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NOTE: Game is on Saturday
Last meeting: Southern 49, South 14 in last year's district final
South PPG--27.5, PPA--15.1; YPG--360.9, YPA--219.1
South facts: This is the first time South and Southern have met in the playoff since 2012, but the first time it has not come in the championship. These proud programs played for the championship four times in nine years, including last season. South avenged a Week 2 loss in impressive fashion last week, routing Wellsboro, 36-7, in the quarterfinals. The Mounties (7-3) have won six of their last seven games and the defense stifled Wellsboro, surrendering just 169 yards. Mickai Welch and Connor Apker each had sacks while Clayton Swarthout returned an interception for the game-clinching touchdown. Grant Bachman also intercepted a pass and South effectively took Wellsboro's run away. The Mounties have won three straight games and the all underclassmen line of Lucas Long, Chris Confer, Evan Tortellet, Austin Bowersox and Owen Bird has flourished, paving the way for one of the district's best running offenses. Lane Lusk leads the area in rushing and is second in District 4 with Swarthout 61 yards from joining him in the 1,000-yard club. Quarterback Landon Lorson is a mobile threat and has thrown five touchdowns the last three weeks. Bachman is having another strong season at receiver, catching four touchdowns during the winning streak. Bachman has 10 touchdown catches the past two seasons and tight end Jake Casella is another threat who hauled in a 22-yard touchdown against Wellsboro. South has reached districts in each of the last 10 years and has not had a losing regular season since 2011.
South player to watch--Lucas Long: A good run stuffer, Long also is an anchor along the offensive line. The junior is a two-year starter and has been instrumental to South frequently imposing its will up front. He also threw one of the year's best blocks on Swarthout's interception touchdown, clearing the last obstacle before he reached the end zone.
Southern PPG--44.5, PPA--11.9; YPG--385.8, YPA--195.5
Southern facts: For the first time since 2011, Southern actually lost a regular-season game but the four-time defending state champions have come storming back since then, blowing out five straight opponents. Line Mountain tied Southern early in the first quarter on a 78-yard touchdown pass in last week's quarterfinals before the Tigers erupted for 49 first-half points and won, 62-14. The Tigers were battling injuries at midseason but much closer to full strength now. Gavin Garcia is making a strong case to repeat as Class AA Player of the Year and has scored 33 touchdowns five different ways. Garcia leads District 4 in rushing and scoring, returning an interception for a touchdown against Line Mountain and adding four punt/kick return touchdowns this year. Junior Braeden Wisloski won the 100-meter state title last spring and ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries last Saturday. Fullback Wes Barnes is another threat who added 65 yards and a score. Starting quarterback Liam Klebon was lost early in the season and Blake Wise has been steady since the Wyomissing game. He has made the most of his attempts and threw a touchdown to Jake Rose against Line Mountain. The defense is strong again and the starters have allowed just 17 points during the winning streak. Southern has won 28 district championships in the last 30 years with its last district tournament loss coming against Montoursville in the 2014 semifinals.
Southern player to watch--Derek Berlitz: Likely headed for another all-state selection, Berlitz is a force up front and fuels the Southern defense. Berlitz opens up lanes for linebackers, is one of the team's leading tacklers and also has seven sacks.
Winner plays: No. 2 Mount Carmel or No. 3 Troy
Outlook: Obviously, South has a monumental task ahead of it Saturday but it's one game and anything goes in that format. Nobody gave Montgomery a shot at Muncy last week and the Red Raiders nearly pulled off the upset. South must play its best game of the season, hope that Southern is a little off. It's a tough recipe but this is why you play the game.