HERSHEY – Lackawanna Trail defeated Juniata Valley 24-14 in the PIAA 1A State Semifinals last weekend. This will be Lackawanna Trail’s first trip to Hershey and they face a powerful Farrell team out of District 10.
The Steelers defeated Our Lady of the Sacred Heart 41-10. This will be Farrell’s fifth trip to the PIAA State Final game. They are 2-2 and recently lost to Bishop Guilfoyle in 2015, 35-0. They won back-to-back state titles in 1995 and 1996.
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The Lions are a traditional wing-T offense. Look for Lackawanna Trail to have up to five backs touch the ball Thursday afternoon. Their leading rusher is fullback Ray Meinkoff and they have four other backs that have rushed for over 500 yards this season.
The key on offense for the Lions is to spread the ball around, earn the tough yards, score in the red zone and control the clock.
On defense the Lions need to be disciplined and run to the football. They need to be physical against a bigger team and don’t give up any explosive plays.
A look out West.
Their star running back, Christian Lewis, had two long runs in the second half of last week’s game to lead the Steelers to the Class 1A state title game.
Kyi Wright scored twice last week and will be tough to bring down. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Pitt recruit is also an outstanding linebacker.
The Steelers have size on the line. The lineman all weigh in at over 270 pounds. They have size and speed and will be a big challenge for a much smaller Lackawanna Trail team.
Some key players to keep a eye on Thursday afternoon:
Quarterback Kyi Wright completed 91 of 128 passes for 1,627 yards, 28 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He rushed for 586 yards on 74 carries and 12 touchdowns.
Running Back Christian Lewis rushed for 2,219 yards on 189 carries and 29 touchdowns. Jaden Harrison rushed for 741 yards and eight touchdowns. Tymire Green added 342 yards on 40 carries and 10 touchdowns.
Wide Receivers Jourdan Townsend caught 67 passes for 1,216 yards and 22 touchdowns. Brian Hilton Jr. caught nine passes for 174 yards and three scores.
Lackawanna Trail Players to Watch:
Quarterback: Nathan Rolka 48 of 103 829 yards and eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has rushed for 733 yards on 135 carries and 11 touchdowns.
Running backs: FB Ray Meinkoff rushed for 1,312 yards on 155 carries and 15 touchdowns. He caught 14 passes for 176 yards and one score. WB Cody Moylerushed for 822 yards on 98 carries and 16 touchdowns. He has one catch for a touchdown that went 44 yards. RB Jeffrey Resto rushed for 744 yards on 109 carries and eight touchdowns. He caught six passes for 133 yards and a score.
Offensive Lineman: LT Mark Dunckle, LG Colin Mulhern, C Richard Rodenbach, RG Jacob Brim, RT Robbie Davis
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: WB Jordan Edwards caught 13 passes for 167 yards and one score. TE Zac Cost caught six passes for 105 yards and a score. WR Nico Berrios has six catches for 95 yards and a score.
Defensive Line: DE Zac Cost, DE Nathan Rolka, DE Colin Mulhern, DT Mark Dunckle, NG Jacob Brim,
Linebackers: OLB Cody Moyle, OLB Jeffrey Resto has two interceptions, ILB Ray Meinikoff, ILB Josh Brown
Defensive Backs: CB Nico Berrios has three interceptions, CB Zach Stec has one interception, FS Jordan Edwards has two interceptions.
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