Both Canton (4-4) and Towanda (3-5) will be looking to rebound from loss last week as they battle playoff for positioning. 

Before they can think about the postseason, though, they have to focus on each other.

Canton comes in after a tough loss against a hot Athens team last week.

"Towanda has some good athletes that can be a problem to handle in space," said Canton coach Tyler Sechrist. "They have been competitive in all their games and they are always tough to play at the Endless Mountains Sports Complex."

The Knights are coming off a tough loss out at District IV, Class A power Montgomery.

"They are well coached, and like always, they come ready to play," Towanda coach Jamie Wecker said about Canton. "They obviously throw the ball really well, but I think they also can run the ball effectively enough to keep a defense honest."

The Knights are hoping to keep Canton's offense off balance.

"Defensively, to try to keep their passing game in check, it needs to be a whole team effort," Wecker said. "We need to try to make the QB uncomfortable, and we have to really play fundamentally sound coverage."

For the Warriors, they've been able to move the ball, but have struggled with finishing off drives.

"Offensively we will need to make plays when we need them, and when we have an opportunity we need to put points on the scoreboard," said Sechrist.

As for dealing with Towanda's speed on offense, Canton has to be ready.

"Defensively we will need to attack, set the edge, and continue to tackle low," Sechrist said.

For the Knights, it's all about execution on that end.

"I know I may sound like a broken record, but we have to play clean football," Wecker said. "Each player doing his job on every play. Avoid the mental mistakes that stop a drive. We know Canton’s defense will do some good things against us and they will win some plays, but we can’t help them by making avoidable errors."

Wecker believes they might be able to turn a corner this week.

"We had a good week of practice, and I think our kids are excited for the challenge," he said.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Canton - Contain Towanda's speed. Two weeks ago Wellsboro was able to do that enough to pull out a road win, the Warriors can't let Towanda's skill guys get loose or it will be a long night for them.

Towanda - Lock in on the pass defense. Canton will run some mis-direction as they spread the ball around through the air - Towanda has to be ready for anything.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Owen Moore, Canton, QB - As he goes so does the Warriors. If he has a big game, and limits turnovers, they can get a win and ensure a .500 record.

Gage Evans, Towanda, RB - Evans will need to make some things happen offensively as Canton's defense is good at swarming to the ball.