Huntingdon (0-4) at Penns Valley (0-4)

Time: 7 p.m.

Coaches: H— Mike Hudy, first season; PV— Martin Tobias, 17th season,

Last meeting: Huntingdon 34, Penns Valley 13, last season

Key players: H— Josh Foster, QB; PV— Ian Brown, WR/DB/KR

The skinny: When asked about tonight’s homecoming clash with Huntingdon, Penns Valley coach Martin Tobias chuckled. “Well, somebody’s going to get a win,” he said. While it is a clash between two winless teams, Tobias said not to expect the clash be any less fierce. The Rams are hoping to avenge a loss to the Bearcats last fall.

“It’s one of those situations where both teams are hungry for a win,” Tobias said. “Both teams are going to bring the best they have to offer. Last year, we struggled with them. There’s no secret to that. We’ve certainly struggled with some of the things that they do well.”

The Bearcats rely on tailback Rhett Stechock, who has rushed for 308 yards and three scores this season. Quarterback Josh Foster has completed just 25 of his 67 attempts, but four of those have gone for touchdowns.

While the Bearcats have some weapons, it’s their guys in the trenches that mostly concern Tobias. “They have a big front, both offensively and defensively,” he said. “They’re physical and aggressive. We’ve got to be able to match that. We’ve got to step up our game and play better.”

The Rams have faced a Murderers Row of a schedule, especially the past three weeks with games against Clearfield (4-0), Bald Eagle Area (4-0) and Central (3-1).

“I’ve heard that a lot,” said Tobias about the tough schedule. “If you look at the teams we’ve faced, that’s more wins than we’ve had in four or five years put together.”

Tobias said one win right now would do wonders for the Rams.

“There’s no doubt it would certainly go a long way to building some confidence,” he said. “We were headed the right direction after the Bald Eagle game. We felt we had made some strides and then we ran into a buzzsaw with Central. It makes you question where you are as a team and how good we are.”

Against Central, Tobias was particularly disappointed with six flags that cost his club 65 yards.

“We can’t beat ourselves,” he said. “Penalties last week are a sore spot. We’ve broached that subject with the players and talked to them about maintaining their composure, executing and doing things the way they’re coached to do it.”

Tobias said his team has remained positive, despite the rough start. “They keep showing up every day and doing all of the things that we ask of them,” he said. “Sometimes, we’re asking them to do it better, but we’re trying.”