Coming off two straight heartbreaking home losses, Eisenhower travels to Saegertown Friday for a matchup of teams looking for their first win of 2018.

Victory has remained just out of Eisenhower’s grasp so far this year. The Knights battled Union City to overtime, but fell 46-44. Last week, they had a chance to tie or win the game in the final seconds, but a late turnover sealed the 19-13 Mercer victory.

“The only way you’re going to learn how to win tight games and big games is by losing tight games,” Eisenhower coach Jim Penley told the WTO’s Andy Close after last week’s game. “They’re playing brawls every Friday night. We may not be getting the ‘W’ right now, but there’s so much heart out on that field. The only reason it’s frustrating is because I want the win for them.”

The Knights have had a balanced offensive attack this season, throwing for 319 yards and running for 254. Sophomore Owen Trumbull has had an up-and-down season so far. He was stymied in the season opener at West Middleses, throwing for just 35 yards and two interceptions, but came back to have a masterful performance against Union City (15-19, 206 yards and three TDs). The Mustangs defense kept the passing game in check last week, limiting Trumbull to just 78 yards while grabbing three interceptions (one on a hail mary pass to end the first half). His favorite targets this season have been seniors Ethan Chambers (9-70) and Garrett Head (8-124-2), and fellow sophomore Zane Alexander (5-110-1).

On the ground, the Knights like to spread the ball around with four different players logging at least 10 carries through three games. Chambers has shouldered the bulk of the work with 44 totes for 126 yards and a score. Head has carried 23 times for 68 yards with Nate Holt gaining 55 yards and a score on 13 rushes and Riley West going for 16 yards on 10 carries.

The Panthers have been struggling for a long period. Their last win came against Youngsville on Oct. 30, 2015. The closest Saegertown has come to a win since then was a 19-14 loss at Youngsville the following season. Since that win over the Eagles, the Panthers have lost games by an average score of 50-9.

Saegertown hasn’t been able to get anything going offensively so far this season, gaining just 95 total yards of offense through three games. Ezra Mattocks has been the most successful running back, getting 39 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Mason McClure has thrown for 64 yards and a score on 5-18 passing with three interceptions. Brady Merkel has three receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers have scored just three touchdowns on the year, two of them pick-sixes. Jared Kula and Jacob Reisinger have each taken an interception to the house. Mattocks leads the team in tackles with 10, Reisinger is tied for second with Nathan Barner at seven apiece.

Kickoff at Canon Memorial Stadium is set for 7 p.m.