Over the years, Notre Dame-Green Pond has fielded some high-octane, offense-happy football teams.

This year is no different.

The Crusaders have racked up 127 points in two games, scoring wins over Garden Spot and Northern Lehigh behind an offense that has thrown for 917 yards and averaged 611 yards of total offense per game.

If there’s a team that has been able to slow down Phil Stambaugh’s squad in recent years, however, it’s been North Schuylkill. The Spartans have won four of the last five meetings between the teams, including a 28-21 decision last season.

The teams square off again tonight at Ghosh Orthodontics Field at Spartan Stadium in the T-102 Game of the Week (pre-game 6:45 p.m., kickoff 7 p.m.). The matchup is a Schuylkill/Colonial Cooperative Red Division/White Division crossover game pitting two teams expected to contend for their respective division honors.

“They are an efficient and very productive unit offensively,” North Schuylkill coach Wally Hall said of NDGP. “The quarterback is accurate and distributes the ball to multiple players and all over the field.”

The Notre Dame-North Schuylkill contest is one of two big division showdowns on tonight’s schedule, as Williams Valley takes on Nativity at Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Stadium in a Schuylkill/Colonial Blue Division clash of unbeatens.

Marian opened the Week 3 slate Thursday night with a 27-0 victory over Panther Valley. You can read the account of that game here: https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2024/09/05/dixon-colts-run-past-panther-valley/

Also on tonight’s schedule: Tamaqua at Pottsville, Blue Mountain at Jim Thorpe and Lehighton at Southern Lehigh in the Red Division, and Shenandoah Valley at Schuylkill Haven, Tri-Valley at Pine Grove and Mahanoy Area at Minersville in the Blue Division.

For a preview of Pottsville’s home clash with Tamaqua, visit https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2024/09/06/pottsville-hosts-tamaqua-in-red-division-showdown/

Matt Bodnar is the conductor of Notre Dame’s offense as the junior quarterback has completed 58-of-76 passes for 917 yards and 11 touchdowns in two games. Sophomore Jonathan Striba (14-218, 2 TDs), senior Carmine Diaz (8-204, 4 TDs) and junior Alex Clark (6-122) are his main targets, while sophomore running back Aaron Gordon (25-114, TD) leads the ground attack.

North Schuylkill enters tonight’s contest on the heels of a 35-17 loss last Friday at Tamaqua. The Spartans were held to 98 yards rushing while quarterback Caden Mengel was 9-of-22 passing for 92 yards. Tamaqua, meanwhile, rushed for 279 yards as Bradley Whalen carried 21 times for 192 yards.

North Schuylkill will need to flip that script tonight to slow down the Crusaders. Last year, Mengel rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 163 more yards as the Spartans controlled the tempo in the second half to pull out the win.

After losing several key players to injury in the first half, North Schuylkill put together two long scoring drives in the second half. The Spartans slowed down the tempo and rode its offensive line to rush the ball 50 times for 266 yards. Overall, North Schuylkill finished with 429 yards and 22 first downs.

North Schuylkill might have to utilize a similar game plan tonight.

Get a look at the area’s statistical leaders: https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2024/09/05/area-hs-football-stat-leaders-after-week-2/

“Last year’s game with Green Pond we faced multiple injuries during the contest,” Hall said. “Green Pond is known for their up-tempo offense and explosive plays. At halftime, with adjustment, we wanted to establish a strong run game, stay on schedule, slow their tempo and move the chains.”

In Saint Clair, the Vikings and Green Wave square off in the first of several key clashes among Blue Division contenders.

Williams Valley has used the running of freshman Fletcher Thompson (32-231, 2 TDs) and explosive plays by senior wideout Kian Krzyzanowski (9-174, 3 TDs) to down Upper Dauphin and Mahanoy Area. The Vikings have averaged 203 yards rushing behind a veteran offensive line, while quarterback Brady Shomper has completed 17-of-25 passes for 301 yards and five TDs without an interception.

“Fletch has been crucial to our offense, he had a great offseason,” Williams Valley head coach Stephen Sedesse said of Thompson. “I was impressed with how fast he learned our offense, and his commitment to playing the position. He’s a confident kid, and I think that confidence will continue to grow.”

