Hughesville at Loyalsock preview
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Hughesville PPG--42, YPG--253; PPA--0, YPA--42
Hughesville notes: The Spartans won their first season opener since 2016 in emphatic fashion last week, blanking Montgomery, 42-0. Hughesville avenged last year's opening night loss and is trying to beat Loyalsock for the first time since 2015. Hughesville scored touchdowns in all three phases with the defense allowing a district-low 42 yards. The Spartans surrendered minus-3 rushing yards and collected seven sacks. Defensive end Gabe Wagner was a wrecking machine, producing three sacks. Landen King was all over as well and had five tackles for loss, and Luke Stutzman returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Mason Hoppes is coming off a strong junior season in which he made nearly 100 tackles and recorded a team-high 10. Aiden Barlett intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown, while Tyler Wetzel added another interception. Luke Kaiser effectively ran the offense, completing 10 of 15 passes for 142 yards and throwing two touchdowns. Hughesville spread the ball around passing and rushing and Kaiser hit seven different receivers. Chaz Neidig missed most of last season, but provides another offensive spark and caught three passes for 42 yards. While Loyalsock defeated Hughesville in Week 9 last year, the Spartans did win a game at Loyalsock's home field. Hughesville played Warrior Run at Kenneth Robbins Stadium in Week 5 while Warrior Run's new stadium was building built and won, 46-7.
Hughesville player to watch--Angelo Ferrigno: A threat on both sides of the ball, Ferrigno hulked up last week and produced touchdowns rushing and receiving. The versatile junior totaled 72 yards, led the team in rushing and added a tackle for loss.
Loyalsock PPG--34, YPG--451, PPA--21, YPA--246
Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock went on the road and started its season strong by beating perennial District 3 contender Berks Catholic, 34-21. That win could be a nice springboard moving forward as the offensive line jelled and paved the way for Loyalsock producing the most yards by an area team. All-state running back Davion Hill gave Berks Catholic fits, totaling 331 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for an area-beat 227. If the line continues playing well, Loyalsock could be really dangerous this season since it features three all-state players with quarterback Tyler Gee and Rian Glunk joining Hill on that team last year. Gee was efficient in throwing for 198 yards and two scores. Gage Patterson looks like a player to watch after hauling in a 48-yard touchdown. The defense's performance was equally encouraging with Loyalsock showing progress against the run after struggling at times there last year. Linebacker Gavin Rice made 14 tackles, including 11 solos, and Will Burdett added 13 with 11 solos. Rice, Logan Bastian and Cy Cavanaugh form a strong linebacking trio and all made more than 90 tackles a year ago. Jalen Andrews made an impact last week as well, producing a career-high seven tackles. Loyalsock ignited its run to the District 4 Class AAA semifinals last year when it defeated Hughesville, 41-14 in Week 8. That ignited a four-game winning streak as Loyalsock built a 35-0 halftime lead.
Loyalsock player to watch--David Boring: One of the area's more productive defensive ends last year, Boring enjoyed a breakout campaign and registered a team-high five sacks. Quick off the edge, Boring bolsters the run defense and attacks the passer well. He opened his season with a sack against Berks Catholic and made five tackles.
Outlook: Loyalsock is the favorite here, but it will be interesting to see if Hughesville has closed the gap from the last few seasons. This is a good barometer game as Hughesville continues trying to make strides and Loyalsock tries avoiding a letdown.