Knights will face big test on road tonight – timesobserver.com
Eisenhower’s Benji Bauer has rushed for 675 yards and 10 touchdowns so far this season.
Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger
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The 4-0 Eisenhower Knights will have a big test tonight when they travel to Lakeview to take on the 3-1 Sailors.
The game, which is not a region contest, is big in several ways and has playoff implications for both teams.
For Lakeview, it is battling for first place. For the Knights, it may give them a glimpse of their potential opponent should they get into the postseason. Secondly, the Sailors are big and try to bully their opponents.
“Lakeview is a very physical, and has an old-school approach to the game,” Eisenhower head coach Jim Penley said. “They have good physical size to them, they get off the ball well and have a level of tenacity to their play.”
Lakeview’s offense is primarily a power-I, having rushed for 937 yards behind an a huge offensive line that includes sophomore William Gay (6-foot-2, 327 pounds) and senior Brendon Malone (6-3, 305). The bulk of the carries have fallen on the shoulders of junior Mitchel Tingley (60-384) and junior Darrick Hinson (51-308).
The Sailors’ offense, which has included only 67 through the air, has earned Penley’s respect.
“Tingley just runs hard and he runs with a forward lean and has a great burst. The other back, Hinson, is just a great back and a phenomenal athlete who is super hard to tackle. Our defense will have to play a disciplined game to keep them in check.”
The Knights’ offense, meanwhile, has been firing on all cylinders through the first four games. Senior tailback Benji Bauer (71 carries, 675 yards,10 touchdowns), who last week set a school record with five rushing touchdowns and 224 yards against Seneca, has been impressive.
As a team, Eisenhower has rushed for more than 1,300 yards. Junior quarterback Shawn Pascuzzi has been productive and protective of the football, rushing for 129 yards on 18 carries and four touchdowns, while throwing for 356 yards on 18 completions and three touchdown passes, without an interception or a sack.
“Lakeview is very disciplined on defense,” Penley said. “They are 3-1 for a reason. Take away the turnovers in the Seneca game and maybe they win. They are very physical. This will be a tremendous test for us. We have to play our best game to match their physical presence. Our line, which has been outstanding to this point, needs to win the battle at the line of scrimmage. Lakeview will most certainly be one of the best teams we’ve played to this point.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lakeview High School, which is located at 2482 Mercer St. in Stoneboro.