Nativity, meanwhile, has executed on all cylinders in its two games, blowing out Holy Redeemer 52-0 and Pine Grove 53-7, scoring all of its points in the opening halves of both games.

Quarterback Ben Kreitzer has completed 10-of-11 passes for 308 yards and four TDs, with wide receiver Noah Dolbin hauling in seven passes for 214 yards and three scores. On the ground, Nativity has rushed for 528 yards and nine TDs, with Sam Walborn (11-152, 3 TDs) and Sam Spolski (14-115, 3 TDs) leading the way.

Defensively, Nativity has already picked off five passes, returning three for touchdowns.

Williams Valley won last year’s clash 35-28 in Williamstown.

“We have 16 seniors on our roster who have all been with us for four years,” Nativity coach Pat Mason said. “They have been through a lot together, especially last year when they were involved in so many close games that didn’t turn out in our favor.  They know what’s expected of them every week, same preparation, same expectations.

“This is a huge game for our team,” Mason continued. “We have a lot of respect for Williams Valley’s program and the tradition they have. Any time you get a chance to play a team that is a defending district AA champion, it’s a great opportunity.

“This is the type of game you work all offseason for. We are very excited for the opportunity.”

Here’s a capsule look at tonight’s games:

Game Breakdowns

Notre Dame-Green Pond (2-0) at North Schuylkill (1-1)

Radio/TV: WAVT 101.9 FM

Live Updates: Follow T102SportsNow content editor Leroy Boyer on X @pubsportsboss

Last week: Notre Dame-Green Pond blanked Salisbury 56-0; North Schuylkill lost to Tamaqua 35-17

Key players: Notre Dame-Green Pond — QB Matt Bodnar, WR Jonathan Striba. North Schuylkill — QB Caden Mengel, OL/DL Brayden Lauta

Last season: North Schuylkill 28-21

Breakdown: The Crusaders visit Fountain Springs for the second straight year in this Red Division/White Division crossover after scoring 127 points and averaging 611 yards of total offense in their first two games. North Schuylkill will need to play much better defensively than it did last week when Tamaqua rushed for 279 yards in a 35-17 win. The Spartans will need to slow down the tempo and control the football on offense, keeping Notre Dame’s offense off the field. North Schuylkill will also need to control the line of scrimmage and put pressure on Bodnar when he drops back to throw.

Williams Valley (2-0) at Nativity (2-0)

Live Updates: Follow T102SportsNow writer Tim Demko on X @TimDemko

Last week: Williams Valley downed Mahanoy Area 48-6; Nativity routed Pine Grove 53-7

Key players: Williams Valley — QB Brady Shomper, WR Kian Krzyzanowski. Nativity — QB Ben Kreitzer, RB/LB Sam Spolski

Last season: Williams Valley 35-28

Breakdown: A clash of Blue Division unbeatens, both the Vikings and Green Wave have looked impressive so far. This game comes down to the play in the trenches and big plays. Which team is able to control the line of scrimmage and run the ball? Which quarterback makes the big play and doesn’t make the big mistake? Look for the Vikings to try and establish the run, while Nativity looks to get all of its weapons involved in a variety of ways. Should be a dandy.

Blue Mountain (2-0) at Jim Thorpe (1-1)

Radio/TV: WMGH 105.5 FM; WLSH 1410 AM; Blue Ridge Cable TV-113

Live Updates: Follow T102SportsNow writer Eli Doyle on X @iamelidoyle

Last week: Blue Mountain defeated Southern Lehigh 32-20; Jim Thorpe lost to Pottsville 48-7

Key players: Blue Mountain — TE Bradley Renninger, WR/DB Gaige Guers. Jim Thorpe — WR Aaron Curran, QB Cole Lazorick

Last season: Blue Mountain 35-0

Breakdown: This is a potential trap game for the Eagles, who have looked impressive in wins over Schuylkill Haven and Southern Lehigh but face unbeaten Northwestern Lehigh next week. Blue Mountain’s endurance and stamina have been key in its two wins so far, as the Eagles have controlled the line of scrimmage and created room for Tyler Stahley to run and given QB Brady Strause time to throw. The Olympians lost the battle in the trenches last week, giving up 238 yards rushing and 429 total yards in a 48-7 loss to Pottsville. Mark Rosenberger’s club needs to make the big play and get its talented receivers involved to keep the Eagles’ defense off-balance.

