Shamokin vs. Danville Preview 2013

First of all I would like to say congratulations to Coach Yisreal and his wife Jill on the birth of their first child this week.  No excuse to miss practice though......just kidding!!!


In preparing for this weeks preview with Danville Ironmen, I noticed head coach Jim Keiser is heading into his 5th season.  In four seasons and 2 games into the 2013 campaign, the Ironmen have a 40-11 mark while Shamokin is at 16-32.


Back in the 5th game of the 2009 season when Keiser and Shamokin coach Dan Foor were in their first season, the game between these two teams was considered a toss up.  Danville was a week removed for a 62-6 drubbing by eventual AAA state champion Selinsgrove. The Indians and Ironmen went into the locker tied at the half, 10-10. 


As the 2nd half approached, a steady rain came.  While Shamokin wilted, Danville grew up.  The Ironmen ended up winning the game 24-10. The victory marked the first of six in a row to close out the regular season and the Ironmen have gone 38-9 since. Having players like Andew Shoop, Andrew Andreychik, Michael Owens-Wright, Sam Dressler and Croll doesn't hurt either.


Shamokin's fortunes have not been great. Going 16-32 in the last 4 seasons and 23-55 since 2005, the Indians are searching for any spark to jump start their season and program.


The Indians come into the game being outrushed by a 3-to-1 margin, a 2-to-1 disadvantage in first downs and a -3 turnover ratio.  Something good has to happen. 


With new Yisreal in the fold, here is a toast to new beginnings. 

Shamokin to Face Unbeaten Danville

In week 5 of 2009, having a 2-2 record and coming off a 62-6 loss to Selinsgrove, the Danville Ironmen were looking for something to turn that campaign around.  Tied at 10 at the half with Shamokin, Danville scored two second half touchdowns and shut out the Indian's in the second half for a 24-10 win.

Danville would go on to win 5 straight before getting knocked out of the playoffs by Loyalsock in Week 11.  Since the Shamokin game, the Ironmen are 12-1.  They feature a strong running, attack, good passing, and a defense with speed.

How will this one play out?  Shamokin nearly got caught taking a half off, but managed to beat Montoursville for their first road win of the year.  Danville turned in a great performance at home beating longtime rival Southern 28-18.  Will Danville have a letdown?

Jared Montgomery could become the first Shamokin back since Tim Krebs in 2005 to rush for over 1000 yards.  A win by Ironmen will give the outright championship of the HAC-1.  A solid game by Indians could add some confidence heading on the road to Shikellamy and Mount Carmel in the last two weeks of the season.

With Jared Montgomery returning a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown last week.  We were wondering who was the last Indian to do it? Tim Boussan returned the second half kick in 2009 against Warrior Run in Turbotville.  I guess the soggy conditions and mud took most of my memory of that game.