WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday, West Perry High School
RECORDS: Northern 7-2, 5-1 Colonial; West Perry 7-2, 5-1.
THE POLAR BEARS: Resting on the bubble of the District 3-AAA playoff puzzle, Northern most likely has to win this game to earn an invitation. Running back Elijah Locke (3), who is coming off a six-touchdown game, needs 16 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Quarterback Tristan Kalinay (18) is 56 yards shy of 1,000 passing yards. None of that really matters to the players if the postseason is washed away.
THE MUSTANGS: Only one spot ahead of their Week 10 foe in the playoff power ratings, West Perry has a little more breathing room by virtue of a better opponents winning percentage. Still, there is risk involved of being left out with a loss. Quarterback Zach Smith (13) has 30 total touchdowns this season. He will be the focus for the Bears. Wideouts Keeghan Morrison (15) and Chase May (14) have teamed up for 55 grabs.
SHAY SAYS: With so much at stake, expect some fur to fly in Elliottsburg. West Perry (+5) has to avoid giving the Polar Bears fuel to stoke the fire.