Milton (0-10 last year) is hoping it can turn things around despite being one of the area’s youngest teams this season. It faces a formidable foe in tonight’s opener, so progress might be measured more by how competitive the Black Panthers are than by whether they win or lose.

Milton has some good players to build around with quarterback Ethan Rowe, running back Ashton Canelo and wide receiver Xavier Minium all coming off productive seasons. Rowe shined late in the season after moving to quarterback, Canelo is a versatile running back who also caught 12 passes in his last two games and Minium could be a game-breaking wide receiver.

Selinsgrove (7-5) has played in eight consecutive district finals, winning four. The Seals are strong up front and have two strong running backs in Nate Schon and Ryan Aument. Quarterback Coy Bastian will have a reliable outside threat in Brett Foor and the Seals will try building off a strong second half last season in which they went 5-2.

Schon also is an outstanding defensive end and Aument one of District 4’s premier linebackers. Keep an eye on safety Teague Hoover, a three-year starter generating significant college interest.