Battle of unbeatens at Knoch
JEFFERSON TWP — Nobody saw this coming — except maybe the respective coaches.
Southmoreland (3-0) visits Knoch (3-0) for a 7 p.m. football kickoff Friday night. The Scotties are off to just their fourth 3-0 start since 1979 while the Knights are coming off a 1-9 campaign.
“We beat them in a wild game last year (33-24),” Southmoreland coach Tim Bukowski recalled. “Both teams gave gotten much better since then. We’re pretty explosive and they are, too.”
This game features two of the most productive offensive players in the WPIAL. Southmoreland’s Da’sjon Craggette leads the WPIAL with 574 yards rushing, including five touchdowns. Knoch quarterback Codi Mullen has thrown for 759 yards and seven scores, ranking among the five most productive quarterbacks in the district.
Knoch coach Tim Burchett knows the challenge facing his defense come Friday.
“He’s a dynamic kid, fast and elusive,” Burchett said of Craggette. “We have to keep him contained. If he gets the edge on us, he’s gone.”
All five of Craggette’s touchdowns are on runs of 50 yards or more.
“Definitely a home run hitter,” Bukowski said of his running back. “He runs the 40 in 4.3 and he runs with power. He’s a special back and he’s getting some Division 1 looks.
“Knoch does some great things with their quarterback. He makes smart decisions on RPOs and doesn’t make mistakes with the ball. We have to do a good job of staying with their receivers.”
Burchett compared Mullen’s role on the team to that of a point guard in basketball.
“We count on Codi to get the ball into the hands of the right people, with them in position to make plays,” the Knoch coach said. “That's a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and he handles it well.”
While Southmoreland is known for its standout running back so far this year, the Scotties can throw the ball as well. Kaden Keefer has thrown for 295 yards and four touchdowns with leading receiver Ty Keffer catching 13 balls for 182 yards and three scores,.
Keefer threw for 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago while Keffer had 73 catches for more than 1,000 yards.
“Ty is a big target at 6-foot-3 and is our go-to guy in the passing game,” Bukowski said.
Mullen’s favorite receivers are Kaden Spencer (19 catches for 418 yards) and Jackson Bauman (12 catches, 195 yards). Tony Nicolazzo has rushed for 134 yards and five TDs.
“Kaden is doing a fantastic job,” Burchett said. “He made one of the top three catches I’ve ever seen at Beaver Falls last week. We’ve got some other backs we want to work into the mix, particularly Ethan Alwine. We’re looking to get him a few more carries on offense. He’s been outstanding on defense.”
Burchett also cited the play of defensive linemen Parker Anderson, Wyatt Foster and Bennett Shaw, along with middle linebacker Dylan Pinkerton and safety Nicolazzo.
Southmoreland is averaging 35 points per game, having defeated McGuffey (34-6), Ligonier Valley (48-7) and Derry Area (24-21).
The Knights are coming off a 27-24 win at Beaver Falls.
“Our defense has to be up to the task,” Bukowski emphasized. “Elliot Premus at defensive end, middle linebacker Noah Phillips and safety Camren Phillips have stood out for us on that side of the ball.”
