BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
Towanda (2-7) travels to Wyalusing (2-7) for the Bronze Helmet with a 7 p.m. kick-off on Friday as both teams look to end the season on a positive note.
The two rivals are coming off tough losses last week - Towanda to Tunkhannock, Wyalusing at Hughesville - but this week always gets the juices flowing again.
“The student body is participating in Bronze Helmet activities all week, this season ending rivalry is such a great tradition for both schools,” Wyalusing coach Rich Rogers said. “It is an honor to be a part of it, and our players will be ready.”
The Rams come in on a 2-game losing streak while Towanda has gone 2-2 over their last four games after starting the year 0-5.
“Towanda is improving every week, coach Wecker and his staff have done such a great job coaching up this young group,” Rogers said. “The joke every year is that we wish we had them scheduled Week-1 before they have nine weeks to improve, which they always do.”
KEYS TO THE GAME
Towanda - Keep the focus and intensity throughout. They nearly rallied for a win over Tunkhannock last week, but let the Tigers get too far ahead in the third quarter. If they play a four full quarters they’ll be a tough out for Wyalusing.
Wyalusing - Keep the self-inflicted injuries to a minimum. It’s been their undoing this year as their toughest opponent has been staring them in the mirror. If they limit their turnovers their ground and pound game has a good shot of wearing down Towanda.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Reese Sluyter, Towanda, QB - He’s been in and out of the line-up but has a chance to finish the season strong with a good game, and have something positive going into next season.
Jonathan Earle, Wyalusing, RB - It hasn’t been quite the season the Rams expected but Earle and other seniors can make the most of this final week by bringing the Bronze Helmet back home.
