Montgomery PPG–27.3, PPA–17.5; YPG–312.3, YPG–219

Montgomery facts: For the first time this season, Montgomery is rebounding from a loss. Sayre pulled away late last week and defeated the Red Raiders, 36-16. Still, Montgomery has matched last year’s win total and is playoff-bound with all four teams qualifying for districts in Class A. Montgomery is No. 3 in the points standings and must finish among the top two in order to host a semifinal. Montgomery’s defense allowed just four touchdowns during the 3-0 start and also produced three touchdowns with Braiden Beachel, Logan Almeida and Coltin Hans returning turnovers for scores. Linebacker Weston Pick is among the state’s leaders in tacklers with 63, averaging 15.7 per game. He also has a district-best 15 tackles for loss. Beachel returned from injury last week and made eight tackles while defensive end Thayden Miller continued his strong season with 11 tackles and a sack. Almeida is the program’s all-time leading passer and leads the area in yards this season. Hans has topped 100 receiving yards in consecutive games and has scored in three straight contests. Leading rusher Colby Springman was injured during the Sayre game and Devon Deem could see the majority of carries tonight. Nevin Beachel and Tanner Springman also could see carries. Montgomery fell behind quick against South last year before playing it even the rest of the way in a 33-13 loss. Montgomery allowed 382 rushing yards in that game and will likely again see a heavy dose of running tonight.

Montgomery player to watch–Payton Hartman: The junior linebacker is producing well in his first year starting and was all over the field against Sayre. Hartman made 14 tackles in that game and looks like a player Montgomery can build around the rest of this season and in 2022.

South PPG–15.5, PPA–9.5; YPG–329.8, YPA–179.8

South facts: South (2-2) is playing outstanding defense and has won both its games via shutout. Only undefeated Canton has reached 20 points against the Mounties who held Athens to 43 yards in last week’s 7-0 victory. The Mounties have moved the ball at will the last three weeks but have had trouble finishing drives after entering the red zone. That remained a problem last week despite running backs Lane Lusk and Clayton Swarthout both topping 90 yards. Lusk and Swarthout are among the area’s top 10 rushers, both averaging more than 100 yards per game. Swarthout also has caught a touchdown. Quarterback Landon Lorson showcased his running skills against Athens as well, running for 52 yards against Athens. Grant Bachman is an outstanding wide receiver and caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown against Canton. Lorson intercepted a pass against Athens as South allowed fewer than 200 yards in a game for the second time. South has forced nine turnovers and four different players have intercepted passes. Brothers Jake and Ryan Casella each have sacks. Sophomore kicker Kayvan Shams has been a reliable special teams weapon and is perfect on extra point tries. South is seeking its 10th straight district playoff appearance a year after reaching the Class AA final. South is fifth in the standings and the top eight advance with the first four hosting quarterfinal games. The Mounties have won 11 straight in this series.

South player to watch–Ryan Casella: The sophomore linebacker made a big impact during his debut high school season a year ago, finishing second on the team in tackles per game. Casella is a two-way starter who is a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. He averages 4.3 tackles per game and has made two tackles for loss.

Outlook: Any time one is playing South it has too be ready for a physical battle up front. If Montgomery can neutralize the running game, this one could be interesting.