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Loyalsock at Shikellamy football preview

Loyalsock facts: The Lancers can clinch a home first round District 4 Class AAA playoff game if they exact some revenge after losing at Shikellamy last year. Loyalsock has won six of its last seven games, including two straight. Loyalsock is second in the area in offense and has topped 50 points in consecutive games, inflicting early mercy rules both times. The offense has become more diverse and the Lancers have had a 28-point quarter in each of their last two wins. Marcus Williams is having one of the best years of any District 4 player and totaled four touchdowns three different ways last week. He has caught eight touchdowns and also is second on the team in rushing behind Cole Cavanaugh who is fourth among area rushers. Sophomore quarterback Connor Watkins has made major strides in his second year starting, topping 1,000 yards for a second straight season. Watkins has better arm strength this year and also is becoming a running threat, gaining 325 yards. A young offensive line has come together and anchor Crae McCracken is having an all-state caliber season on both sides of the ball. Hunter Knott, Dylan Armson and Max Dugan have done nice jobs in their first years as starters while Patrick Swink has been solid again in his second year starting. Linebacker Hunter Webb sparks the defense and is playing as well as any linebacker in District 4. Webb has either scored or set up a score the last two weeks and averages a team-high 11.9 tackles per game, making eight for losses. Fellow linebacker Alden Mileto averages 10.4 tackles per game and linebacker Dom Fischetti is having a breakout season, making six tackles for losses.

Loyalsock player to watch–Derek Gee: The sophomore safety is progressing well and intercepted his second pass in last week’s 54-22 win at Bloomsburg. Gee, also a good punter, made a game-clinching interception in a 35-28 overtime win over Shamokin seven weeks ago.

Shikellamy facts: The Braves captured a share of the HAC-I championship last week, thumping Mifflinburg, 35-7. Shikellamy shares the crown with Selinsgrove, despite defeating the Seals, 21-14 in Week 4. Shikellamy is second in the District 4 Class AAAA playoff standings and will be the top seed if it wins its last two games and Selinsgrove loses to Mount Carmel and/or Southern Columbia. The Braves efficiently run the Wing-T offense and ran for 380 yards against Mifflinburg, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter. Fullback Gabe Tilford had a career night, rushing for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Joe Folk and Lemier Mitchell also have had big games this year and Mitchell caught an 87-yard touchdown pass from Tate Krankoskie who threw for 122 yards. Folk and Tilford also lead the team in receiving and always are threats to throw the football for an offense that loves using the halfback option pass. Shikellamy’s defense is opportunistic and forced six turnovers last week. The Braves have forced a district-high 24 turnovers.

Shikellamy player to watch–Tate Krankoskie: There is little doubt Shikellamy will try and establish the run early and often, but Shikellamy threw all over Loyalsock last year for 269 yards and Krankoskie is a good athlete who is capable of having a big day.

Outlook: This should be one of the district’s best games tonight. Last year’s game came down to a missed field goal at the end. It might not be a repeat of that scenario in Sunbury but this game should be close all night.

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