JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch hasn’t arrived yet. But its path is headed in the right direction.

Coach Tim Burchett said his football team will learn from last week’s first loss — a 22-0 deision at unbeaten Elizabeth Forward — while getting ready to host Deer Lakes at 7 p.m. Friday night.

The Lancers have won four straight games since a season-opening 7-6 loss to Keystone Oaks. This will mark the section opener for both teams.

“Elizabeth Forward is an established power, a program that’s built a pretty solid tradition in recent years,” Burchett said. “We’re trying to get to where they’re at, but we’re not there yet.

“Our kids are dealing with some adversity now. We took one on the chinm last week. Now let’s see how we respond to it.”

Deer Lakes is led by fourth-year starting quarterback Derek Burk, who has completed 49 of 71 passes for 790 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also rushed for 184 yards and four scores.

“Having a fourth-year starter at that position is paying off,” Lancers coach Tim Burk said of his son. “For Derek’s first two years, I had to look at him differenly in terms of football. He was a player, not just my son.

“Now, sitting around the dinner table, he and I are on the same page. We discuss strategy, how we want to get things done. He has an experienced football mind now.”

He has weaopons as well.

Running back Zier Williams has rushed for 581 yards and five touchdowns. Wayne Love has caught 14 passes for 331 yards and four scores. Ryan Cochran and Zach Grant have combined for 25 catches, 341 yards and four scores.

“We’ve got three receivers standing 6-foot-2 or taller,” Coach Burk enthused. “They all have speed and make great targets.”

“They spread the ball around well,” Burchett said.

The Knights do much the same. Codi Mullen has thrown for 855 yards and eight touchdowns, rushed for 266 and three scores. Kaden Spencer has 19 catches for 418 yards, Jackson Bauman 18 for 244. Spencer and running back Tony Nicolazzo have scored six touchdowns each.

“Our defense has been playing very well,” Burchett said. “We’ll be challenged on that side of the ball Friday. With Deer Lakes, it’s pick your poison. We have to limit them as best we can.

“We played a little timid last week, to be honest. We need to get back to making plays and scoring touchdowns. Hopefully, last week was a wake-up call for us.”

Deer Lakes won a shootout between the teams last year, 37-36. Knoch defeated the Lancers, 21-13, two years ago.

“It might be a wild one like that again,” Coach Burk said. “But I think both defenses are better. We have to match the physicality and intensity Knoch brings to the game.”

Deer Lakes is led defensively by hybrid linebacker Aiden Fletcher, middle linebacker Sam Guthrie and cornerback Grant, who leads the team with three interceptions.

Both coaches see the importance of getting off to a good start in conference play.

“This is where they all count,” Burchett said. “This is pretty much like our Super Bowl.”