Upper Perkiomen's football team is thrilled to have a season, even if it's only a handful of games, according to head coach Tom Hontz. However, the coach said he won't fully accept the premise until the referee blows the initial whistle Friday. 

            Concerns over COVID-19 have forced eight Pioneer Athletic Conference to suspend football this fall.

"Fingers crossed, we'll be able to take the field," Hontz said.

            The Indians are scheduled to debut against Methacton at 6 p.m. on Friday at Keeny Stadium.  

"It will be a good opportunity to see what this team is made of," Hontz said. "The players are aware of the situation. They are excited."

            The Tribe, the lone active team from the small-school Frontier Division, is scheduled to take on five opponents from the large-school Liberty Division. Games against Perkiomen Valley (Oct. 2), Spring-Ford (Oct. 10), Owen J. Roberts (Oct. 16) and Boyertown (Oct. 23) are planned, according to information posted on the district's athletic website. 

            "As many games as we can play would be a blessing," senior quarterback Hunter Flack said.

            Against the Warriors, Upper Perkiomen's offense will rely heavily on Flack. The senior will operate with increased autonomy to make certain pre-snap reads and calls, according to the coach.  "Hunter is very bright and athletic," Hontz said. "I know he can handle it."

            Ideally, the Indians offense will search for balance. Logan Simmon, a junior, should get most of the carries, according to the coach. He said Malachi Duka will be utilized as an H-back.

The passing game will likely feature several receivers including Trey Robinson, Corey Jackson, and Nevin Smith, described by Hontz as a junior with real good hands. Look for sophomore tight end Grady Thompson to contribute, as well.

            However, that offensive distribution will likely be determined by the performance of the offensive line. The unit will be anchored by seniors Riley Decker, Ethan Wambold and Dalton Dunlap.

            Decker, named all-conference last season, will begin his fourth season in the starting lineup at tackle. Wambold will play center. Dunlap could play guard or tackle, according to Hontz. Josh Hill and Gabe Carducci, a pair of sophomores, will start the season at guard and tackle, respectively.

            The Tribe's defense is most settled in the secondary. Flack and Simmons will lineup at safety, while Robinson and Jackson will start the season at cornerback.

            Brady Thompson, a junior, will lead the defense from his position as middle linebacker, according to the coach. Duka is expected to provide similar support on the outside. Hontz said J. T. Traynor, a senior, will see some time at outside linebacker, while Jose Vera could play in the middle or in the defensive backfield.

            Decker, a defensive end, is the team's most accomplished defensive lineman. Damon Faraco, Wambold and senior Hunter Sottung should be part of the rotation.

            "Practice finally feels normal," Flack said. "We're hitting like normal. I feel like we're on schedule. The game plan is in place."