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Knoch debuting its new offense

Knoch's Jake Herrit hurdles Hollidaysburg's Mitchell Augustine.

BEAVER FALLS — Blackhawk's football stadium won't be ready until later in the season.

Second-year Blackhawk coach Joe Lamenza is hoping his team is ready right now.

“We're going to have our hands full with Knoch,” Lamenza said.

The teams kick off their Northwest Nine Conference schedule against each other for the second consecutive season Friday night, when the Knights travel to Geneva College to face the Cougars.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Blackhawk's regular home field is being renovated right now. So is the Knoch offense — and that renovation took a major step toward completion last week.

First-year Knoch head coach Frank Whelan has implemented the triple option as his prime offense in 2017.

Ivab Stapchuk broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run on the Knights' first play last week against Butler. Whalen said Jake Herrit is ”directing the offense very well,” and he's excited about its prospects.

Lamenza dreads those same prospects.

“I think Knoch looks tremendous,” Lamenza said. “They are extremely well-coached. They're running that triple option better than I've ever seen it run before.”

Blackhawk edged Knoch 28-27 a year ago. The Cougars have won four of the five games played in the all-time series.

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.

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