Schuylkill-Colonial Week-10 Rivalry Special: *Battle for the 209 Trophy* Jim Thorpe at Lehighton !

Tagged under: District 11, News

Daniel Reed | October 28, 2022

*BATTLE FOR THE ROUTE 209 TROPHY*
Jim Thorpe Olympians(3-6) at Lehighton Indians(2-7)
Last Meeting: Olympians won 28 to 6(2021)
Streak: Jim Thorpe has won the last 4
Series History: Lehighton leads the series 19-11-0 dating back to 1955, including 1 playoff win over JT in 2017.

Key Player(s) to Watch in this Game:
Jim Thorpe – Brett Balliet(Sr.)-(QB/FS), Salvatore Capria(Jr.)-(RB/OLB), David Fiorito(Sr.)-(WR/CB), Justin Yescavage(So.)-(WR/FS), Bryson Heydt(Sr.)-(TE/DE), Benjamin Goldberg(Jr.)-(FB/MLB), Noah Rosahac(Jr.)-(T/DT)
Lehighton – Brady O’Donnell(Jr.)-(QB/FS), Ian Rarick(Sr.)-(WR/FS), Dylan Moyer(Jr.)-(RB/LB), Wyatt Scherer(Jr.)-(C/DE), Reese Balk(Jr.)-(DT/T), Michael Yeakel(Jr.)-(CB/RB)

Jim Thorpe

Lehighton

Game Preview:

The Olympians come in following a close defeat to the hands of state ranked Northern Lehigh 14 to 13. Jim Thorpe’s quarterback Brett Balliet threw for 173 yards, going 13 of 18 passing, 2 touchdowns against the Bulldogs. The run game however seemed to sputter, only racking up 37 yards on 21 carries. The defense for the Olympians allowed over 300 yards in the loss. Jim Thorpe averages 31 points a game but do give up 27. For Lehighton, the Indians average 21 a game, giving up 31. Lehighton comes into this game on a high note, winning big last week over a decent Saucon Valley Panther team. Indians held the Panthers to just under 200 yards in total.

Coaches Words:

Jim Thorpe – Coach Rosenberger said that the plans for this week’s practice is to work on fundamentals, tackling, blocking, and alignments, that’s where we need to get better. We will be counting on some younger players this Friday as we will be without a few players from both sides of the ball, Coach went onto say. We need to prevent the big play, play better on special teams and make plays offensively when the chance arises as they have been running the ball very well the last few games. Lastly, “The Game Plan…. Slow down their numerous athletes on offense.” For us, we need to finish off drives when we get to the red zone, said Coach Rosenberger.

Lehighton – Our guys have been focused and working hard all season so there’s really nothing extra or special we needed to do this week, our team has continued to improve each week, said Coach McCarroll. Coach went on to say that, “I don’t think many teams are full strength”, at this point of the season but, “we have all hands on deck, as much as we can, even players who have been banged up will be ready to go.” “Offensively, we need to sustain drives and not turn the ball over. We were able to run the ball well last week, so we’ll continue to try to build off that. Defensively, we need to play sound and keep the ball front of us to reduce the big play. When we have the chance to get off the field on 3rd down, we need to take advantage”, Coach said.

My Outlook:

For the Indians to be victorious in this game, they will definitely need to slow down the Olympians offense that at times, can look very impressive. Jim Thorpe’s big men on the line will need to control the line and stop the run as Coach Rosenberger mentioned. If the Olympians can do that, and control the clock offensively, this game will go well for Jim Thorpe. Lehighton will need to find some explosiveness to keep up with the Olympians in this one.

MY PREDICTION: The team with the less turnovers and penalties will win, I give the edge to….. Jim Thorpe by 12, 34 to 22

Don’t forget to tune in Friday Night as I will have LIVE UPDATES from the game in Hegins ! Follow @PFNDan570FB and @Bptashinski on TWITTER for all your Schuylkill-Colonial League and EPC action.

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