Scranton Prep defense ready for Class 3A postseason contention – Scranton Times-Tribune

Scranton Prep is the dominant program in the Lackawanna Football Conference.

The Cavaliers proved it again this season with their eighth District 2 Class 3A championship in the last 10 years and a 199-88 record over the last 25 years. They achieved this success thanks to an explosive and productive offense and a tough defensive approach.

While the Cavaliers’ stable and consistent offense stands out with its impressive statistics, the defense thrives in the shadows and focuses on outplaying opponents week in and week out.

This year’s team is no exception. Scranton Prep (12-1) will advance to the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals and a highly anticipated rematch with District 11 champion Northwestern Lehigh (13-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. at Hazleton District’s Harman-Geist Stadium.

“We play hard and we know we always have each other’s back,” Scranton Prep linebacker Reese Tanner said. “If we give up a big play or a touchdown, we just support each other and go for it on the next play.”

Last season, Scranton Prep lost 27-6 to Northwestern Lehigh in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals. The Cavaliers produced 367 total yards, including 257 yards rushing on 51 attempts.

Scranton Prep upgraded its non-conference schedule this season to help prepare for the state playoffs. That stretch culminated with away games against Loyola (Blakefield, MD.) and Jersey Shore and home games against Canisius (Buffalo, N.Y.). These teams came together to go 21-11 this season.

“The games we played against teams from out of state really helped us with the pace of the game. The physicality of those games helped us as well,” Scranton Prep linebacker Jack Doughton said.

Scranton Prep started the season with a 33-0 win over District 2 Class 4A champion Valley View, holding the Cougars to 160 total yards. After splitting the next two games, which included a 26-23 victory over Loyola Blakefield and a 39-25 defeat against Canisius, Scranton Prep’s defense shut out Scranton, Mid Valley and Tunkhannock during a 10-game winning streak. It became a power. .

“We always work hard to minimize teams making big moves against us,” Doughton said. “We play with intensity and try to maintain our enthusiasm and excitement throughout the entire match.”

Scranton Prep’s defense improved its performance in the District 2 Class 3A playoffs.

In the quarterfinal victory over Tunkhannock, the Cavaliers limited the Tigers to 73 total yards and five first downs. Scranton Prep took control of Mid Valley, taking a 27-7 lead at the half to win 40-21.

Last week, Scranton Prep attacked the ball and stifled Wyoming Area, the top-seeded offense in Region 2. The Warriors scored 50 or more points four times and defeated Western Wayne 36-35. They had 295 total yards.

Scranton Prep contained Wyoming Regional, holding it to 217 yards and a season-low six points. Andrew Dempsey had 13 tackles, Tanner, lineman Byron Axtell and linebacker Mackey Lynett had 11 tackles each, Will McPartland had nine and Travis Sharples had eight.

It was a team effort, as it has been all season for the Cavaliers.

Tanner leads the team with 116 tackles and nine tackles for loss. Doughton ranks second with 109 tackles and eight tackles for loss and has one interception. Dempsey has 88 steals.

Scranton Prep’s linemen are aggressive and control the line of scrimmage. At 6-foot-1, 275 pounds, Axtell is very strong inside. He has 55 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Offensively, All-Region guard Travis Sharples has 44 steals. Ambrose Rossi has 57 tackles, four for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Anthony De Los Santos had 13 steals. Quarterback Louis Paris has 15 tackles, six for a loss and a team-high five sacks.

McPartland has 69 tackles to lead the secondary, while Lynett contributes 50 tackles, four for loss and one interception. Brady Holmes has 30 tackles and Treyvon Dickey has 25 tackles.

Facing Northwestern Lehigh for the second straight year presents another challenge for the group.

Senior Eli Zimmerman has 2,062 yards rushing, averaging 13.1 yards per carry and 23 touchdowns. The team has 3,634 yards rushing this season.

Last week, Zimmerman rushed for 222 yards on 17 carries in a 49-7 win over Conwell-Egan in the first round of the state playoffs.

“We have to stop the run,” Tanner said. “They have good backs and good speed. We have to try to slow them down and give our offense a chance.”

First Publication Date: November 22, 2024, 12:00 EST