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Last meeting: Loyalsock 26, Danville 21, Week 4 of this year
Loyalsock PPG--34.4, PPA--24.7; YPG--353.1, YPA--328.8
Loyalsock facts: The more things change, the more they stay the same as Loyalsock and Danville collide in districts for the sixth time since 2009. Loyalsock (7-4) and Danville have played some memorable games over the years, including in Week 4 when each team erased deficits before Loyalsock held off a late comeback. The Lancers dropped three straight games following that victory but have come roaring back, winning their last four contests. The defense has bent at times during that streak but never broken. After holding Lewisburg scoreless on four different trips inside the 40-yard line in a late-season victory, Loyalsock made three first-half red-zone stops in last week's 47-7 quarterfinal win against Cowanesque Valley. Linebackers Gavin Rice and Logan Bastian both have flourished late in the year and each made 12 tackles against CV. Defensive end David Boring had two of the team's five sacks in the first Danville game and cornerback Davion Hill intercepted a pass that night. Rian Glunk intercepted three passes a week ago, returning one for a touchdown for a second straight game. Glunk has seven interceptions and went over 1,000 yards receiving in the CV victory, tying the program record for touchdowns in a year (13). Naz Smith also caught a touchdown and Hill went over 1,100 yards rushing, scoring three times and totaling 139 yards. Hill had a big game against Danville as well, rushing for a season-high 180 yards. Quarterback Tyler Gee leads the district in both passer rating and touchdown passes, throwing for 20 touchdowns and running for six more. Gee was injured late against Danville and missed the next two games, but threw three touchdowns before exiting that contest. Loyalsock is seeking its third district final appearance since 2017 and its first championship since that season when it defeated Danville in the final.
Loyalsock player to watch--Cy Cavanaugh: Playing both linebacker at defensive line, Cavanaugh has put together a strong season, making 97 tackles while averaging 8.8 per game. The junior recorded a sack and recovered a fumble in the game eight weeks ago and returned an interception for a touchdown against CV. He has topped 10 tackles in a game four times.
Danville PPG--34.5, PPA--21.9; YPG--358.8, YPA--283.7
Danville facts: Like Loyalsock, Danville (6-4) is a battle-tested team and the two share losses against powerhouses Southern Columbia and Mount Carmel. The defending district champions, who reached last year's state semifinals, also lost to undefeated Jersey Shore after taking a second-quarter lead. Because this field featured seven teams, Danville received a first-round bye and was off last week. Danville moved the ball well in its regular-season finale against Southern but was unable to finish promising drives in a 55-3 loss. The offense is explosive despite starting quarterback Zach Gordon suffering a season-ending injury against Loyalsock. Freshman Madden Patrick has gone over 1,100 yards in six starts and threw for 241 yards against Mount Carmel. Carson Persing is one of the state's top receivers and is 31 yards away from a second straight 1,000-yard season. A junior, Persing already is No. 2 on the district's all-time yardage list with 157 catches for 2,955 yards and 33 touchdowns. Person had five catches for 120 yards and a score in the first Loyalsock game. Aaron Johnson is another big-play threat and a versatile weapon who averages 15 yards per carry and 16.3 yards per catch. He also has is an accurate kicker who drilled a 33-yard field goal against Southern. Running back Ty Stauffer is having a big season, running for 1,142 yards and 16 touchdowns. Containing him is key because when Stauffer goes over 100 yards, Danville is 5-1. Stauffer is the only player to go over 100 yards against Jersey Shore this season and sparked a comeback against Shamokin in Week 9 when he carried the ball 30 times for 240 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-21 victory. All-state linebacker Mason Raup is having another big season, making 117 tackles, including a district-best 24 for loss. Gabe Benjamin also is a strong linebacker who is second on the team in tackles and Cameron Kiersch has intercepted three passes.
Danville player to watch--Justin Kutcher: The sophomore has provided Danville a big lift up front, making 14 tackles for loss and adding a sack. Kutcher also helps anchor the offensive line and had two tackles for loss against Jersey Shore.
Winner plays: No. 2 Milton or No. 3 Montoursville
Outlook: There are so many explosive athletes on the field on both sides of the ball and a lot of individuals who have produced some terrific numbers. All that said, what will determine this game is who wins the battle up front. This will be all about line play and the winner there moves onto the finals.