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Shikellamy PPG--0, PPA--12; YPG--188, YPA--213
Shikellamy facts: The Braves made some nice strides under first-year coach Jim Keiser last year and gave 4A state runner-up Jersey Shore a battle in a 16-0 defeat. Keiser revived the Danville program during his tenure there from 2009-2019, helping it become a perennial district title contender. Shikellamy played outstanding defense in last week's loss against Central Mountain but hurt its cause with five turnovers. Shikellamy slowed Central Mountain's dangerous running game and made nine tackles for loss. Kaden Hoffman had both a 13-yard sack and two tackles for loss. Defensive lineman Caleb Kashner added 2 1/2 tackles for loss and Gage Wolfe nine tackles. Isaac Shaeffer-Neitz showed some burst at running back, running for 93 yards on 14 carries. Coltyn Sempko, the team's leading rusher last fall, added 33 yards on seven carries. Wide receiver John Peifer is a three-year starter who caught 17 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns last season, averaging 21.8 yards per catch. Sempko finished second with 13 catches. Quarterback Brayden Wertman has seen action in each of the last two seasons, and is starting for the first time. Throwing the ball was tough last week in what were monsoon-like conditions at times so Wertman is more effective than his statistics show.
Shikellamy player to watch--Coltyn Sempko: As valuable as he is offensively, Sempko is equally effective on defense. The senior linebacker led Shikellamy with 11 tackles last week and is coming off a strong junior season. Sempko averaged 7.9 tackles and added two sacks during his breakout 2020 campaign.
Loyalsock PPG--34, PPA--14; YPG--413, YPA--202
Loyalsock facts: Bloomsburg cut a 20-point second-half deficit to six last Friday, but Loyalsock responded well and scored the final 14 points to secure victory. That game featured a near two-hour delay, but Loyalsock showed why it could again be a District 4 Class AAA title contender. Running back Davion Hill excelled in his first game in two years, running for 163 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Tyler Gee showed plenty of promise in his first start, throwing for 159 yards and running for 94. If the offensive line can play consistently, Loyalsock has a shot at featuring an explosive offense. Rian Glunk, JerVal Weeks-Shuler and Naz Smith form a strong receiving trio and Glunk caught five passes for 87 yards against Bloomsburg. The defense struggled following the long delay but played well for the most part. Defensive end David Boring shined in his debut, making nine tackles, intercepting a pass and collecting two sacks. Cy Cavanaugh made a career-high nine tackles, Gee intercepted a pass and Weeks-Shuler had a sack. Loyalsock forced four turnovers and made seven tackles for loss. Linebacker Logan Bastian played well as a freshman last season and again was a factor, making six tackles. Tyler Barnes added a fumble recovery. Although it has made nine straight playoff appearances, Loyalsock has not started 2-0 since 2015.
Loyalsock player to watch--Rian Glunk: In addition to leading Loyalsock in receiving last season, Glunk emerged as one of the area's premier defensive backs. He provided excellent coverage and really came alive late in the season, intercepting a pass in three straight games. Glunk also averaged 27 yards on kickoff returns against Bloomsburg.
Outlook: This is a good test for Loyalsock, facing a hard-nosed defense and going against a team which likes to try and impose its will up front.
--By CHRIS MASSE