NTL FOOTBALL: TROY FACES A DIFFERENT CHALLENGE WITH SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT (2024-09-06)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Troy (2-0) is riding high after their big win against Delaware power Dover, and this week they return home to take on South Williamsport (1-1) at 7 p.m. on Friday.

“It was a big win for our program,” said Troy coach Jim Smith. “It was a great experience and the level of competition was very high. The kids played hard and represented our little town, our league, and our state well. We are happy to have had the opportunity.”

They have another to make a statement against the Mounties, who are the defending D4, Class A champions.

“South Williamsport is one of the better programs in the state year in and year out,” remarked Smith. “Eiswerth and his staff are one of the best around. This team will be very well prepared and disciplined, they have a good group of returning players who are very experienced, and were playing at the highest level at the end of the last year. This team is very system oriented, and with their consistency they improve every week. South Williamsport is no program to take lightly, we will need to be at our best.”

Things will look a little different for Troy as they face South. They go from speed and spread to ground and pound.

“South Williamsport is the polar opposite from a team like Dover,” said Smith. “South Williamsport poses a whole new challenge. They are a big, strong team that plays physical and wears on you. This week is less about athleticism and more about being tough. This is old school football. This is a clash of similar philosophies battling, this is about old school football - the way it was intended to be played. We are excited for the challenge.”

KEYS TO THE GAME

South Williamsport — Long offensive possessions. The best way to slow down Troy’s offense is to keep them off the field. South did this a little bit against Canton last week, but struggled to finish with points - they need points every possession.

Troy  —Look for the big plays. Canton’s two touchdowns came on big plays where Ben Fitch’s legs bought him to get his receivers open. Troy has the athletes that they can look for the home run ball against South.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mason Smith, Troy, RB — It was Smith’s big play that led to Troy’s game deciding score last week. He should have opportunities to go the distance against South.

Jayden Hamm, SW, FB — Hamm plugged away at Canton, and got positive yards every time he touched the ball.

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