PA EAST WEEK 5 GAME PREVIEW
LEHIGHTON VS. SOUTHERN LEHIGH
Week 5 features a massive showdown between the top teams in District 11 4A (Lehighton) and 5A (Southern Lehigh). Both of these teams enter the game with a record of 4-0. One team will look to keep its undefeated season going, while the other will go home with its first loss of the season.
LEHIGHTON
The Indians enter the matchup with a record of 4-0. They have absolutely dominated each game, winning by three touchdowns or more in their first four games.
One of the reasons for that is star senior RB Lukas Croizier. Croizier’s explosiveness and gritty play are perfect for what the Indians need in the ground game. He excels at getting to the second level of the defense, and when he does, he is not easy to bring down. Croizier also contributes on the defensive side of the ball for the Indians. Look for Croizier to have a big game Friday.
Then you have junior WR/OLB Carl Lingham. Standing at 6'3", nearly 200 pounds, Lingham is a problem for the opposing team everywhere he lines up on the field. He makes great contested catches at WR, and man, is that kid fast. He makes a heavy impact on defense, swatting balls down at the line of scrimmage, setting the edge, and making his way into the backfield. This kid can play.
Junior DT/T Dominic Lawrence will look to have a big game as well. Lawrence is a dominant tackle for his offense and makes a big impact on the D-line for his defense. The Indians will need his presence to be felt in the backfield often against this explosive Southern Lehigh offense.
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Junior TE/OLB Ty Nansteel contributes on both sides of the ball for the Indians. He is a very reliable pass-catching option on offense.
Junior QB Jack Lucykanish is off to a good start this season. Lucykanish is impressive throwing the ball. He is very accurate and on time with his throws. He can also hurt a defense with his legs if you let him get out of the pocket.
Junior WR/FS Cash White has an interception for the Indians this season. White will need to bring his A-game against this loaded Southern Lehigh WR core Friday night.
Senior MLB/G Preston DiGrazia is a huge playmaker on defense for the Indians. He can make his presence felt in the backfield quite often and is a physical, tough tackler.
LEHIGHTON KEY TO VICTORY — GET PRESSURE ON SAMS
It is absolutely essential for the Indians to get pressure on Southern Lehigh QB Colton Sams. Sams is the driving force of their offense, and if Lehighton can make him uncomfortable in the pocket and consistently get pressure on him, the Indians have a great chance to win this football game.
SOUTHERN LEHIGH
The Spartans enter the matchup with a record of 4-0. The reigning Pennsylvania 4A state champions from last season have now moved up to 5A, and they have picked up right where they left off to start the season.
A huge reason for that is senior QB Colton Sams. Sams is incredible to watch. He is very accurate with the ball, has a beautiful deep ball, and is a very good scrambler as well. He is very calm and collected in the pocket, and you can tell he plays the game with a ton of confidence. Sams was their QB last season when they won the PA 4A state championship, so he’s very familiar with playing in high-pressure, big-game moments.
What’s also cool is Sams’ father, Phil Sams, is the head coach for Southern Lehigh. How awesome is that? Winning a state championship with a father as the head coach and his son as the starting QB. They’ll look to keep it rolling this season against Lehighton.
Junior WR/FS Adam Fritts is a key player for the Spartans. Fritts contributes heavily on both sides of the ball. His play on defense stands out. He plays with tons of physicality and will do anything it takes to get to the ball carrier. He contributes at WR as well, being a very reliable option for Sams to get the ball to.
Junior WR/SS Jack Pavis contributes in all three phases for the Spartans. Pavis is a very dangerous punt returner, already taking two back for touchdowns this season. He is also one of Sams’ main targets on offense. He runs crisp routes, has great hands, and is good at getting yards after the catch. He also contributes on defense for the Spartans.
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Junior RB Jack Modavis is a hard, physical runner. He will legit just run you over—the dude is not easy to bring down. He also makes an impact catching the ball out of the backfield for the Spartans.
Senior WR/CB Otto Young is one of Sams’ main targets on offense. Young always seems to be open. He runs great routes, has excellent hands, and finds a way to get yards after the catch. Look for Young to have a big game Friday.
Senior DT/T Dylan Gretz makes a huge impact on the D-line. This dude is in your backfield in no time, creating havoc and making plays.
SOUTHERN LEHIGH KEY TO VICTORY — MAKE EXPLOSIVE PLAYS ON OFFENSE
The Spartans’ offense needs to be able to make big chunk plays and put up points. If they get their offense rolling early, they’ll set themselves up well to win this game.
PA EAST PREDICTION
Lehighton 27, Southern Lehigh 33
I think the Spartans have the slight edge in this game. Their big-game experience and explosiveness on offense I think will ultimately be the difference in this game.
But I’ve been wrong before, and I could be wrong again.
Both are excellent teams, and this is going to be a battle from start to finish.