Eisenhower’s defense has forced 16 turnovers this season. Times Observer File Photo by Steve Younger

ERIE — After two weeks at home, the Eisenhower football team will travel to Mercyhurst Prep tonight with a chance to win the Region 3 title on the line.

The Lakers (3-4, 3-0) sit atop the region and Seneca is second due to its win over the Knights. An Eisenhower (6-2, 3-1) win tonight would force a three-way tie atop the standings.

Eisenhower head coach Jim Penley has nothing but respect for Mercyhurst Prep.

“They are an outstanding football team with a huge, nasty offensive line, and one of the single-fastest players in the state in Vinnie Feliciano,” he said. “They have an excellent running game and are capable of scoring whenever they have the ball.”

The Knights are coming off of last week’s homecoming win over Franklin, a game in which senior quarterback/defensive back Caleb Jakubczak did a little bit of everything (two touchdowns rushing, a touchdown pass and a pick-six). Eisenhower’s offense also relies heavily on its running game. Jakubczack leads the Knights in rushing with 869 yards on 90 carries and he has scored 10 touchdowns; senior tailback Logan Penley has rushed for 760 yards on 120 carries; Penley has found the end zone 14 times; and Jakubczack has completed 34 of 75 passes for 465 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Knights’ defense has forced 16 turnovers, including a dozen via interceptions.

Coach Penley knows his team will have to play well, control the line of scrimmage and limit turnovers.

“The key to their game is their line and Feliciano,” he said. “They most certainly have other players who are outstanding and are capable of making big plays to beat you, but Feliciano is both fast and a very physical runner. If we don’t control him, we are in for a long night.”

Tonight’s kickoff is set for 7 at Mercyhurst University, 501 East 38th St., Erie.

WARREN HOSTS MEADVILLE

The Dragons look to snap a five-game losing streak when they square off with Meadville in a Region 6 game at 7 tonight at War Memorial Field.

Warren’s record is 1-7 overall and 1-2 in the region, while the Bulldogs are 2-6 and 1-2.