Newport Travels To Juniata Valley For Non District Opener
Tagged under: District 3, District 6, Gameday Hub, News, pfn
Baron Dionis | August 24, 2024
After a very entertaining Friday night, we are back at it again on a Saturday with a district six vs district three matchup. The Newport Buffaloes are traveling to Alexandria to take on the Juniata Valley Hornets. This game looks to be a very competitive matchup as Newport is a 2A team in the Mid-Penn, while the Hornets are a 1A team in the ICC.
The Buffaloes went just 1-9 last year with their only win coming against James Buchanan, while Juniata Valley went 7-4, losing in the first round of districts to Penns Manor. This matchup is an interesting opener so let’s take a look at how these teams look
Juniata Valley Hornets
The Hornets go into this game returning a very solid group of players from last year. Jett Hand is ready to get the season started as the Hornets starting quarterback, along with receivers Lucas Dick, Trenton Norris, and Levi Thompson. The passing game may be utilized more this year than last, which could be dangerous for opposing teams to defend. They also have three starting lineman returning that will help young running backs Adrian Prough and Andrew Clarke.
Lots of returners on defense too, so Juniata Valley will be a tough team to face in week one. The Hornets need to attack the inexperienced players on Newport as they are a young team. Whether that is with the pass or on the defensive line, Juniata Valley needs to be aggressive on offense. Moving the ball consistently will be the difference maker for the Hornets.
Newport Buffaloes
Newport is coming off a tough year in 2023 with a final record of 1-9. They also lost 9 seniors, which included multiple skilled positions and linemen. The roster this year has just 24 players and that is tough to work with, but they have some returners that can help including fullback Dalton Kratzer who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year. Not much of a passing team, but they do return their quarterback in Trevin Arnold.
It’s a new year and the Buffaloes are confident in themselves, but they open up with a tough game against the Hornets. Newport will need to stop the run and be able to move the ball down the field to win tonight. Juniata Valley is good on both sides of the ball, but Newport can find ways to stop them if they can stop the run.
This will be a competitive game to open the season for both teams. Keep an eye out for this non district game.
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