Jefferson Morgan at Mapletown

Jefferson Morgan (2-3, 2-3):

Last week, Jefferson Morgan ran into the buzz saw that is the California Trojans. California defeated the Rockets, 65-22. After the first two drives, this game seemed like it could have been a close game until California busted the offense open for four straight scores.

This week the Rockets can tune things up with a win in this game, before their season finale against a struggling West Greene team. This team needs to continue to get better heading into next season, and this would be a great chance to do that. 

Mapletown (1-4, 1-4):

Going into last week’s game, Mapletown was riding high from a big win over Monessen one a few weeks prior. That momentum wasn’t enough this past week as the Maples dropped a conference game to Avella, 13-7.

As the season approaches a close, the Maples have a great opportunity to pull off an upset win this week against Jefferson Morgan. This Mapletown team is young and has a lot of talent to work within the coming years. 

Keys To The Game:

– Can Johnathan Wolfe run wild on the Mapletown defense?

– Mapletown needs to continue to make strides towards improvements

 

Ligonier Valley at Waynesburg

Ligonier Valley (2-3, 1-2):

A team of the unknown, to my knowledge, as this will be the first time that Ligonier Valley has come to Greene County for a football game. It’s Ligonier Valley’s first season in the WPIAL. 

This team is coming off a loss to a very good Serra Catholic team, 48-15, but they did have wins over Steel Valley and Frazier this season. Look for the Rams to have a big night against the Raiders. 

Waynesburg (0-5, 0-5):

Last week, Waynesburg took one off the chin from the McGuffey Highlanders, 54-8. This is the first season that the Raiders have been in Class 2A after they moved down from Class 3A.

You would think they would fair better against their competition, but that isn’t the case. This week is a game of mystery for Waynesburg as they take on WPIAL newcomer Ligonier Valley. 

Keys To The Game:

– Ligonier Valley skill players vs. Waynesburg secondary

– The play of Waynesburg’s offensive and defensive lines

 

California at Carmichaels – Yellow Jacket Game of the Week

California (4-0, 4-0):

Well, the time has come, it’s time to put up or shut up. This is California’s game of the year. Coming into this game, the Trojans have been steamrolling opponents every week by scores of 20-plus.

This team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. On offense, you have the talented quarterback – running back tandem of  Damani Stafford and Jaedan Zuzak.

Zuzak ran for 440 yards and seven touchdowns last week against Jefferson Morgan. Can this highly touted offense that’s been averaging 400+ yards per game pull off a win over the first place Mighty Mikes?

Carmichaels (5-0, 5-0):

Last week, Carmichaels won by the forfeiture of a contest to Monessen. An extra week of practice can hurt the mindset of a team. Therefore, the idea of over-preparing is something that Carmichaels need to watch out for.

Carmichaels could also come out rusty due to not playing a game last week. The last time the Mighty Mikes played was on Oct. 2 when they defeated West Greene, 27-7, in Carmichaels’ closest game this season. 

Keys To The Game:

– Carmichaels offensive line vs. California linebackers and defensive ends

– California’s ability to attack the second level in space 

– Carmichaels must stop Zuzak