The 3-0 Tyrone Golden Eagle football squad will travel to Philipsburg to play the 0-3 Mounties this Friday.

At first glance this game looks like it could be a blood-bath.

Looking at common opponents, Tyrone’s starters were up 32-0 against Huntingdon going into the half last week. The same Huntingdon team that beat Bellefonte 28-20, and Bellefonte beat Philipsburg 36-0.

So on paper, this game should not be a test for the Golden Eagles.

However upon further examination, this may be a closer game than you’d imagine.

Philipsburg has perhaps the best defensive line that Tyrone has seen. They are big, fast, and they come off the ball with force. The Mountie receivers are talented and always have the potential to bust a big play.

So what is Philipsburg’s downfall with all these athletes?

Lack of discipline.

Their defensive linemen come up the field full speed, but often over extend.  As a result, they are very susceptible to counters and traps. The Mountie receivers, while athletic and talented, often drop the ball in key situations. Their quarterback is notorious for throwing into coverage.

“This is another game that we should win,” said Tyrone senior quarterback Garrett Hunter.

Hunter comes off an amazing performance last week against Huntingdon, with four touchdowns and 198 passing yards in the first half alone.  Hunter and the rest of the Tyrone starters sat out the entire second half.

“We just need to come out and play our game. We have to respect every opponent,” said Hunter.

Tyrone will have to adjust to a new type of offense this week. Philipsburg uses a zone-blocking scheme, which often leads to slow developing plays and cutback lanes. The Golden Eagle defense has given up a couple big runs off cutback lanes already this year, so Philipsburg will likely try to exploit this Tyrone weakness.

“Every high school football team plays 11 guys, our age, just like us. They want to win just like us,” said Tyrone senior receiver Silas Crawford, “we cannot overlook these guys because they will bring their best game.”

Nonetheless, the Golden Eagles have looked stellar so far this season, especially with an improved passing game last week.

Expect to see the Tyrone offense putting up some big numbers again.

Prediction: Tyrone 56, Philipsburg 14.