An undefeated regular season.

It’s a rarity for most football programs.

Only the very elite are accustomed to annually put themselves in position to accomplish that feat.

However, the Northwestern program is now starting to put itself into that class, as the Tigers are looking to go 10-0 for the second consecutive season and for the third time in the last four years.

Northwestern will head to Center Valley to take on an 8-1 Southern Lehigh squad in the season finale in the Times News Game of the Week.

“It feels like not so long ago we were just putting our helmets on for 7-on-7s and now here we are in week 10. Just proud of our players and proud of our staff for the work that they put in,” said Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

“We thought coming into the season this was going to be our toughest coaching job, coming off a run to the state championship. But our players have been so down-to-earth and very businesslike. They refuse to be satisfied or complacent, and they’re continuously pushing to get better.

“And right now, I think we’re playing our best football. It’s always important to peak at the end of the season, and I believe we’re doing that.”

Once again, this season it’s pick your poison with this Tigers’ ballclub. Offensively, Northwestern hasn’t just been explosive, it’s been downright nuclear led by their catalyst Eli Zimmerman.

Zimmerman’s numbers are hard to believe, as he’s rushed for 1,194 yards and 15 touchdowns at almost 15 yards per carry. Zimmerman has also been a steady target out of the backfield with 13 catches for 151 yards and three receiving touchdowns, and he’s made his presence felt on special teams, as he’s returned five punts for touchdowns and is averaging 32.2 yards per return.

Northwestern boasts a full cast of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball other than Zimmerman.

Junior signal caller Shane Leh has been the definition of efficient, as he’s thrown for just under 1,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions, while also rushing for 223 yards and four scores. Mason Bollinger has been the Tigers’ Swiss army knife. Bollinger leads the team with 24 catches for 428 yards and five touchdowns at almost 18 yards per catch. Bollinger has also rushed for 129 yards and four rushing scores.

Northwestern has two players in Seth Kern and Braxton Lakatosh that have both rushed for just over 200 yards on the season and three touchdowns apiece. Landen Matson has also been a big play target for Leh in the passing game with 236 yards receiving and three touchdowns at 29.5 yards per reception.

Southern Lehigh is a team that looks to be peaking at the right time as well. Since the Spartans lost to Blue Mountain early in the season, it has won seven in a row and they’re averaging 43.1 points per game during that span. Michigan commit Andrew Olesh has been one of the best pass catchers in District 11 this season, hauling in 33 balls for 638 yards and three touchdowns. Olesh has also rushed for 132 yards.

The Spartans also have a strong tailback in Sean Steckert, who has rushed for over 900 yards and has 17 rushing touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Colton Sams looks to have a bright future. Sams has passed for

1,824 yards and 20 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Luke Kawczenski has been Sams’ top target on the season. Kawczenski leads Southern Lehigh with 643 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

“Southern Lehigh is going to be multiple when it comes to their formations. They’re a lot more multiple than they have been in the past. They like to spread the football around to their athletes. Their athletes cover the field well,” said Snyder.

“Olesh is obviously a very talented player, they have a good run game, and the Sams kid has done a nice job for them at quarterback. They’re really big and strong up front as well. It’s a team that has been playing better and better every week. We’re excited for the challenge, especially the match-up in the trenches. Again, they’re big up front and they can move. So, we will see how our guys are able to react and respond.”

Although the Spartans are talented on offense, they will undoubtedly have their hands full with what is one of the best defenses in the state. The Tigers are giving up just 125.7 yards per game and four points per contest.

Northwestern has shut out its last three opponents, and it has allowed just five offensive touchdowns on the season. The Tigers are also an impressive plus-12 in turnover ratio, and they have forced a total of 17 turnovers this season.

“Southern Lehigh is playing their best football of the year. It’s their senior night at their place in a home environment. And we know they haven’t forgotten about last year’s loss to us,” said Snyder.

“Again, we’re excited for the challenge and another opportunity to get better. We don’t take wins for granted. We know what it takes to win. And again, we’re on the doorstep of putting together another special regular season.”