A ground-and-pound rushing attack going up against a quick-strike, explosive passing attack.

It’s a clash of styles with a PIAA 1A semifinal berth on the line as District 11 champion Northern Lehigh takes on District 3 champion Steelton Highspire tomorrow afternoon in the state quarterfinals.

The big question heading into this matchup is can the Bulldogs’ (12-1) physical play up front and their ability to chew clock with their run game counter the high octane Rollers’ (10-1) offense.

Northern Lehigh’s ground game has been dominant so far in the postseason. The Bulldogs amassed 294 yards rushing in the district championship against Tri-Valley, and last week against Lackawanna Trail in the PIAA 1A opener, rushed for 367 yards. Quarterback Nick Frame, and do-it-all offensive weapon Izaiah Ramos both rushed for over 100 yards and combined for four rushing scores.

“I think we have the formula to be able to go down there and really compete and do some good things. If you look back at their season, the teams that have been able to have success against their team speed have been the teams that have lined up and kind of just run the ball straight at them,” said Northern Lehigh head coach Joe Tout. “We feel like they’re most comfortable when they’re turning the game into a track meet with a lot of scores. So, the key for us will be to put together the six- and seven-minute scoring drives, and fortunately, we’ve been able to execute that game plan consistently this season.”

Turning the game into a physical battle will be the key to success for the Bulldogs, as well as keeping the Rollers offense off the field, which is led by talented quarterback Alex Erby. Steel High’s offense goes as Erby goes, and he’s been electric with the ball in his hands this season, as he’s thrown for over 1,800 yards with 25 touchdowns and just two interceptions. The junior signal caller already possesses a slew of Division 1 FBS offers from the likes of Maryland, Nebraska, Minnesota, Louisville, PITT, Rutgers and Temple.

Steelton also boasts an impressive receiving group, led by Durrell Ceasar’s 45 catches for 687 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jaeion Perry (438 yards) and DaQuan McCraw (388 yards) are also formidable players on the outside for the Rollers, which have scored 60 or more points in five games this season.

The Bulldogs defense is allowing 14.9 points per game and 109 yards passing per game on the season.

“Offensively, I think the way they play is very similar to how Notre Dame Green Pond plays. They remind me a lot of them,” said Tout. “What instantly stands out is the quarterback, who is a special player and he leads a dynamic offense. The key for us is, we can’t give up the big play on a consistent basis. Their offense thrives on the big plays and the quick scores, so we have to make them drive the ball and put them in some uncomfortable situations. We’re again excited for another opportunity to try and move on and feel good with how we have prepared.”