Contributed by Jake Fox
September 2, 2011
Can Pittsville rebound after a tough loss to Stratford?
Pittsville–If you are looking for the game of the week in the Marawood Conference, you might need to stop by Pittsville, Wisconsin tonight. The Pittsville Panthers and Marathon Red Raiders meet tonight in a conference showdown in Pittsville. This is a game that should say a lot about where both teams end up at season’s end.
The Red Raiders are 2-0 and coming off impressive wins against both Auburndale and Chequamegon. The Red Raiders have allowed the fewest yards in conference with 179 YPG. Four different Red Raiders have an interception this season while no other team has more than two players on the board in that category.
Pittsville will probably look to counter with a steady dose of Eric Hahn, who had a breakout week one before meeting the Stratford Tigers solid defensive unit in week two. Despite the down week, Hahn and his Panther offensive line see him just ten yards behind Peyton Duplayee of Tomahawk for the Marawood rushing title (on eight fewer carries).
Defensively, the Panthers will have be well aware of Gage Seehafer as well as the always dangerous Dillon Sanchez. Colin Seubert will look to keep the Panthers honest with the pass defense. Seubert leads the conference with five touchdown passes already this season.
While the Red Raiders are off to an impressive start Marathon coach Todd Stoffel was all about keeping things relative this early in the season. “It is hard to say exactly what to expect on Friday. They looked very explosive against a Phillips team which seems to be down this year, against Stratford they seemed to play well but had some key mistakes. We have always had close competitive games against Pittsville and we know they will be trying to get back on track after last Friday. We are just telling our kids to prepare for every team with the same attitude and approach and if we play like we are capable we will come out on top. It is just still a little hard to tell exactly how good teams are this earlier in the season, including us.”
We will all find out tonight.
