Week 10 preview capsules
PALMERTON (8-1) AT NORTHERN LEHIGH (6-3)
When/where: 7:10 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium in Slatington
Last meeting: Northern Lehigh won 42-27 on Nov. 14, 2020, in the District 11 Class 2A playoffs
Series: Palmerton leads 46-39-2
At stake: The Battle of Blue Mountain trophy
What to look for: The Blue Bombers are looking for a nine-win regular season for the first time since 1993, when they were 9-2 in an 11-game regular season. They have won seven games in a row, their longest since a 10-game stretch from the last four contests of 1993 and the first six of 1994 — when they finished with nine wins including a contingency game.
Prediction: Northern Lehigh 35-27
SALISBURY (2-7) AT SOUTHERN LEHIGH (3-6)
When/where: 6 Friday at Southern Lehigh Middle School, Center Valley
Last meeting: Southern Lehigh won 49-29 on Oct. 30, 2020
Series: Southern Lehigh leads 28-22-1
At stake: The Leather Helmet Trophy
What to look for: The Spartans are going for a fourth consecutive win after an
0-6 start. They have been more efficient offensively during the recent hot stretch. Coach Phil Sams had a pair of 100-yard rushers in last week’s win over Lehighton. The Falcons got a career-best, 250-yard rushing performance by Nick Beck in last week’s loss to Northern Lehigh.
Prediction: Southern Lehigh 34-21
SAUCON VALLEY (4-5) AT PALISADES (2-7)
When/where: 7 Friday at Walter T. Rohrer Stadium in Kintnersville
Last meeting: Palisades won 16-13 in 2019 Series: Saucon Valley leads 29-14-2
At stake: Bicentennial Trophy for the winner of the series which began in 1975. What to look for: The banged-up Panthers have an outside shot at a Week 11 game. Their chances are better for an Eastern Conference Class 4A playoff berth than in District 11 where a whole bunch of things would need to go right. The Pirates need a win and get help to get in the EC 2A championship game.
Prediction: Palisades 14-13
WILSON (6-3) AT NOTRE DAME-GP (7-1) When/where: 7 Saturday in Bethlehem Township
Last meeting: Notre Dame-GP won 40-22 on Oct. 26, 2019
Series: Wilson leads 28-23-1
What to look for: Wilson needs a win or a Bethlehem Catholic loss to make the District 11 4A tournament. If Wilson and Bethlehem Catholic lose, Bangor still may not be able to grab the last berth even with a win over 2A winless rival Pen Argyl. Notre Dame-GP is locked in to a first-round home game in 3A.
Prediction: Notre Dame-GP 35-21
CATASAUQUA (7-2) AT NORTHWESTERN (9-0)
When/where: 6 Friday at Tiger Stadium, New Tripoli
Last meeting: Northwestern won 37-6 on Oct. 30, 2020
Series: Northwestern leads 18-11
What to look for: The Tigers are looking for their first 10-0 regular season in school history. They appear to be the 4A top seed regardless of Friday’s outcome. The Rough Riders could be the No. 2 seed in 2A with a win and a Northern Lehigh loss. They also could drop to No. 4 with a loss, a Minersville win and other outcomes going against them.
Prediction: Northwestern 35-13
PEN ARGYL (0-9) AT BANGOR (5-4) When/where: 7 Friday at Bangor Memorial
Park
Last meeting: Pen Argyl won 28-21 on Oct. 31, 2020
Series: Pen Argyl leads 52-45-4
At stake: Slate Belt Trophy
What to look for: The Slaters are going to rely on Eric Striba and Kael Godshalk to run their way to a victory. The Green Knights will look to throw their way to a third consecutive victory in this series and avoid their first winless season since 1992. Bangor needs to win have a chance at a District 11 4A playoff berth. It has a better shot at an Eastern Conference spot.
Prediction: Bangor 34-14
LEHIGHTON (1-8) AT JIM THORPE (5-4) When/where: 7 Friday in Jim Thorpe
Last meeting: Jim Thorpe won 37-6 on Oct. 9, 2020
Series: Lehighton leads 20-10
At stake: Route 209 Trophy
What to look for: The Olympians are peaking at the right time, winning three of their last four games. The Indians are trying to survive a season ravaged by injuries.
Jim Thorpe is headed to the District 11 3A postseason and will be traveling to either defending champion North Schuylkill or Notre Dame-GP in next week’s semifinals. Prediction: Jim Thorpe 42-14
TAMAQUA (2-6) AT PANTHER VALLEY (0-7)
When/where: 7 Friday in Lansford
Last meeting: Tamaqua won 50-16 on Sept. 13, 2019
Series: Tamaqua leads 34-22-1
What to look for: The teams are playing for a 57th consecutive season. Both are looking for a positive end to a difficult season. The Blue Raiders have lost three in a row by a composite 124-14 score. The Panthers have lost nine in a row dating back to last season. Two of their last three games were decided late in the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Tamaqua 33-12
PINE GROVE (1-8) AT MARIAN CATHOLIC (2-7)
When/where: 7 Friday at Stan Dakosty Field at Men of Marian Stadium, Tamaqua Last meeting: Marian Catholic won 21-3 in 1975
What to look for: The Colts are going after their first three-game winning streak since a four-game stretch in 2018. The Cardinals have lost five in a row. Mistakes have been a problem all season for both teams. Whoever limits them best Friday, wins. Prediction: Pine Grove 14-13