Although the Emmaus football team looked lackluster in a 42-17 loss at home to rival Parkland last Saturday, the Green Hornets are in a familiar position. Emmaus (5-5) won the Eastern Conference playoffs two years ago, and clinched a spot to compete in the four-team tournament against Wyoming Valley West on Friday night.

"After the [Parkland] game we didn't really say too much because we wanted them to digest what happened," said head coach Joe Bottiglieri. "At Monday's practice we just talked about what we have to do to prepare for Wyoming Valley West. It's a challenge to go on the road and play against a team outside of our area who is 7-3. It's a team out there that always tries to prove they are as good as an LVC team. We have to go up there and prove that the LVC is pretty good and that we're pretty good.

"There's a lot at stake and we want to get back to that championship game and hopefully bring back another title like we did two years ago."

While the Green Hornets may not have played against the Spartans, Bottiglieri and his staff know what they bring to the table.

Wyoming Valley West is on a current four-game winning streak, and have predominantly found success with the running game, similar to Emmaus.

The District 2 team is led by Derrick Sims, who has rushed for 1031 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 15 catches for 306 yards and two more scores.

Quarterback Mike Baur is also a threat to run, compiling 357 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. He's passed for 1280 yards and eight more scores, while throwing six interceptions. Baur's top target is Lucky Williams, who caught 33 passes for 497 yards and four touchdowns.

"When you're playing against a team that you haven't played, it's tougher to prepare," said Bottiglieri. "You don't know the personnel. They're definitely more of a running team. They have a good running back, and they really rely on him."

For the Green Hornets to be successful, quarterback Andrew Kerson and his running backs will need to find the time to make plays. The Trojans defense was breaking up plays in the backfield seemingly all game long.

"We have to get our offensive line better because Andrew didn't have enough time to throw," said Bottiglieri. "We just didn't block too well, and didn't do a good job up front. The guys saw it in film, and we've had some guys at different positions because of injuries. We've got to be able to spring Wyl Miller and give Andrew some time and we'll be all right."

It's a new season for Emmaus, and a postseason which the Green Hornets have found recent success in. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Friday night at Wyoming Valley West high school.