Elite offenses will clash as Port Huron, PH Northern prepare for Crosstown Showdown

Last year's Crosstown Showdown between the Port Huron and Port Huron Northern football teams was an instant classic. But this season's edition could be even better.

The Huskies (4-0) and Big Reds (3-1) will collide in the latest installment of their rivalry on Friday at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

"They're going to be well coached," Northern coach Larry Roelens said of the Big Reds. "Their staff does a fantastic job and they'll be well coached in all three phases of the game. And just like the last couple years, it's a game that will probably decide the MAC Blue championship."

Both teams are 2-0 in MAC Blue play. While a victory Friday won't officially clinch a league title, it'll give the winning side a much better chance of doing so.

"They're a confident bunch," Port Huron coach Dan Perkins said of the Huskies. "They've been able to push teams around and have gained a lot of confidence doing so. With confidence comes being dangerous. I think that's the biggest thing to me."

Northern's belief in itself is warranted. The Huskies are averaging 38.5 points per game and have outscored opponents 154-32 during their 4-0 start.

A lot of that offensive success can be traced to senior quarterback Dylan Bloink. He's 32-of-59 passing for 477 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He's also ran for seven scores.

"The real key (for our defense) is the quarterback play and limiting big plays," Perkins said. "From what I've watched film on, they're getting big plays and I think that's the main thing. Their quarterback is a third-year player. So he's got a heck of a lot of experience. That makes things dangerous. He runs the show and is doing a real nice job for them."

Bloink may run the show, but he's surrounded with plenty of talented cast members.

Senior wideout Jacob Kerrigan has 12 receptions for 240 yards and five touchdowns this year. He's one of four different Northern players with a receiving touchdown along with Danny Moore (two), Hayden Prone (one) and Max Williams (one).

A new face on the Huskies is sophomore running back Reace Buckhana. He's already run for 270 yards (5.6 per carry) and three touchdowns.

"We're just going to keep playing solid, fundamental football," Roelens said. "(Which is) just understanding your assignment, alignment and execution on both sides of the ball And we'll make adjustments and go from there."

But the Huskies aren't the only ones with a potent offensive attack. Port Huron enters the matchup scoring 34.5 points per game.

"Offensive consistency would be a big bonus, if we could do that," Perkins said. "And to consistently move the ball, in order to gain an edge on field position. They've got a really good punter. So field position is a big deal."

After being shutout 54-0 in the season opener against state power Grand Rapids Catholic Central, the Big Reds have totaled 138 points in the three games since.

Junior quarterback Amauri Haller is as versatile as they come. He's thrown for eight touchdowns this year and has also scored four on the ground. Two of his top receivers are Nate Oriel and Caden Rogers, who bring a mix a speed and strength to the position.

Oriel had his best outing of the year when he caught three passes for 67 yards and one touchdown in a 34-14 win over Warren Mott on Sept. 9. In that same game, Rogers had four receptions for 28 yards and one score.

Added Perkins: "So if we can stay consistent and play in front of the chains, I think that would be a big benefit for us."

On paper, it would appear that this battle is destined to be a shootout. But that wasn't the case last season when Port Huron held on for a 14-7 victory. Fewer points were scored in the most recent meeting between the two — a 13-0 triumph by Northern in last year's district semifinal.

"It's going to come down to turnovers and penalties," Roelens said. "Whoever can win those two battles will probably win the game there. Because we're two good football teams — evenly-matched teams on both sides of the ball and all three phases ... it's just going to be a great experience for our town, (players), communities and schools."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Elite offenses will clash as PH, PHN ready for Crosstown Showdown