A pair of Thursday games dot the schedule in District 9 this week, and there is a distinct Elk County feel.
St. Marys will make the short trip to Johnsonburg to take on Ridgway, while Moniteau will be at Elk County Catholic.
Here’s a look at each.
ST. MARYS (1-0) vs. RIDGWAY (0-1) at JOHNSONBURG
A strong running game and dominant defense lifted St. Marys to a 20-0 shutout over Moniteau last week.
The Dutchmen’s Matthew Davis was a workhorse, carrying 22 times for 225 yards and all three St. Marys’ touchdowns, including a 76-yard run less than three minutes into the game.
Ridgway couldn’t get much going on offense last week in a 40-0 loss to defending D9 Class 1A champ and PIAA semifinalist Port Allegany. Nate Steger had 26 yards rushing on six carries for the Elkers in Week 1.
St. Marys won this matchup a year ago, 27-6
MONITEAU (0-1) at ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC (0-1)
Elk County Catholic was hanging right with Otto-Eldred last week before the Crusaders scored 19 unanswered points on their way to a 35-22 win.
Charlie Geci put the ball in the air quite a bit for ECC in the Week 1 setback, throwing 31 times and completing 12 for 164 yards and three touchdowns. Frankie Smith had two of those three touchdown receptions and finished with 40 catches for 80 yards. Noah Cherry also caught six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Moniteau, meanwhile, will look to get its offense on track following a shutout loss to St. Marys in Week 1. Logan Campbell led the Warriors with 53 yards on the ground on 10 carries last week, while Brendon Sankey was 4-of-9 passing for 89 yards.
Elk County Catholic won this matchup a year ago, 15-6.
