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Lewisburg at Bloomsburg football preview

Lewisburg facts: The Green Dragons must win tonight or their District 4 Class AAA playoff hopes likely will be dashed. A loss coupled with a Mifflinburg victory over winless Milton would give Mifflinburg too many points for Lewisburg to overcome even though the rivals play next week. Lewisburg has shown how dangerous it can be, trailing No. 1 Montoursville by just two in the fourth quarter and edging No. 3 Danville, 10-7 in overtime two weeks ago. The Dragons also are a few plays from having four wins, losing second-half leads in losses to Hughesville and Central Columbia. Linebacker Trey Delbaugh will be an all-state candidate and also is the team’s only 100-yard rusher this year but running the ball has been a difficult task with the Dragons averaging 42 yards per game. Freshman quarterback Nick Shedleski has shown good poise and already has went over 1,000 yards. Dylan Farronato and Donte Malone form a strong receiving duo and Malone had a career-high seven catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in last week’s 28-14 loss to Mount Carmel. Lewisburg is trying to reach the postseason for a ninth straight season.

Lewisburg player to watch–Hunter Murphy: The senior linebacker has become one of Lewisburg’s most consistent players and has seven tackles for losses. Murphy made a career-high 16 tackles against Jersey Shore and also has two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Bloomsburg facts: Like Lewisburg, the Panthers also are fighting for their playoff lives. Bloomsburg is ninth in the AA standings and the top eight advance. The Panthers have to win their last two games to have a shot at districts. Bloomsburg upset Hughesville, 21-18 to reach .500 three weeks ago but has lost two straight since. The Panthers struggled in all facets of last week’s 54-22 loss to Loyalsock and have faced a daunting schedule. Four of Bloomsburg’s losses are to teams that have six or more wins. Quarterback Nick Anderson has thrown touchdown passes in four straight games. Eric Foust was one of District 4’s leading receivers last year and Logan Benintende has caught five touchdowns. Darius Green ran for 71 yards and a touchdown against Loyalsock and gained a season-high 94 yards in a 55-6 win over Milton. Jonathan Stone made a stop at the 2-yard line against Hughesville on the game’s final play, preserving that dramatic win.

Bloomsburg player to watch–Zahier Stewart: Don’t be surprised if Bloomsburg tries and hits a big play to the outside with Stewart who also is a dangerous return man who had two kickoff returns for touchdowns in each of the first two weeks.

Outlook: These teams are evenly matched and equally desperate. Expect a close game with a playoff atmosphere because, quite honestly, this is a playoff game for both teams.

–by CHRIS MASSE

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