zone 22 times. He averages 9.8-yards per carry. Quarterback, Zach Thatcher (#7) averages 9.4-yards per carry to complement his 8 td’s. Nate Kehs (#32) is Culver’s primary back up and is just as impressive with his 9.0-yards a try. Starting fullback Mike Paolini (#48) is right behind them with his 7.5-yard per carry average. What this all boils down to is that the Hogs (Steven Good, Christian Carvis, Ryan Meyers, Trey Polak and Cody Zrinski) are feeding heartily on opposing defenses and leading the way to the scoreboard. Averaging 46 points per game, this Panther offensive line very well may be the best offensive line in the league. It may be the best line in the entire Lehigh Valley. Maybe it’s the best offensive line in the state.
The Bangor Slaters who concede an average of 37 points per contest run a base 5-2 defense. They have some size, but appear to lack athleticism and toughness. Culver and his fellow starters will likely have an early night again and the “mercy-rule” will likely be activated for the third week in a row. If the Panthers mysteriously enter a “Twilight Zone” parallel universe and the game inexplicably becomes competitive, it would probably be Cam Strohe (#83) leading the way for the Slaters. Strohe is 6’2″, 220 lbs and a good football player. But, there aren’t many other Slaters who play with an aggressive passion like he does. Once again, you would have to believe that Bangor will crowd the line of scrimmage and try to pack the running lanes, but the Saucon Hogs are just too good. All other teams this season have tried and failed to stop the Panther offense. Bangor simply does not have the manpower to compete with this offensive machine.
Saucon Valley will try for a balanced run-pass mix with their offensive attack against the Slaters. Culver and company will get their carries behind the Hogs, but Saucon will also be focused on their aerial attack with Thatcher looking to hook up with his talented receiving corps. Nate Harka, averaging 22-yards per reception, is tough to contain but Mike Kane and Alstan Wolfe with fewer receptions both average over 16 yards per catch and are go-to guys as well. Across the board, it will be hard for the entire Panther offense to NOT match their impressive averages.
When the Slaters have the ball…
Banger Slaters
Bangor averages only 2 points per game. They have scored a total of two touchdowns so far this season. Both touchdowns came during the third quarter in blowout losses to Palmerton and Salisbury. They are definitely a multiple-look offensive team and try to run the football first. Panther defensive coordinator Chris LaBatch indicated they are now more traditional with their “I” formation sets compared to the start of the season, but no matter what they have tried, their philosophy has been ineffective. Don’t be surprised if Bangor reaches deep into the playbook to try a variety of trick plays against the Panthers. With an 0-7 record, the Bangor staff just might throw caution to the wind against these Panthers and try, as much as they can, to make it fun for their players to keep them interested.
Could we see the Bangor traveling carnival offense roll through Hellertown tonight? That would make for a very entertaining game. Either way, Saucon Source will be there to enjoy the ride and we hope you will be there too!
Proud Panther Parent Prediction: 58-0 Saucon Valley
Alstan Wolfe
Vickie Wolfe (mother of Alstan): “My score prediction for the game against Bangor is 58-0. I always feel bad for the other team, but SV is just outstanding. Go Panthers!!!!! Wahoo!!!”
