The red hot Towanda Black Knights (2-0) head to Troy (1-1) in what is likely the game of the week in the NTL.

It's been a completely different start to the season for Towanda compared to last year. In 2025 they were 0-5, this year they're 2-0 after scoring over 100 points in the first two weeks of the season.

"It's nice to start winning after putting a lot of time and effort into the program," Towanda coach Jamie Wecker said. "I think the kids realize that the hard work is starting to pay off, and it's also been nice the last few weeks that we've seen a lot of contributions from quite a few different players, so that's helping a lot. Spreading the ball around to more than one or two kids really makes a big difference, keeps us healthier, and helps us develop a more balanced offense, and I think that's a really important thing."

Troy is coming off an exciting 31-21 win over Athens in a big early season match-up.

"Getting a win last week was good for our team confidence," said Troy coach Jim Smith. "We had a shaky week one start, and made a lot of mistakes and turnovers. That can make you question things a little bit. The difference between good and bad is in the six inches between your ears. Having confidence and belief is a big deal moving forward."

They get a similar type team in Towanda this week, though the Knights may have even more team speed than the Wildcats.

"Towanda has dominated its first two weeks," Smith said. "You have to be talented and execute correctly to score the kind of points they have scored, regardless of their strength of schedule thus far. They have good team speed and are a confident team."

Containing that speed with be priority one on defense.

"We need to maintain good gap responsibility and shut down their run game," said Smith. "We have to be good tacklers, rally to the ball, and use good pursuit angles. It’s really a matter of being physical with them, and winning the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. As usual, when playing teams with great speed and athletes it’s important to control the clock and limit their opportunities."

Wecker knows that taking on Troy at home may be the biggest test of the season for the Knights.

"People know who Troy is," he said. "They're big, they're physical, they're well coached, and very athletic. They don't make a lot of mistakes. We understand that, but we also understand that it's not an easy task. We've had a good week of practice. The kids are pretty excited to play another game, and they're looking forward to a challenge because we know it's going to be a four quarter game, and we know we've got to play as well as we've played to be there when the fourth quarter comes around."

Finding a way to neutralize Troy's size up front will be key for Towanda. The Trojans ran for over 270 yards last week while holding the Wildcats to minus-5.

"They definitely have size up front," said Wecker. "Not only size but they're also talented, and they're pretty darn strong, so we've got to do everything we can to try and match their physicality. At the end of the day it's about lining up, and going at it for 48 minutes. I talked to the boys this week about how these kinds of games can really reveal a team's character, and I'm curious and excited to see what happens tomorrow night."

KEYS TO THE GAME

Towanda - Don't get worn down. Easier said than done but playing with Troy for four quarters means holding their own in the trenches for four quarters. 

Troy - Watch the big play. They did a good job with Connor Davidson last week, but Towanda has multiple weapons that can make big plays, and the Trojans have to be ready.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Curtis Maynard, Towanda, RB - With all eyes on Gage Evans and Jazick Brown Curtis Maynard may have an opportunity to showcase his speed and quickness on the field.

Trey Teribury, Troy, WR - Teribury had a career game last week. With his size and athleticism he's a tough match-up for any corner they're going to face.