NTL FOOTBALL: CANTON WELCOMES WYALUSING FOR LARGE SCHOOL TILT (2024-10-03)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Two teams on the mend will face-off on Friday as Canton (3-3) hosts Wyalusing (3-3) in an NTL Large School tilt.

Both teams are coming off tough losses last week, Canton to Towanda and Wyalusing to Troy. Both will be looking to get back above .500 this week.

“Wyalusing is doing some good things this season,” said Canton coach Tyler Sechrist. “They played Troy tough for a half last week. They like to run the ball and have some big lineman and some good running backs.”

Wyalusing coach Rich Rogers sees two teams at a cross-roads with how their season can go.

“We understand Canton is struggling with injuries,” he said. “We are in the same boat, hoping to get some players back and keep the ones we have healthy.”

Offensively the Rams are looking to sure up some little things that hurt them last week, particularly with fumbles.

“We are working this week to correct issues with center-QB exchange, and continue to emphasize improvement up front,” explained Rogers.

For the Warriors, it’s about getting more players back on the field.

“We need to get healthy,” Sechrist said. “We have a few guys out with injuries, and some players are being asked to play different positions on offense.”

Canton knows they need to tackle well if they’re going to slowdown Wyalusing’s ground and pound game.

“We need to play disciplined football, and make tackles at the point of attack, and not allow for extra yards caused by missed tackles,” said Sechrist.

For the Rams, it’s about playing consistently at a high level.

“We are proud of the effort we put up against Troy last week, and are hoping to build off that,” Rogers said.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Wyalusing — Get pressure on quarterback Ben Fitch. When Fitch has times he can make some big plays through the air to his receivers. Last week Towanda did a good job of keeping him on his heels, that’s something Wyalusing should try to emulate.

Canton — Stay disciplined defensively. Wyalusing may not get chunk yards, but they do a lot of little things to keep drives going - get offsides calls, play at their pace, chip away at weaknesses in the defense - Canton will need to be focused and make Wyalusing earn every yard.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jesse Lamb, Wyalusing, DE — Lamb is one of the better pass rushers for off the edge for the Rams, and has a tendency knock down passes. He can be hard to miss with his size.

Monte Whitehead, Canton, WR, LB — As Canton goes to next man up mentality one to watch is the sophomore Whitehead. He can make things on offense and has 15 tackles on defense so far this season.

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