Jim Roth Talks About the Opener Against Line Mountain

Jim Roth Previews the District 4-A Championship

Southern Area turned in an outstanding performance against Bloomsburg last weekend. Big drives, clock control and great defense in the face of a team flu and a player suspension.

I like the Tigers winning a close one depending on the status of the Line Mountain quarterback Marty Beninsky.

Locals make "A" All-State Football Team

First Team

Aaron Inch - Line Mountain - DL

Second Team

Chase Fraley - Southern Columbia - OL

Jon Fausey - Line Mountain - LB

Aaron Yoder - Southern Columbia - LB

Steve Roth - Southern Columbia - RB

Special kudos go out to Todd Maciejewski who made first team in AAAA as the punter for Red Land. Todd's father Steve and I were teammates at Lourdes Regional and members of the Class of 1984.

Turning on a dime!

High school football games unlike the college and pro ranks usually are void of last second drama, two minute drills and last minute scoring. Often you could look back at a series or a couple of plays and can say that was where the game was won or lost.

This past weekend with Southern and Line Mountain all tied at 14, a series of plays at the end of the half went a long way determining the winner. Line Mountain was driving toward a go-ahead TD with under a minute left. Aaron Inch dropped a potential go ahead TD pass and Line Mountain fumbled the ball away on the next play. Southern took over on their own 13. Steve Roth ripped off a 60-yard run and face mask penalty put the ball on the Eagles' 14. Two runs, two timeouts and Steve Roth scored from 2 yards out with 12 seconds left in the half.

In a tale of what-ifs, how would Southern have played being down to start the half? Would Line Mountain have had more enthusiasm? One thing I do know is that it was an exciting first half no matter what side of the ball you were on.

The Daily Item describes the same situation in the Mount Carmel-Lewisburg game. In a casual conversation with a MCA assistant, Lewisburg were done after the Moroz interception.

Jim Roth Discusses Upcoming Game With Line Mountain

The District IV final is discussed.

Jim Roth Discusses Line Mountain

Well before you get to Southern Line Mountain, a picture of Colby Snyder of Southern and Andrew Shoop last week in Danville.

Since a 16-0 loss to Rochester in the 2001 PIAA final, Southern Columbia has won 26 consecutive playoff games. That 2001 Tiger squad was 14-0 going into that state final. This week's district playoff with Line Mountain lost some luster when the Eagles lost to a very good Millersburg team 14-12 and now have to travel to Southern Area. While many believe this may be the Line Mountain's year, I believe two things will favor a Southern Columbia victory in the end.

Southern and Line Moutain have one common opponent in Lewisburg. It is a wash. The Twin Valley had six teams make the playoffs if you include 1-9 Upper Dauphin. One has to believe Southern's schedule with Shamokin, Mount Carmel, and Bloomsburg was more physical. Throw in Hughesville, Warrior Run, Lewisburg, and Danville and the Tigers had to battle week in and week out.

With Line Mountain scoring 31 points on Southern last year, logic is to expect the Eagles to duplicate that effort or come close. In observing both the Eagles and Tigers this year, an edge in speed would have to Southern.

Line Mount will do there best, but I believe the speed and strength of Southern's schedule will equate into a two touchdown difference in favor of the Tigers.

MCA

The Montoursville vs. Mount Carmel game is easy. The Red Tornadoes will go as far as far as their rush defense and rush offense will take them this Friday. Montoursville is usually very well coached and does not commit to many penalties. Lately, it is Montoursville with more proven playoff experience. Between the running game, rush and pass defense, Mount Carmel has too many questions. In a battle, look for the Warriors to score late to secure a two touchdown win.

Jim Roth Discusses the Upcoming Game with the Danville Ironmen

This week Southern plays at Danville for final time in a series that will take a break with the introduction of the Heartland Conference next season. The Tigers lead the series 21-20-1 dominating the last 20 or so years. Danville's last win came in 1999 with 31-27 thriller over Southern at the old F.Q. Hartman Stadium. For the Hartman namesake, thank goodness the Ironmen no long play there.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Danville comes in with passing attack led by Andrew Shoop and with a victory over Southern should qualify for the District IV AA playoffs. Southern with a win still need some help to host a playoff game. A Line Mountain loss could drop them to third. Bloomsburg could snare the top seed with a win and an Eagle loss. If Line Mountain, Bloomsburg and Southern all win. Southern will be at Bloom next week with a week 2 rematch and Line Mountain will host Canton. On any given weekend District IV probably has three out the top five teams in the East. Unfortunately, only one will continue into the state playoffs.