NTL FOOTBALL: TOWANDA RETURNS HOME TO FACE ATHENS (2023-09-29)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Towanda (3-2) is on the highest of highs coming into Week six thanks to their overtime win over Wellsboro last week.

“We had quite a game last Friday night, and both teams deserved to win that game,” said Towanda coach Craig Dawsey. “We had some big plays from our kicker, Jack Wheaton, that kept us in the game. I was very proud of all my players as they did not give up and played until the end.”

This week they welcome a banged up Athens (1-4) team, who is coming off a 62-6 loss to undefeated Troy.

“Athens is a solid football team that has potential to keep getting better with every game,” Dawsey said. “The worst thing any team could do is look at their record and think that this is not a good team. A play made here or there for them, and their record is very much different.”

Dawsey would like to see his team play a little bit cleaner, and not put themselves in such big holes.

“We need to stop making mental mistakes in critical situations, like first and ten,” he said. “We put ourselves behind in a lot of situations of our own doing. We need to stop doing that in order to get to the next level of team building. We will continue to try and get better on both sides of the ball to have a chance of success this Friday night.”

KEYS TO THE GAME

Athens - String together first downs. The best way to slow down Riley Vanderpool is to keep him on defense. If the Wildcats can put together a few long drives that’ll keep them in the game.

Towanda - Play clean. Coach Dawsey mentioned it, but if the Black Knights want to reach their potential they need to tamp down on their miscues. It would go a long ways if they cut down on the self-inflicted mistakes.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kaden Parish, Athens, RB - Parrish ran for a touchdown last week, with 43 yards on five carries. He could be the player the Wildcats hope emerges as they get through some injuries.

Rylee Sluyter, Towanda, RB, DB - Sluyter has had a bit of a nose for the ball, with one pick and two fumble recoveries this year. Nothing shifts momentum more than getting a turnover.

Print Friendly Version