The Hudson County Bounty Hunters (5-4) face elimination as they need a win Saturday night to get into the Regional American Football League Playoffs (RAFL). The NEPA Miners (6-2-1) and the Bounty Hunters share common opponents and similar outcomes in games versus the Empire State Titans and New York Predators. Both teams lost by less than a touchdown versus the undefeated Predators and the Miners beat the Titans 37-0 while the Bounties are coming off of a lopsided 52-18 drubbing of the Titans. Both teams are playing good football as the Bounty Hunters have won four of their last five games and the Miners are on a two game win streak.
Both teams feature explosive running backs as the Miners Damon Saxon is coming off of a 15 carry 89 yard performance versus the New Jersey Wolves and is a threat to score on any play. The Bounty Hunters counter with Bryan Smith who is an aggressive runner and is second in the RAFL in rushing yards. The Bounty Hunters average 300 pounds across their offensive line leading that run attack while the Miners have Quarterback J.P. Antosh who needs 243 yards to reach 2000 on the season. The Miners also have some former local athletes who are starting to make an impact in GAR standout Quinn Buckner who you may remember was uprooted from Mississippi due to Hurricane Katrina and then lighting up the scoreboard at GAR. Quinn backs up Antosh at quarterback and is making a smooth conversion over to wide receiver. On the defensive side P.J. Piskorick from Wyoming Valley West who has also made a conversion from Quarterback is finally getting healthy and has helped the Miners secondary and also special teams units as a Punter and kick returner.
It will take a total team effort by the Miners Saturday night to eliminate the Bounty Hunters and build up momentum for the playoffs. Also Saturday will be a live half time performance by upcoming female R & B group Minxx. Kickoff is 7PM at Scranton Memorial Stadium, $8 Adult Admission, and $4 for kids. All kids that wear there youth football jersey will get in for free. Big game Saturday, don't miss it!
