Pasquerilla West completed the first half of its season undefeated and will be pursuing perfection when it begins the second half of the year against Badin tonight. The Bullfrogs (0-2) are coming off a disappointing 29-6 loss to Walsh Sunday.
Last week the Purple Weasels (3-0) routed Cavanaugh 30-6 with dominant play on both sides of the ball.
"The key is not to fall into a midseason comfort level," senior captain Cynthia Curley said. "We're keeping the intensity up."
The Purple Weasels' defense expects big plays out of sophomore safety Alison Lindeen, who finished the rout against the Chaos with two interceptions. Lindeen is joined on the defense by sophomore lineman Susan Bruno, a force that has sacked the quarterback at least once every game this season.
The Pasquerilla West offense will be led by junior quarterback Simone Bigi, who has had remarkable success in her first season at the position.
"She's really hit her stride," Curley said.
In preparing for such a strong Purple Weasels team, Badin will reevaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
"Practice is back to fundamentals," senior captain Kelley Daniels said. "We're trying to cause turnovers with our defense ... and build a more cohesive offense."
The Bullfrogs, quarterbacked by sophomore Carli Fernandez, stayed competitive through adversity last week, and the connection between Fernandez and sophomore receiver Ashley Okonta can keep Badin within striking range of any game.
The Bullfrogs' defense will feature the hard-working sophomore linebacker Rachel Cink and sophomore all-purpose player Kelsey Brennan.
"Kelsey's really taken on a leadership role," Daniels said. "She's very valuable on defense."
Thursday's matchup will be a critical measure of both teams' ability to improve and respond to circumstances.
"We're keeping our heads up" Daniels said. "We're ready for a win, ready to get out pride back."
Badin will try for a long-sought win against unbeaten Pasquerilla West at 7 p.m. at Riehle Field tonight.
Cavanaugh vs. Lyons
When Lyons and Cavanaugh square off tonight, both teams will look to put one in the win column after two consecutive losses.
Due to a disproportionate amount of underclassmen on both squads, team chemistry and in-game experience have been issues.
"Because we have a lot of young players, we have been working on developing team chemistry," Lyons senior quarterback and captain Claire Connell said. "We need to make sure we are all in sync on offense and defense in order to play to our full potential."
Cavanaugh senior captain Jessica Mahon expressed a similar sentiment
"One of the challenges of having a team that is comprised of mostly underclassmen is getting them to realize how serious this team is and what the Cavanaugh Chaos is all about," Mahon said.
The winless Lions (0-2) are hungry to end a game victoriously for the first time this season.
"Everyone is eager for a win," Connell said.
Lyons will look to senior quarterback Marie Petnuch to step in for the injured Connell tonight.
"We have complete confidence in [Petnuch's] ability to lead us to a win," Connell said.
Petnuch will face a Chaos (1-2) team looking to turn the season around for a playoff run.
"We are very well aware we need to win out [to reach the playoffs]," Mahon said. "There is no doubt it my mind that we are going to make it happen."
The Chaos look to shut down Lyons behind the defense of senior linebacker Ezinne Ndukwe and junior defensive back Sara Harker.
"Everyone is fired up and eager to show everyone we are a force to be reckoned with," Mahon said.
The Chaos and the Lions will meet tonight at Riehle Field at 9 p.m.
Ryan vs. Pangborn
The newly-christened Wildcats of Ryan will look to live up to their new nickname when they challenge Pangborn tonight.
In its inaugural year as a dorm and a team on the football field, Ryan (1-1) fields a talented team with a potent rushing attack. This week, senior captain Kenzie Bowen said the Wildcats will look to balance their offense with a passing attack.
"We've really been working on improving our passing game," Bowen said.
On the other side of the ball, Bowen anchors the defensive line. The Wildcats have stuffed opponents using a motto of "team first."
"We're all about the team aspect over here," Bowen said. "There are no one player efforts. We do everything as a team."
The Phoxes (1-2) feature a standout dual-threat quarterback in junior Gabbi Tate. Tate spearheads a precision passing offense looking to deliver the ball to standout senior receiver Meghan Bescher.
"Meghan is one of the most amazing athletes I've seen in my life," Tate said. "If we could we'd have her play almost every position."
Bescher not only lines up in the slot position to receive passes from Tate, but she also takes the snap from center. This shows just how seriously Pangborn takes its football, Tate said.
"I'd say we're one of the more intense teams in the league and we're all very excited to make a statement this week," she said.
Ryan also looks to take the next step with their new program.
"This should be a great matchup between two solid teams," Bowen said. "We're going to give it our best and hopefully come out on top."
Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. at Riehle Field tonight.
