Southern vs. Shamokin

I actually got to see both teams scrimmage. Shamokin in week one and Southern against Danville in week two. Here are some thoughts on the sides of the ball.

Offensive Line

This year Southern is noticeably smaller but that doesn't say they won't be a good unit. Shamokin on the other hand has played well in the scrimmages. Southern has had some problems with the unit in the early going the past few seasons. This year more will be going both ways. Shamokin on the other hand has lacked a consistent rushing attack over the last few years.

Slight edge to Southern

QUARTERBACK

Both teams will be employing first year starters. Senior Jeremy Campbell gets the nod at Southern and Senior Ed Taylor gets the nod at Shamokin. Campbell looked good throwing the ball against Danville. Campbell may have a year like Mike Sosnoskie did for Mount Carmel in 2003. Will Jim Roth ask him to run? Ed Taylor has had too good scrimmages and has been extremely accurate downfield.

Edge - Even

Running Backs

Southern has Steve Roth, Sam Springer, and Austin Carpenter. Look for them to be 80% of the offense on Saturday. Shamokin has had problems at the position with Brent Forbes being relied on to go both way and DiRienzo on the shelf. Another back up for the Indians, will sit out the first quarter.

Edge - Big to Southern

Receivers

If there is a silver lining to a 1-9 season, the 2007 Shamokin Indians went wide-open for the last half of the season to move the football. Nick Domanski, Tim Boussan, and Leo Mirolli all got experience and proved they could go deep in scrimmages. This group has to perform well for the Indians to have a chance. Southern has a huge gap to fill with the loss of Colby Snyder.

Edge - Shamokin

DEFENSE

FRONT SEVEN

Both units are solid in the front seven and could possibly keep the game low scoring for each. However, Southern's Aaron Yoder and Tony Drain at inside linebacker may be the best tandem in the region.

Edge - Southern

SECONDARY

Shamokin has some experience, but hasn't played well as a unit. Southern was exposed in the scrimmage, but it was against Danville's Adam Schoop.

Edge - Even (In week one, probably the weakest link on both units)

Special Teams

Southern has experience at punting and placekicking and returners have been adequate. Shamokin has fallen off some since the removal of DeFrancesco.

Edge - Southern

Intangibles

This game will be played two ways; in the trenches or through the air for Shamokin. Shamokin has to keep it close and find leadership to win. Shamokin first has to believe it can win. Southern won 9 games last year and everyone considers that sub-par. Maybe for the Tigers.

PICK

SOUTHERN 21

SHAMOKIN 6

BATTLE AT THE SILVER BOWL

Mount Carmel host Selinsgrove at the Silver Bowl tonight in the Heartland opener for both teams. Mount Carmel in recent years has struggled with Seals speed and the 3-5 defense. Mount Carmel has a boatload of seniors and that counts for something in high school football. Mount Carmel can ill afford to give up 15-yard penalties that have plagued the team in recent years.

Because it is at home and on grass the pick is Mount Carmel in a high scoring game. Last one with the ball may win.