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Muncy at Montgomery

Muncy PPG–43.3, YPG–372.3; PPA–18.3, YPA–174.3

Muncy facts: After winning its first three games in blowout fashion, Muncy has its first big test as it meets its rival in the annual Old Shoe Game. The last three games in this series have been exciting, especially the 2018 contest which Montgomery won, 15-14 in the final seconds. Muncy exacted revenge a year ago and won, 27-7 on its way to a second straight District 4 Class A championship. The Indians ran for 257 yards in that game with all-state running back Ethan Gush gaining 155 yards and scoring three times. Gush is part of a deep backfield which has shined behind a strong offensive line imposing its will throughout the first three weeks. Ty Nixon has come back strong after tearing his ACL last year and is third among area rushers with 312 yards. Paul Pepper and quarterback Branson Eyer also have more than 100 yards rushing. Eyer is an outstanding dual threat, totaling 410 yards and seven touchdowns. He has thrown four touchdown passes the last two weeks, making it harder for defenses to load up against the run. Chase Crawley has caught two long touchdowns and is averarging 33.4 yards per catch. Muncy has quickly put teams away the past two weeks, opening 35-0 and 49-0 first-half leads. The starting defense has allowed just one touchdown in three weeks with linebackers Gush, Jason Shuda and Bailey Hadzinikolov all averaging more than eight tackles per game. Hadzinikolov did not play last week, but Eli Weikle and Kobe Fowler made eight tackles each.

Muncy player to watch–Ross Eyer: The sophomore wide receiver has 25 career catches and 10 have gone for touchdowns. Eyer caught a 67-yard touchdown against Montgomery and helps stretch the field.

Montgomery PPG–22.0, YPG–286.7; PPA–23.0, YPA–277.3

Montgomery facts: Playing the final game of a three-contest home stretch, Montgomery will be trying to leave Red Raider Stadium happy for the first time this season. The Red Raiders had chances against Northwest and South Williamsport, but struggled against the run in those games while failing to finish some promising drives which may have altered the games’ complexions. But that is in the past and Montgomery has a chance tonight to greatly bolster its District 4 Class A playoff hopes. With only the top two finishers advancing this season, tonight’s game could have a major impact on that championship picture. The Raiders have a strong core back from last year and played South to a tie after the first quarter a week ago. Quarterback Logan Almeida leads the area in passing yards with 599 and four receivers are among the top 10 in receiving. Kaide Drick has twice topped 100 yards rushing and fellow running back Colby Springman is a versatile threat. Ben Marino, Maurice Walters and Coltin Hans all have caught touchdowns and reached single-game career-highs in catches. The defense played much better over the final three quarters a week ago and defensive tackle Brent Leon was a force, topping 10 tackles for a third straight game. Devon Deem and Evan Strausbaugh are strong linebackers who combined for more than 200 tackles last year and cornerback Logan Pick anchors a secondary which has allowed just 86 yards in three games.

Montgomery player to watch–Logan Pick: An excellent cover cornerback, Pick gives Montgomery someone it can matchup against standout receivers and feel confident in his abilities. With both Crawley and Eyer being big-play threats, Pick could play a pivotal role tonight.

Outlook: Muncy is a two-time defending district champion and ranked No. 7 in the state, but tonight offers a barometer to see where it is at the season’s halfway point. Conversely, Montgomery has the opportunity to show that it is a serious district title contender. These teams are closer than the records indicate and here is thinking this game will more closely resemble the 2018 contest and than the 2019 one.

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