The Emmaus football team and its next opponent have three common traits heading into their week three matchup. Both programs have solid offensive and defensive lines, and both have received outstanding defensive performances in the season with 2-0 records.

The third area where the Hornets and the Central Catholic Vikings find common ground is how depth is paying huge dividends. Central coach Tim McGorry’s squad has received outstanding performances from a mixture of upperclassmen and relative newbies in victories over Dieruff and Liberty.

Sophomore Nasir McLean had a career-type game last Friday night against the Hurricanes, when he intercepted three passes. McLean, who transferred to Central after one season at Catasauqua, has a combination of speed, agility and natural football instincts. He’s joined on the defensive side of the ball by an all-out hitting team.

The defensive line is primarily anchored by more sophomores - mammoth 6-foot, 5-inch Doyhen Kim, Harrison Stewart-Smith, Rajan Stevens and Nick Balisage - and tough senior Lavon Johnson. The linebacking corp is anchored by seniors Colby Reyburn and Peyton Elliot, and junior Griffin Patridge. Sophomores Nathan Schultz and Armoine Torres and freshman Jareel Calhoun are above-average cover men who also like to hit when given the chance.

Offensively the Vikings are led by junior running back Travis Foster, who has been outstanding in this young season amassing 244 yards on 33 carries. Foster would be the first to credit the big fellows up front for the yardage. David Platt and Johnson provide the senior leadership and junior Mitchell Miller also moves out the opposition. Tamlin Ferguson and Conner Aquino split time at quarterback. Wide receivers Armonie Torres and Patridge are the top pass catchers.

The Hornets and Vikings will battle in a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday at J. Birney Crum Stadium.