When Whitehall plays East Stroudsburg North to begin the district playoffs this Friday, a little history could be in the making when they host the Timberwolves.

The last time these two teams met was in 2005, and this will be the first time head coach Brian Gilbert has ever faced the Timberwolves. They come into the game as the 4th seed, posting a 3-7 record. They reside in the EPC North, with two of their wins coming against North foes, the lone exception a 48-42 win over Northampton to open the season.

The two teams have played four common opponents, and Whitehall holds a decisive edge in that category, winning all those games (Easton, Northampton, Pocono Mountain East and Stroudsburg), while ESN went 1-3 in those match ups.

However, ESN has an offensive wrinkle that makes them different from any other team in the EPC, and Gilbert said that his defensive staff is a bit worried about their scheme.

The Timberwolves run a triple option and it’s an offense designed on misdirection. It will be the first time the Zephs have seen this offense and they’ll need to be disciplined, said Gilbert.

“It’s just something you don’t see,” said Gilbert. “In order to beat them, we have to play sound defensively.”

Gilbert said that it’s imperative that they stick to their assignments and not over pursue or get caught inside.

“If we have any breakdowns, we can see some of their backs running for a long time,” he said.

Their defense has allowed 219 points over nine games, surrendering a little over 24 points per contest this season. They’ll be tasked with stopping quarterback Thomas Melchiorre who spearheads the attack, along with fullback Eddie Brown, both of whom are capable of putting up huge rushing numbers.

Additionally, Timberwolves head coach Chuck Dailey will be retiring this year after 17 seasons on the sidelines, giving ESN added motivation to win the game.

While Whitehall will have to contend with a potent rushing attack, the T-Wolves will have to brace themselves for one of the strongest passing combinations in the EPC. Both Zach Gilbert and Dez Boykin are on the brink of setting school records, and Friday’s game could catapult them atop that list.

Zach Gilbert has thrown for 1,869 yards so far this season. Chad Schwenk holds the single-season record, throwing for 2,163 yards in 1998. That leaves Zach Gilbert just 294 yards shy of setting the record. He nearly threw for that many against Northampton last Friday, finishing with 278 yards in the win against the Kids. He’s also thrown for 18 TDs this season, closing in on Gianni Sinatore’s single-season mark of 21 in 2014.

As for Boykin, arguably the best receiver in the conference, he’s sitting at 61 receptions on the season. The record belongs to Tyler Artim who caught 65 passes in 2010. Additionally, Boykin has 862 receiving yards, leaving him just 48 yards shy of Nick Sommers’ 910 total set in 2012. Boykin has also caught seven ball for touchdowns, and has added four more on the ground.

While those two are knocking on the door of the record book, Whitehall has great balance which keeps a defense from focusing on just one player. Tavion George has rushed for nearly 700 yards, while Braxton Marrero is over 400 yards this season. Tight ends Devin Martinez and Jacon Snyder have combined for four touchdown receptions over the last two games, and receivers Devin Castro and Jacon Buskirk have hauled in a combined six TDs so far this season.

Defensively, the Zephs are led by Buskirk who is once again leading the team in tackles. Nick Dex is another high motor defender who is second on the team in tackles, while Martinez is disruptive from his outside linebacker position. Additionally, Kevon Allen is strong force inside, while Zach Pantoni is an able defender from the linebacking spot.

As they get ready for this round of playoffs under the new postseason format which sees them competing in the 5A class, Gilbert doesn’t want to let ESN establish any momentum that could build confidence and lead to a long night.

“We just don’t want to let them in the game,” said Gilbert.