The 7-1 Tyrone Golden Eagle football squad travels to Penns Valley to play the 2-6 Rams this Friday.

The Rams’ only wins this year come from Bald Eagle Area and Philipsburg-Osceola, two of the most disappointing teams in District 6 this year.

Tyrone comes off a stellar 61-0 victory over the 1-7 Central Mountain Wildcats on Senior Night last week.

Although this week’s game vs. Penns Valley looks to be another lopsided victory for Tyrone, Penns Valley does bring something to the table that Tyrone has not yet seen.

The Rams boast a very quick and agile line. In fact, their defensive line may be the smallest and fastest Tyrone has seen so far. And even though size is often a line’s biggest advantage, there is something to be said for defenders that can make people miss.

Tyrone’s offensive line has struggled this year against smaller defensive fronts.  Tyrone’s best games have been against the notoriously big linemen of Bald Eagle and Chestnut Ridge.

Its worst game by far was against the Clearfield Bisons, who also have a quicker, smaller defensive line. The Golden Eagle offensive line will need to adjust to protect the quarterback this week.

“Our offensive line has definitely improved from week to week. We may not be the biggest or the best, but all five of us give our best effort in practice as well as in games. We will get better as the season goes on,” said sophomore  lineman Colby Pannebaker .

Penns Valley has some offensive weapons as well, averaging about 300 yards per game. This being said, the Tyrone defense should have no trouble stopping them. The Golden Eagles have allowed only one 100 yard rusher all season. And with the probable return of corner Cameron Bakhsheshe and linebacker Eli Sleeth from injuries will do no favors to the Rams.

The Tyrone passing game has probably seen the biggest improvement since the beginning of the season. Senior quarterback Garrett Hunter reached 1000 yards on the year with the first play of last week’s win. Meanwhile, running back Aleic Hunter will likely reach 1000 yards on the ground for this season against Penns Valley this Friday.

Hunter has been making the most of his carries for Tyrone, averaging an amazing 8.2 yards per carry. If he keeps his performance up, he will break the record for yards per carry, currently held by Marcus Owens of the 1996 squad at 7.9 yards.

All in all, this is another game Tyrone should win.