Hazleton Area (1-7) at East Stroudsburg South (5-3)

7 p.m.

today

 

The Coaches: Hazleton Area's Jim Drumheller (5-13, 2nd year); E.S. South's Ed Christian (234-131-3, 32nd year)

Last Meeting: Hazleton Area 19-0 in 2011

All-Time Series: Hazleton Area leads 8-4

Quick Fact: Hazleton Area has won eight of the last 10, including three by shutouts.

Scouting Hazleton Area: The 42-12 loss to Wyoming Valley West last Friday was like a few others this season. The Cougars were right in the game, trailing 14-12 entering the fourth quarter before things unraveled.

The offense managed just one touchdown, with the other coming on an 89-yard fumble return by Henderson Concepcion. Hazleton Area is the only WVC not to throw a TD pass this season. Nor are the Cougars moving the ball on the ground with any consistency.

Scouting E.S. South: It was another tough loss for the Cavaliers on Friday. They fell 22-19 to one-win Leighton in a game called late in the fourth quarter due to lightning. They also have a three-point loss to Stroudsburg.

Junior RB Niko Petrone was having a great game and went over the 1,000-yard mark for the year. Senior Tyler McLaughlin normally starts for E.S. South, but didn't play. The defense is rather stingy, allowing 14 or less points four times.

What To Expect: E.S. South is battling for a postseason berth and probably won't let Hazleton Area disturb those plans.

-- John Erzar