Pasquerilla West is looking to finish its season off with a perfect 6-0 record when it plays Badin tonight. Badin (1-3) hopes for an upset after securing its first win just before fall break over Lyons.
The Purple Weasels' (5-0) last game was also against Lyons in which they raced to a 27-0 shutout. Senior captain Cynthia Curley hopes her team can pick up where they left off and use tonight's game to prepare for the playoffs.
"Interhall football is a game of momentum," Curley said. "Coming off the break is hard and everyone is gunning for us."
The Pasquerilla West defense features senior Lindsey McMahon, a reliable force on the defensive line, and sophomore Alison Lindeen, a ball hawk at safety responsible for many interceptions.
Junior Simone Bigi will pose a double threat to the Bullfrogs' defense at quarterback, equally adept at running the ball as she is at passing.
"[Bigi] is the heart and soul of our offense," Curley said.
The Bullfrogs need a win tonight in order to have any shot at earning a spot in the postseason.
"This is a must win for us," senior captain Kelley Daniels said. "We're all pumped."
The Bullfrogs' defense has improved remarkably since the beginning of the year with sophomore Kelsey Brennan emerging as a useful all-around player.
Badin's offense will have to strike early and assertively in order to gain the upper hand against a relentless Purple Weasels defense. Junior quarterback Carli Fernandez, along with freshman teammates Tommasina Domel and Ashley Okonta, will try to catch to the opposing team off guard with a high powered performance.
"We've been improving with every game," Daniels said. "We have to do our part but we're also going to need luck."
Pasquerilla West is practicing as hard for this game as they would any, intending to finish the season as strong as they started it.
"We never underestimate anyone," Curley said.
The game will begin tonight at 7 p.m. at Riehle Field.
Lyons vs. Cavanaugh
Lyons and Cavanaugh face off tonight in a make-up game that was originally scheduled for Oct. 8.
Cavanaugh enters the game without a win and has questions at the quarterback position because of injuries.
"We need a strong performance from our defense," senior captain Sarah Cline said. "We have an awesome defense and we just need them to do what they can."
The Chaos have had an up-and-down season that has included a game in which they were routed by Pasquerilla West 30-6, but they hope to carry only the positives over from before break.
"We should not struggle because of break," Cline said. "We don't expect any negative effects there. We practiced [Tuesday] and we feel good and are ready to play."
When Cavanaugh has excelled this season, their offense has been a key factor.
"The offense has executed well this season," Cline said. "When we've struggled, it has been in rainy weather that has been difficult to pass the ball in. If we get a couple scores early, we should be fine."
Lyons, meanwhile, is winless on the season but hopes to break through with a victory against the Chaos.
"We've had some tough games but we are still working hard and ready to go," said senior quarterback Claire Connell, who has missed time due to an injury, leading a freshman to take over the signal-calling duties.
"We aren't too concerned about how much time off we have had," Connell said. "All the other teams have to deal with the layoff as well, so we don't think we will be at a disadvantage there."
Lyons expects to be ready to go and compete with the Chaos despite their injury problems.
"If we come out and play hard we should be fine," Connell said.
Lyons and Cavanaugh will face off tonight at Riehle Field at 9 p.m.
Ryan vs. Pangborn
Pangborn takes on Ryan with a chance to play their way into the playoffs.
Throughout the season, the Phoxes (2-2) have been a competitive team and one of the top in their division. After starting their season with two heartbreaking loses, including one to Pasquerilla West in the final seconds, Pangborn has been on a tear with wins over Lyons and Badin. In order to make the playoffs, Pangborn needs to win their final two games and hope for a loss by either Walsh or Pasquerilla West.
On the other side, Ryan (1-3) has struggled in their inaugural season, only managing one win.
Pangborn has relied on a total team effort to win. Key contributors include junior Gabby Tate, junior Emily Wurtenberger, sophomore Liz Pawlak, and senior Meghan Besher. They feature a strong balance on offense and a stingy defense.
"Our keys are quick passes and being aggressive on defense and always trying to get out hands on the ball," junior quarterback Gabby Tate said.
But the most important part of the Phoxes game is not talent or schemes, but their team unity.
"We feed off each other's energies and keep the momentum going," Tate said. "For example, when Emily Wurtenberger makes a sack, it makes me that much more determined to get out there and score a touchdown."
Pangborn hopes to make a strong push for the playoffs starting tonight against Ryan at 9 p.m. at Riehle Field.
