Week 3 football preview: Cedar Crest looking to stay undefeated on the road vs. Warwick

As the season hits Week 3, Lebanon County has only one undefeated team remaining. Some of Lancaster-Lebanon's league will see its final games of non-conference play, and so the schedule will ramp up.

Before Friday night's action starts, here's a quick look at each team's upcoming matchup.

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Northern Lebanon (1-1) v. Delone Catholic (1-1)

The Vikings are coming off of a narrow 7-0 loss to Oxford, so their final non-conference game will be a chance to get on track. The squad's first win saw them rush for over 200 yards, but the offense couldn't get rolling with only 70 rushing yards in Week 2. Delone Catholic just saw its first win of the year in a 35-21 score over Lancaster Catholic, and brings a balanced attack.

The Squires are led by senior quarterback Zach Staub and his running mate, senior back Braden Smith. Both combined for five scores against the Crusaders, as Staub went 13-for-19 for 165 yards and Smith ran for 168 yards. The offense has relied on the duo often so far, and spread the ball out otherwise. On the defensive side, they bring a well-rounded group. Along with Smith bringing an interception last week, the Squires' senior edge rusher Kaden Hix tallied two sacks.

After allowing its first score in the final minutes of Week 2, Northern Lebanon's defense is set for another big matchup. Keeping the Squires' offense out of rhythm will be important, so the group's front seven will be crucial. Offensively, the Vikings' O-line will be a factor against Hix and company, so the seniors in action will need to step up. If the Vikings can move the ball consistently and establish some passing success, they'll have less questions going into the team's conference stretch.

Cedar Crest (2-0) at Warwick (0-2)

Following a statement 45-7 win, Week 3 has the Falcons playing on the road for the first time yet. Warwick comes in still searching for win No. 1, and an opportunity to get its offense going after putting up just three points in two weeks. In last week's 21-0 loss to Lampeter-Strasburg, the Warriors defense allowed 333 total yards; 210 rushing yards and 123 passing. On the other side, Warwick's O-line hasn't held well either as the group allowed four sacks in Week 2. Coach Nick Lambros' team has showcased a patient offense this year, so running the ball could be the answer once again for Cedar Crest.

Palmyra (1-1) v. Hershey (1-1)

After losing their first conference matchup to Mechanicsburg, the Cougars return to their home field for Week 3. Both teams are 1-1, and winless in the Mid-Penn's Keystone division. Like Palmyra, the Trojans defeated their Week 1 opponent by plenty before losing 28-13 to Shippensburg last week. Junior quarterback Cameron Sweeney leads the offense on the ground and through the air, and Hershey utilizes several running backs with him. Sweeney leads the team in carries, but the backfield has compiled over 400 rushing yards and five scores thus far between three other runners. Defensively the Trojans are led by senior linebacker LJ Douglas, who leads them with 19 tackles and a sack this year.

If the Cougars are going to outplay the Trojans, it will have to come from its front on both sides. Last week saw Palmyra lose any momentum early, leading to a 35-0 deficit before finding some answers to finish at 35-14. Versus Hershey, the Cougars will need to establish their run game early so the squad can get into their comfort zone on both sides.

ELCO (0-2) v. Lancaster Catholic (1-1)

After consecutive blowout losses, ELCO has yet to display much in any facet. On the other side, Lancaster Catholic is coming off of a 35-21 loss at home to Delone Catholic. Week 1 saw the Crusaders put up 43 points in a narrow 2OT win over Camp Hill, so its offense has led the way for them this season.

So far this year, ELCO has yet to score in the first three quarters of a game. Coming into Week 3's action, the squad's emphasis should be on establishing early offense this week.

Lebanon (0-2) v. Conrad Weiser (2-0)

The Cedars have been outplayed early in each of their games, as they fell into large deficits before halftime. This week Lebanon will host for the first time this year, and it comes against a team rolling with momentum. The Scouts defeated ELCO 31-7 last week and won 21-7 against Abington in Week 1, combining for 553 total yards of offense this season. It's come through a balanced attack on offense, but Conrad Weiser's defense has also been dominant. Through two games, the group has tallied six tackles for loss along with five sacks, and four forced turnovers against opponents.

Lebanon has seen some promising signs through two losses, but the upcoming matchup will serve as a chance to get some energy going at its home stadium. They've shown to pass often when the lead goes the other direction, but the Cedars' can find success running the ball if the O-line holds up.

Annville-Cleona (1-1) v. Littlestown (0-2)

The Dutchmen got back in the win column with a 48-20 victory on Thursday night, and will have a chance to grab consecutive wins this week. Coach Matt Gingrich's team is averaging 42 points per game so far, and so the triple-option offense has been firing.

On the other side, the Thunderbolts have allowed 79 points while only having seven to show for its offense. The Dutchmen have continued to focus on aggressive play calling, and so they'll look to win the game with early conversions and scores. If Bryce Keller and Jonathon Shay get rolling for the Dutchmen, they've shown to be difference makers on both sides.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Week 3 football preview: Cedar Crest looking to stay undefeated on the road vs. Warwick