Balance Attack Will Be Key For Keystone Oaks Against Conference Opponent Quaker Valley

When the 2011 schedule was released, the Keystone Oaks football team knew it was going to be a challenge. And after a difficult loss at home to the Ambridge Bridgers to open up the season, the Golden Eagles faced another tough task as they went on the road to take on the Burrell Bucs.

“We’ve always felt that the biggest improvement comes in between the first and second games of the season,” KO head coach Nick Kamberis said. “It was a tough first game for us. It was crucial for us to play well on the road this past week. Huge.”

The Golden Eagles responded last Friday with a 52-28 victory over Burrell for their first win of the season. They did most of their damage on the ground, led by junior running back Dale Klubichur’s 252 yards and five touchdowns.

“Dale had a great game for us, but we need to throw to be successful,” Kamberis said this week. “We have a throw-first mentality, and we were able to soften up the box a bit for the running game, and Dale took advantage of it. It was a great performance from him, and we’re looking forward to more of that from him this year.”

Keystone Oaks will need a balanced attack this Friday when they open up their WPIAL AA Century League schedule when they host Quaker Valley. The Quakers are coming off a difficult loss of their own, a 26-0 defeat to Freeport.

Despite the lopsided score, the Quakers were very much in the contest, having reached the red zone three times with opportunities to cut into the lead. Their defense, having allowed just 178 yards of total offense last week, will present quite a challenge for the Golden Eagles.

“They have a new coach that has them playing very well,” Kamberis said. “They play hard-nosed football on every down. They don’t make mistakes. It’ll be a hard-fought game.”

This will be the first time playing at home for KO since their season-opening loss to Ambridge. Kamberis says the team is looking forward to putting on a great performance for the home-town fans.

“There’s no doubt that if you’re going to be successful in this league, you can’t lose at home.  You have to take care of yourself at home.  We have new starters and young kids, and in the first game against Ambridge, we might have been a little tight and a little nervous.  We’re relaxed now, and we’re looking forward to a great game in front of our fans.”

One year ago, the Golden Eagles defeated the Quakers 55-14 at Quaker Valley. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday.