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Freeport gets off to quick start

Freeport's Dylan Hochbein, making a catch against Burrell in 2014 action here, joins his b other, Brandon, in forming a strng receiver combo for the Yellowjackets this year.
Yellowjackets hosting Summit Academy

Freeport coach John Gaillot didn't expect the Yellowjackets to hang 35 points on Shady Side Academy during their Greater Allegheny Conference opener last Friday.

But Freeport's offense, under first-year quarterback Ryan Weigold, made a steady march toward the end zone, wracking up 335 yards of total offense in a 35-7 win.

Gaillot was more surprised when he talked to his offensive coordinator about their balance.

“We were 48 percent pass and 52 run,” Gaillot said. “That's a lot different than last year. We were heavy pass. When we tried to establish the run, we had some routes come open.”

Summit Academy, which will take on the Yellowjackets at 7 p.m. Friday at Swartz Field, went in the opposite direction during its opener.

The Knights scored 18 points without their offense getting on the field. Summit Academy's offense struggled after that in the Knights' 43-18 loss to Highlands.

“We ran out of gas,” Summit Academy coach Steve Sherer said. “It was hot, humid and I think our kids got tired.”

Freeport (1-0, 1-0) will give the Knights another cardio test this week.

The Yellowjackets fun n' gun offense produced 262 passing yards last week. Brandon Hochbein led Freeport with 110 yards on three catches. His brother, Dylan, had 82 yards on two receptions.

Ian Miller led the Yellowjackets in rushing, gaining 61 yards and scoring three times on six carries.

“Our defense is set up, they like to pass and (Weigold) is a good quarterback,” Sherer said. “They do a lot of things well. Our secondary has to play well.”

The Knights' offense will need to handle Freeport's stout defensive line.

Yellowjackets senior defensive lineman Logan Thimons, who is a West Virginia University recruit, collected two sacks against the Indians last week. Freeport finished with 10 tackles for loss.

“Offensively, we have to block,” Sherer said. “We didn't do a good job of blocking last week.”

The Yellowjackets plan to challenge the inexperienced Summit Academy line.

“The kids have to one up what they did last week. We don't want them to regress,” Gaillot said. “We want them to be more physical and more emotional. It's an emotional game.”

Fox Chapel at Seneca Valley

7:30 p.m., Friday

What to look for: Fox Chapel is under the direction of first-year coach Tom Loughran, who coached South Park to two WPIAL titles, two PIAA championships and 186 wins. ... The Foxes bowed to North Hills last week 27-13. ... Seneca Valley managed eight plays of 15 yards or more (four runs, four passes) in last week's 34-24 loss at North Allegheny.

Greensburg Salem at Knoch

7 p.m., Friday

What to look for: Knoch lost to Franklin Regional last week 35-2 while Greensburg Salem fell 28-10 to Gateway. ... The Golden Lions allowed a pair of safeties against Gateway as well as touchdowns on a punt return and an interception return. ... Knoch has defeated G-S in seven of the last eight meetings between the teams ... G-S forced four fumbles against Gateway.

Redbank Valley at Karns City

7 p.m., Friday

What to look for: KC defeated Brookville 47-0 last week while Redbank Valley toppled Clarion-Limestone 49-19. ... The Gremlins lead the all-time series 25-20-1. ... This is the first meeting between ther teams since 2011. ... Karns City has not lost to Redbank Valley since a 51-7 setback in 2004. ... The Gremlins rushed for 411 yards last week.

Corry at Grove City

7 p.m., Friday

What to look for: Grove City QB Kameron Patterson was 21-of-28 for 222 yards and two TDs and hooked up with WR Nick Davies six times for 97 yards and two scores. ... Corry' RB Tagen Drayer led the Beavers with 89 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Clarion-Limestone

at Moniteau

7 p.m., Friday

What to look for: Moniteau QB Derek Boben was 10-of-25 passing for 125 yards as the Warriors fell behind big to Punxsutawney and were forced to the air. ... Clarion-Limestone has only 20 players on its roster and lost to Redbank Valley 49-19 in the opener.

A-C Valley at St. Marys

7 p.m., Friday

What to look for: A-C Valley allowed a pair of defensive touchdowns in last week's 46-0 loss to Clarion. ... St. Marys' senior running back T.J. Hogan (1,195 rushing yards in 2014) missed last week's 24-19 win over Bradford with an undisclosed injury and it is not known if he will play Friday night. In his place, Matt Marconi and Christian Steffan combined to rush for 236 yards and four touchdowns.

Brookville at Union 7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: The Golden Knights (0-1) defense struggled against Keystone, allowing Jake Weaver to rush for 343 yards. ... Brookville's offense didn't fare well against Karns City, totaling yards in a 47-0 loss. ... Dugan Gallagher led Union with 78 yards and two rushing touchdowns last week.

CW North Catholic at Chartiers-Houston

7 p.m. Friday

What to look for: The Trojans (1-0) rolled up 312 yards rushing and 198 passing in their season-opening win over Northgate. ... CWNC RB Mario Latronica finished with 152 rushing yards and two scores. ... Buccaneers QB TJ Johnston passed for 299 yards and a score last week.

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