Shenandoah Valley (0-2) at Schuylkill Haven (1-1)

Live Updates: Follow T102SportsNow writer Bob Lipsky on X @BobLipskyRH

Last week: Shenandoah Valley lost to Minersville 44-0; Schuylkill Haven blanked Panther Valley 57-0

Key players: Shenandoah Valley — RB Jonnuel Reyes, QB Ethan Bench. Schuylkill Haven — QB Brayden Fasnacht, RB/LB Niko Castillo

Last season: Did not play

Breakdown: The Devils and Hurricanes renew their storied rivalry as part of Schuylkill Haven’s celebration of its 100^th season of football. Shenandoah Valley and Schuylkill Haven haven’t played since 2021. The Devils have struggled mightily so far, compiling just 230 total yards in two games and being outscored 92-17. The Hurricanes rebounded from a Week 1 loss to Blue Mountain with a dominating win over Panther Valley, as Niko Carestia rushed for 180 yards and three TDs. Another big night rushing the football is expected in this one.

Mahanoy Area (0-2) at Minersville (2-0)

Last week: Mahanoy Area lost to Williams Valley 48-6; Minersville shut out Shenandoah Valley 44-0

Key players: Mahanoy Area — QB Levi Terry, RB Kyler Quick. Minersville — QB Dante Carr, WR Paiten LaPoint

Last season: Did not play

Breakdown: It’s Military Appreciation Night in Minersville, where the Miners and Bears honor military members past and present by wearing special jerseys. It’s the first meeting between the two teams since 2021. On the field, Minersville hasn’t given up a point yet in two games, outscoring its opponents 83-0. Carr has been impressive so far, rushing for 235 yards and four TDs and throwing for 382 yards and six scores. He can become the school’s all-time leader in touchdown passes tonight with one more TD strike. For Mahanoy Area to be competitive, the Golden Bears have to be successful running the ball with Quick and prevent Minersville from making big plays.

Tri-Valley (2-0) at Pine Grove (0-2)

Last week: Tri-Valley downed Marian 24-0; Pine Grove lost to Nativity 53-7

Key players: Tri-Valley — RB/LB Cole Gemberling, WR/LB Max Masser. Pine Grove — RB Brody Ibarra, TE Robbie Schaeffer.

Last season: Did not play

Breakdown: The Dawgs and Cardinals also meet for the first time since 2021, renewing their annual West End Gridiron Bowl rivalry from their old Twin Valley Conference/Tri-Valley League days. Tri-Valley scored one of the biggest wins last week, blanking Marian 24-0. The Fanelli, Evans & Patel T102SportsNow.com Athlete of the Week, Gemberling had a monster game, rushing for 191 yards and three TDs. Masser has been the Dawgs’ defensive leader with 18 tackles in two games. The Cardinals have struggled offensively in their two losses, scoring just seven points and gaining just 200 total yards. Ibarra looked good running the ball against Nativity. Getting Schaeffer more involved in the passing game is a big key against the Dawgs.

Lehighton (1-1) at Southern Lehigh (1-1)

Last week: Lehighton beat Bangor 33-7; Southern Lehigh lost to Blue Mountain 32-20

Key players: Lehighton — RB/WR Blake Roberts, QB Jayse Lawrence. Southern Lehigh — QB Colton Sams, RB Sean Steckert.

Last season: Southern Lehigh 54-12

Breakdown: Consistency was Lehighton’s top priority entering the season, and tonight’s clash with Southern Lehigh is a perfect challenge for that goal. The Indians looked impressive in a Thursday night win over Bangor as Lawrence rushed for 74 yards and a score and threw for 93 yards and two TDs. Can they keep up that momentum against a Spartan squad that couldn’t hold a second-half lead against Blue Mountain? Southern Lehigh rushed for just 29 yards against Blue Mountain, although Steckert had an 81-yard kickoff return. The Indians will need to contain Sams and slow down Southern Lehigh’s passing attack to pull out the victory.