Eisenhower head football coach Jim Penley addressed his team during a timeout last week against Seneca. Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger
Tonight is Knights vs. Knights, with Eisenhower (4-3) traveling to Franklin (1-6) for a non-region football game.
Both teams are looking to get back into the win column after losing last week. Coach Eisenhower’s second-half comeback fell short, losing to Seneca 27-14 in the regional game, and Franklin lost to Meadville 62-6.
Despite Franklin’s record, Eisenhower head coach Jim Penley is wary of tonight’s game.
“Franklin is one of the biggest teams we’ve ever played against physically,” he said. “They have both size and strength. Players with their skill may not be able to outrun their opponent, but physically they can run against the timber when they run towards you. I’ll bring it.
Franklin is “old school”, preferring to run the ball with minimal passing, and Penry knows what his team must be prepared for.
“Offensively, they like to run ISO and throw the ball outside,” he said. “Most of their passing game is based on play-action from the run offense. We have to play disciplined football.”
Leading the way for Franklin is quarterback Jason Carey, who completed just 14 passes for 219 yards. The run game is led by Kaiden Mincer, who is averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Eisenhower is a versatile team led by junior quarterback Caleb Jakubchak, who threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns. He also proved to be a deceptive runner, gaining 466 yards with five touchdowns.
Logan Penley led Eisenhower’s ground game, rushing for 526 yards and leading the team with six touchdowns.
Eisenhower has his hands full on defense and must play soccer without mistakes.
“We know we have to control the line of scrimmage,” Penley said. “Given their size, that’s going to be very important.”
Tonight’s kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at 910 Armory Drive in Franklin.
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ERIE — The Eisenhower Knights shut out Iroquois in a key Region 3 girls soccer game Wednesday night.
