Coming into the season, Jim Thorpe was expected to boast an explosive offense with dual-threat quarterback Cole Lazorick and his go-to target Justin Yescavage returning.

The Olympians showed on Friday night against Palmerton that their offense is not only explosive, but also has the ability to react when the game is on the line.

Thorpe’s offense came through with some big plays in key moments, utilizing a host of talented skill players to defeat the Bombers 38-15.

“Our skill players made some outstanding plays tonight. The big play was big for us in the game. Credit to our offensive line as well for giving Cole and our receivers the time needed to make those big plays as well,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger. “Coming into the season, we thought we could be that type of offense, and we showed some of that tonight. We’re hoping to continue to make even more plays like that throughout the season.”

The Bombers actually got off to a good start on the first possession of the game, going 10 plays to drive the ball down to the Jim Thorpe 24-yard line. However, they were not able to convert on a fourth down play, which would be an issue for Palmerton throughout the night. But the Bombers bounced back quickly forcing a three and out on Thorpe’s ensuing possession.

Palmerton would then take advantage of a JT special teams miscue on a snap that sailed over the punter’s head, partially blocking the punt and getting the ball at the Thorpe 15. A few plays later Jameson Trainer would get in the end zone from one-yard out to give the Bombers an early 7-0 lead.

Palmerton was able to get a push up front early and established its running game, which kept the explosive Olympians offense off the field.

“That’s a positive from tonight for sure. And that’s something that we can build off. I thought we were able to run the ball with success early and I thought we were physical up front,” said Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak. “We were able to string together some really nice drives, but unfortunately we didn’t finish some of those drives tonight and that hurt us. Credit to Thorpe though. They made big stops and came through with big plays with their athletes.”

Thorpe was able to answer with a nice drive of its own to end the first quarter to make it a 7-6 game after a missed extra point. An eight play drive that saw Lazorick throw for 66 yards, including a big 36-yard hookup with Yescavage, got the Olympians offense going.

Lazorick continued to make plays in the second quarter, paired with a strong defensive effort by Thorpe, which shutout the Bombers in the second frame. Two Lazorick strikes - one to Josh Louk from 14 yards out and one to Aaron Curran for a 10-yard score - put the Olympians in control with a 18-7 lead at the half.

Palmerton did its best to get back in the contest in third, cutting Thorpe’s deficit to just three points with 6:40 to go in the quarter. A nifty Trainer 10-yard run and a successful two-point conversion would make it an 18-15 game.

But once again, the Olympians offense proved to be a ticking time bomb.

On Thorpe’s ensuing possession, Lazorick would hit a streaking Curran for a 62-yard explosion to extend the lead back to 10 (25-15). The JT defense would hold the Bombers scoreless the rest of the way, and Lazorick would add two more scores in the fourth. A 30-yard pitch and catch to Yescavage and a two yard quarterback plunge to cap off the big night for the Thorpe offense.

“Our defense was able to make plays when they needed to on fourth down to get off the field. We need to get better, no doubt, and we need to improve our run defense, but I’m proud of the way they responded,” said Rosenberger. “That shows character. And I love the way our offense was able to respond as well, coming up with that big play after they tightened the game back up.”

DYNAMIC DUAL THREAT… Lazorick is as advertised. The junior threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 118 yards and two scores.

SKILL PLAYERS… The Olympians have a host of wide receivers that teams are going to need to plan for this season. Curran led the way with five catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Yescavage hauled in three catches for 74 yards and a score and Louk rushed for 84 yards on just four carries and also caught four balls for 30 yards and a touchdown.

ESTABLISH THE RUN… The Bombers did look good in the run game at times in the game. Sophomore running back Caleb Sagastume and senior quarterback Jameson Trainer combined for 154 yards rushing at over five yards per carry.

Jim Thorpe 6 12 7 13 - 38

Palmerton 7 0 8 0 - 15

P - Trainer 1 run (T. Anthony kick)

JT - Lazorick 2 run (kick failed)

JT - Louk 14 pass from Lazorick (pass failed)

JT - Curran 10 pass from Lazorick (pass failed)

P - Trainer 10 run (Walkowiak pass from Trainer)

JT - Curran 62 pass from Lazorick (Flyzik kick)

JT - Yescavage 30 pass from Lazorick (Flyzik kick) J

T - Lazorick 2 run (kick failed)