It’s been two games, and two wins for the Pleasant Valley football team so far in 2021.

However, the Bears have a big task in front of them this week if they plan to keep their streak alive as they visit powerhouse East Stroudsburg South - a school known for its outstanding football program.

“We played two teams that we expected to beat, and we did it in pretty stout fashion,” PV head coach Blaec Saeger said. “We’re pretty pleased right now. By no means are we where we need to be, and it’s only going to get harder from here. East Stroudsburg South is an excellent opponent, and we’re just excited to be playing in a meaningful game.”

Saturday’s contest at East Stroudsburg South Memorial Stadium is the Times News Game of the Week.

Both teams have won two straight, as the Cavaliers improved to 2-1 on the season after wins against Allen and Dieruff the last two weeks.

“It’s a big game,” Saeger said. “PV’s been down. It’s probably the biggest game we’ve had in the program in five years, and it’s against a very good opponent who also is coming off two wins. South is a powerhouse year after year in the Pocono area, and we’re excited to be playing them.”

“They have tremendous talent, a big running back and offensive line, very active-aggressive defense. It’s going to be a huge task for us. We’re excited to be in a position where we’re playing bigger football games.”

The Bears defense will have to stop ES Stroudsburg South’s explosive offense, which includes senior running back Ron Blake.

Blake has 179 combined rushing yards and three touchdowns in a loss to Liberty and a win against Allen. South quarterback Bobby McClosky will look to hit his main target Colin Burdian throughout the game. Burdian caught seven passes for 151 yards in the team’s two first games.

PV’s defense hasn’t allowed a point in their first two games, with the exception of an offensive safety in last week’s game against Allen. The Bears rolled over the Canaries 42-2, and PV now has a combined 94 offensive points over its first two games.

“Offense did very well, and ran the ball well and threw the ball when we needed to,” Saeger said. “We did have a little sloppy stretch there offensively where we turned the ball over a couple times that I was not pleased with, and that will be a point of emphasis moving forward.”

Senior quarterback Robert Papaleo has rushed for 180 yards with five touchdowns so far this season. The carries have been alternated between Papaleo and the three-running back rotation PV uses. Jarod Moore is the leading rusher of the trio with 130 yards and one touchdown. Fela Olaniyan has two rushing touchdowns on the season, and Jake Gethen also recorded a rushing touchdown, bringing the total number of rushing touchdowns between the three players to four.

Papaleo has also thrown for two touchdowns, which were both caught by wide receiver Ryan Blass. Jim Barruzza and James Syracuse had good defensive games for Pleasant Valley against Allen. Syracuse recorded a pick-six when he returned an interception for a 68-yard score.

As far as East Stroudsburg South goes, Saeger feels his team is in position for a big game like this.

“It’s a team that we feel we have put ourselves on the same level as, but we have to go find out and prove it,” Saeger said. “We have not been over the last couple of years, but we feel we’re ready to compete with schools like South.”