A Look Ahead: Juniata vs Selinsgrove

By Fred Parnell, for juniatacountyradio.com

MEXICO, PA -- The Indians take their 1-0 record on the road to tangle with the Selinsgrove. It’s not going to be easy! Judging by what I saw of film, the Seals are better than Clearfield. Although the teams are very similar. Both are solid and well coached. The major difference between the two teams is the quarterback position.

The Seal’s quarterback is not spectacular. He is very good at all he does, but he specializes in decision making. He knows when to throw the ball away, when to tuck and run and when to look downfield in search of a receiver breaking free. He is fast but not dangerously fast and he is elusive. I’m sure Juniata is planning on pressuring. He will be difficult to sack. And just like Clearfield, I saw no dangerous game breakers. But Selinsgrove will put it up more than Clearfield did.

Defensively, they are solid but not outstanding. Again, like Clearfield. They will make Juniata earn everything they get but that must be expected from a AAAA honorable mention team in the latest state rankings.

For the Indians to win they are going to have to be multi-dimensional. The running game will have to be clicking and so will the passing game, just like it was against Clearfield. I was impressed with the offense last week especially the passing game. We are going to need that passing game against Selinsgrove.

We will be considered the underdog and probably should be, but Juniata can certainly win this game. Like most games turnovers will be the key. We only lost one turnover last week, but we did put the ball on the ground several times but recovered the ball each time. The weather sounds perfect, and I expect a good competitive. For reference, Born says Selinsgrove by 5 while MaxPreps says Selinsgrove by 20. Personally, I don’t see us losing by 20.

One final thought. Selinsgrove has a big edge in the kicking game. We misfired on two PAT’s last week while the Selinsgrove kicker was perfect including several field goals.

I will leave you with one intangible that favors Juniata. Week number 3 is the biggest game of the year for Selinsgrove. They face Jersey Shore, a team that went far in both the last two state tournaments and the Seals know they really need to beat this team. Will they be looking ahead to Jersey Shore? It’s possible. I sure hope so!

It’s just a short trip out 35 to Selinsgrove and they have a beautiful football facility (turf). I would love to see a large crown on the visitor’s side of the field. Our team really feeds on emotion emanating from our fans. They want and need our support. This game could be a barn burner!!!

Be sure to tune into juniatacountyradio.com starting at 6:26pm on Friday if you can't make it to the game. Kickoff is set for 7pm!