The Saucon Valley Panthers charging their way through the postseason.
Tonight at 7 p.m. the 12-0, District XI Champion Saucon Valley Panthers will kickoff at Memorial Stadium (Peckville, PA) against the Scranton Prep Cavaliers in the first round of the PIAA State tournament. Scranton Prep, out of the Lackawanna 1 Conference, is the District II champions with an 11-1 record. Prep defeated Berwick 37-7 last week in the District II final. With a win, the Panthers advance to the state quarterfinals against the Selinsgrove-Greater Johnstown winner. A loss and the season comes to an end.
Things Worth Watching:
Saucon Valley Panthers
When the Panthers have the ball…
Offensively, the Panthers average 45 points per game while Prep’s defense concedes only 7. Evan Culver (#3) and his 2,328 rushing yards along with Zach Thatcher (#7) and his 890 yards will be looking to exploit the stingy Cavalier defense. Culver, Thatcher and the Hogs (Steven Good, Christian Carvis, Ryan Meyers, Trey Polak and Cody Zrinski) face another big challenge. The Cavaliers run a base “4-4″ defense and do a great job taking good angles running to the ball.
Scranton Prep may be the biggest team Saucon has faced this year. The Cavaliers are led by 6’4″, 270 Corey Christian (#72) and 6’2”, 240 Thor Balavage (#53). Both are seniors and play defensive end.
It will be no secret to Prep that Saucon likes to run the football. So, once again pay attention to the Hogs in the trenches. Evan Culver has proven the past 12 weeks that he is explosive when the ball is in his hands. His 39 touchdowns and an average of 194-yards per game speak for itself. The Hogs will be challenged to establish themselves in the trenches against the bigger Prep defensive line. Both Christian Carvis (#53) and Stephen Good (#65) at 185 pounds each are giving up some significant weight inside, but intangibles like intelligence and toughness are often determining factors in football match-ups.
The Cavaliers, like so many other teams, will likely game-plan to stop the Panther rushing attack. If that is the case and Culver has trouble finding room, then look for Panther quarterback, Zach Thatcher, getting more carries than usual. Responsible for 1,900 dual-threat yards, Thatcher is also explosive and also has his trio of talented receivers to target. Nate Harka, Mike Kane and Alstan Wolfe all hover around 20-yards per catch. Thatcher could have a career game tonight.
When the Cavaliers have the ball…
Scranton Prep Cavaliers
Prep, wearing their yellow and purple, has an offensive play selection that looks very similar to the Panthers. They average 29 points per game and prefer to run the ball taking advantage of an offensive line that hulks out at an average of 245 pounds per man. Their featured back seems to be junior Ricky Morgan (#15) who measures 5’11”, 170. He is not very big, but he is quick and shifty. Morgan hiding behind the big Cavalier line may be problematic for the Panther “D”. For the most part, the Cavaliers like to come right at their opponents and play smash-mouth football. Running some “Full House” and “Double Tight” looks to go along with their base “Twins” set, Prep will try to “toss” to the perimeter and outflank the Panthers allowing Morgan to get the edge and make the turn upfield. In addition the Cavs will run “Power” off tackle and try and “Trap” the center of the Saucon Valley defense with their fullback Tyler Stafursky (#39). Stafursky can rumble and is listed at 6’2″, 230. The Panthers will have to play smart, trust their keys and get off their blocks to contain the Prep rushing attack.
Prep will mix in some “Spread” looks and seems to have a decent passing attack. In addition, the Cavaliers do incorporate a little creative “trickery” into their game-plan. Expect to see some specially designed plays using the “Reverse” concept. The Panthers will certainly have to play a rugged, disciplined style of ball this week to get their share of defensive stops.
I am not sure the Saucon Valley Panthers have ever played a post-Thanksgiving football game in their history. But, the time has come. It’s been a great ride so far and these Panthers will leave it all on the field tonight to secure a victory and keep the season alive. Saucon Source will be covering the game live and we hope to see you there too.
Good Luck Panthers, the Source is with you!