Berwick (7-1) at Coughlin (5-3)

7 p.m.

today

 

The Coaches: Berwick's George Curry (419-90-5, 43rd year); Coughlin's Ciro Cinti (39-35, 8th year)

Last Meeting: Berwick 29-28 in 2011

All-Time Series: Berwick leads 31-7

Quick Fact: Berwick has won 25 of the last 26 meetings, including twice last year.

Scouting Berwick: The Dawgs were pushed to the brink by Pittston Area before pulling out a 23-20 victory last Friday.

Jeff Steeber gave Berwick the win with a 12-yard TD run with 1:13 to play. He rushed for a season-high 97 yards. RB Matt Cashman went over 1,000 yards for the season with a 178-yard performance.

Defensively, Berwick held its fourth straight opponent to 53 or less yards rushing. The unit, though, will face its biggest test stopping the run since giving up 352 to Wyoming Valley West in week four.

Scouting Coughlin: The Crusaders bounced back from a loss to Pittston Area to defeat Pocono Mountain East 45-35 last Saturday. RB Zac Evans rushed for a career-high 254 yards and four touchdowns for the third time this season.

What has been alarming the past two games is the defense. It has allowed 394 yards per game in those contests after allowing 176 per game through the first six. The 73 points allowed in those games are eight more than the Crusaders allowed through their first six games.

What To Expect: Coughlin needs to play better defense and keep this a low-scoring game.

-- John Erzar