In the End, Things Go Right for the Shamokin Indians

Last night Shamokin could have piled up 500 yards of offense and lost the football game.  It was the 502nd yard that mattered most as Jared Montgomery hauled in a 32-yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds left in the game. The Indains drew the play up in the huddle and never practiced it. It also came on a 4th-and-9.

It was Shamokin Area's only lead of the night and the only time it mattered.  The Indian trailed by as much as 14 and by 12 with less than 5 minutes to go.

The Shamokin secondary was torched for over 300 yards and 4 TD passes by Tyler Bogaczyk. 

In my preview, I was worred about Loyalsock's ability to pass would open things up for Mike Kinney who came into the game averaging 124 yards.  It was the Indians front seven who held Loyalsock to under 2 yards a rush and Kinney to just 36 yards on 17 carries including stoning him on a third-and-two late in the game.

With games left against Milton and Montoursville where the Indians should be a favorite, plus a toss-up game with Shikellamy, Shamokin Area could be looking at the first winning season and playoff appearance since 2004.  

The road now is a little tough for Loyalsock.  They will be underdogs in 3 out of their last 5 games as the Lancer dropped to 2-3 on the season.

Ready for the 80's in Shamokin Tonight

Tonight's Shamokin Indian game with Loyalsock presents two teams at the crossroads of their respective seasons.  Both started out with 2 wins and both have given up over 80 points in their last two games resulting in losses. In a 46-38 loss to Shikellamy, the Braves did not complete a pass in defeating the Lancers.

Although there were some good things to see in Shamokin's loss to Southern two weeks ago, the Indian's effort stayed at the Susquehanna Valley Mall or somewhere in between.  The Indians pass defense was torched by Selinsgrove for a 31-0 lead at the half in cruising to a 38-7 victory.

Both teams tonight will try to feature their running games.  Mike Kinney averages over 7 yards a carry and close to 125 yards a game for Loyalock and is big, physical downhill runner.  Shamokin's offense was offensive last week with less than 80 yards.  The Indians scored their only touchdown on a fumble recovery long after the game was decided.

What will be the tipping point?  The Lancer with all their defensive woes, have completed 44 passes on the season for over 700 yards.  When was Shamokin's last interception by a defensive back? 

Unless the Indians find a way to stop the pass, Kinney could have a big day.  This won will be won or loss by Shamokin's defense tonight.

Jim Roth interview for Week#4 against Loyalsock

Southern Area head coach Jim Roth offers up his thoughts of Loyalsock for Week #4.

Dunmore - Loyalsock Video