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By Michael Boytim
mboytim@altoonamirror.com
Two of the most feel-good stories of the high school football season meet Friday when Glendale travels to Claysburg-Kimmel for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Both teams are 4-2.
The Vikings have lost two games by a combined total of 10 points, and the Bulldogs have won four games in a row after losing the first two games of the season.
"The kids have really bought into what we're trying to do," Claysburg-Kimmel coach Chuck Kassick said. "They really believe and most importantly they are executing what they need to do to get the job done. It has created some buzz. We have some buzz in the community and the town, because it has been a while since we have been on a streak like this. People are excited."
Glendale and Claysburg-Kimmel are neck-in-neck in the District 6 Class 1A rankings.
"This group understands the process, but they also know as you get to this part of the season that the room for error is limited," Glendale coach Dave "Spank" Trexler said. "We have yet to put it all together and play a complete game. It will be a great challenge, especially on the road, and our team is excited for the opportunity."
Glendale will have to account for Mark Lattieri and Mason Campagna who both have more than 700 yards rushing and are at the top of the Altoona Mirror's core coverage area rushing leaders list.
"It was brought to my attention by some community members who asked if I happened to look," Kassick said. "Honestly, I don't even look. The kids competitively talk to each other about it, but they don't care. They are all about getting the win and don't care what it takes. If one has 200 yards and the other has 7 or vice versa, they don't care. It's all about getting the win. But it is pretty neat to see that. It's not like the Altoona Mirror has a small outreach. There are some big schools and some really good football players."
The Vikings just happen to have two excellent defensive run stoppers.
"We have to execute up front at the point of attack. We can't get pushed around," Kassick said. "Trying to contain (Dan) Williams and (Landen) McGarvey, who are outstanding kids is going to be a true challenge of what we are really made of. Both up front and mentally. I know it won't be easy."
Despite that, Mount Union's Nasir Collins ran for 172 yards last week in a game that slipped through Glendale's hands, literally, with five fumbles.
"Our consistency has been a glaring issue, especially defensively," Trexler said. "In our last two defeats, we have had players in position to make plays defensively. Missing tackles or not being aggressive in pass coverage has resulted in points for our opponents. It is frustrating and solidifies that you must play every play like it is the play (that could decide the game)."
Despite the obstacles in Williams, McGarvey and the rest of the Glendale defense, the Bulldogs won't shy from trying to move the ball on the ground.
"We have to establish the run game," Kassick said. "We don't have to rush for 400 yards, but we have to establish the line of scrimmage and be positive. We have to stay ahead of the chains and also not get rattled. Coach Trexler does a great job with those kids. He never has 50 kids on the roster. He does unbelievable with the kids he has. They are tough and don't seem to get rattled. They are disciplined and have good speed. It's going to be a challenge, but if we can stay ahead and win the turnover battle, we have a good chance."
Two 5-1 teams
Hollidaysburg will host Jersey Shore in a battle of 5-1 teams at Tiger Stadium on Friday.
Jersey Shore's only loss came to undefeated Shamokin, and quarterback Elijah Jordan has thrown for 1,296 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
"They are a very physical and aggressive team," Hollidaysburg coach Homer DeLattre said. "We're just coming off a pretty tough and aggressive game. We have to make sure we're prepared for another tough, aggressive group. They are one of the winningest teams in the state over the last five years. They have a great program right now, and this could be a great game for us."
The Golden Tigers are coming off their first loss, to Maryland power Fort Hill. It was the second long road trip Hollidaysburg made in a row after traveling to Mifflinburg in Week 5.
"It's exciting (to be back home)," DeLattre said. "We have three straight games at home. It's our homecoming game, and it looks like it will be a nice night for weather. It should be an exciting high school football game between two really good teams."
Altoona getting closer
Altoona opened some eyes across the Mid-Penn Conference on Friday by nearly derailing a one-loss Bishop McDevitt team.
"Our kids made plays," Altoona coach Vince Nedimyer Jr. said. "We finally made plays on Friday night, and it makes a big difference when the kids make plays and are able to put ourselves in position to win the football game at the end. Our defense gave us a chance as well. It was a great feeling. I think our kids had a great time, and they finally believed against a really good football team in McDevitt. We just came up a little bit short."
Now the Mountain Lions host Harrisburg on Friday at Mansion Park. Harrisburg, like McDevitt, is 5-1 and averages nearly 6 yards per carry.
"They are not much different than McDevitt," Nedimyer said. "They have good size. They are athletic. They are a team that we respect. We have to execute. If we execute and do the things we need to do, we will be in this game as well. We gave up one big play Friday night. If we can prevent big plays and not turn it over and not have penalties on offense, we can be in the game. These are things we have been saying all season, and it finally happened on Friday night."