CRAIG S. McKIBBEN JR/Sun-Gazette Ryan Jones’ play on both sides of the line will be critical to South’s chances in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Two years ago, Montoursville’s Luke Trick began the season as a back-up running back, carrying the ball just 10 times in his team’s first four games.

Then came Week 5 against Loyalsock. An injury to Garrett Cillo opened the door for Trick and he responded by rushing for a school-record 311 yards. By season’s end Trick was a 1,000-yard rusher who helped Montoursville reach the PIAA Class AA semifinals.

That’s the great thing about sports: you never know who is going to step forward and play a big role.

What will happen in the 2007 District 4 and Eastern Conference playoffs is a mystery. But this much is certain—an array of players will make a big impact.

The following is a list of key players from each area postseason team who could figure prominently in his team’s playoff fortunes.

Lucas Bailey, Canton

One of the area’s most versatile players, Bailey does a little bit of everything and has helped Canton go 8-2.