The DeLuca Dome: West Shamokin Will Look for Their 4th Straight Win Against Ligonier Valley

by Jake DeLuca

The West Shamokin Wolves varsity football team is riding high after earning their third straight win last Friday after defeating Marion Center (0-5) 18-7. This week the Wolves will be facing the top team in the Heritage Conference in the Ligonier Valley Rams.

Last week the Wolves continued their streak of slow starts followed by a great second half as they found themselves down 7-6 at halftime last week before sealing the game in the fourth quarter via a Drew Orlosky interception and Devin Fairman’s third rushing score for the evening.

Ligonier Valley comes into this match-up with a 5-0 record averaging 54.6 points per game. The Rams have also only allowed twelve points all season and have recorded three shutouts in their first five games.

The Rams bring into this match-up the Heritage Conferences leading passer and receiver in QB Collin Smith and WR Aaron Tutino. So far this season Smith has thrown for 1,084 yards and 17 passing touchdowns with no interceptions thrown. Smith’s favorite target Tutino comes into the match-up with big play ability as he has compiled 456 receiving yards on only 14 catches, good for a 32.6 yards per catch average. Tutino also has 9 total touchdowns on the season – 8 passing and 1 rushing.

Last week against United the Rams were able to earn their third shutout of the season winning by a final score of 57-0. In that game Smith threw for 203 yards on 10/13 completions for 4 touchdowns. The Rams added 294 rushing yards on the day as well.

The Wolves will be in for a tough match-up for sure, but there are a lot of positives to be taken away from their recent performances.

Last Friday was the first time the Wolves had turned the ball over since opening the season against Blairsville.

The Wolves defense has been very effective this season both rushing the passer and stuffing the runs. Aaron Gray is tied for the lead in the Heritage Conference for sacks with 4 on the season - Gray had two key fourth quarter sacks last week against Marion Center. If the Wolves are able to get a good pass rush they could force Rams QB Collin Smith into throwing his first interception of the season.

This game will be the toughest task for the Wolves since their week one match-up at Blairsville (5-0), but with confidence riding high West Shamokin will look to make it four wins in a row when they travel to Ligonier Valley on Friday.

If you can’t make it to the game you can listen live on WTYMradio.com or the WTYM App. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM this Friday.

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