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Mount Carmel PPG--44.2, YPG--429.8; PPA--10.7, YPA--202.3
Mount Carmel notes: The Tornadoes (6-0) are the state's second-ranked Class AA team and are seeking their first district championship since 2011. Mount Carmel opened the season with impressive wins over perennial powers North Schuylkill and Dunmore and has run roughshod over four straight opponents since then. The Tornadoes set a program-record for single-season rushing yards last year, but are are a much more balanced and explosive offense this season. Quarterback Cole Spears was one of the district's highest rated passers before suffering an injury in Week 5. Despite his absence, Matthew Balichick has kept the offense humming, completing 12 of 20 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns the past two games. Garrett Varano leads the team in receiving and is a three-way threat while tight end Jacob Schultz caught touchdowns in four straight games and Michael Farronato averages 17.6 yards per catch. Because most of its games have been blowouts, Mount Carmel has kept its running backs fresh behind an imposing and massive offensive line. Luke Blessing and Xavier Diaz are the main ball-carriers but the team often uses at least 10 backs a game and eight players have scored touchdowns. The defense has not allowed more than 19 points in a game and handed Milton its only defeat, rallying from a 13-12 halftime deficit. Varano returned an interception for a touchdown in last week's win against Midd-West and lineman Nick Nestico has returned two fumbles for touchdowns.
Mount Carmel player to watch--Drew Yagodzinskie: The sophomore linebacker has come on strong in his first season and is one of the team's leading tacklers, averaging 6.8 per game. He had a season-high 10 tackles against Milton, has five tackles for loss and also has helped on special teams, drilling 21 extra points.
Hughesville PPG--20.8, YPG--195; PPA--16.3, YPA--189.5
Hughesville notes: Hughesville (3-3) is off to its best start since 2016 and is fighting for a first-round Class AA playoff game. The Spartans are fifth in the standings and the top eight advance, meaning they have to move up to four to earn a home game. Milton snapped Hughesville's two-game winning streak last week and was the first team to reach 300 yards against its stout defense. The Spartans held four of their first five opponents to three touchdowns or fewer, producing two shutouts and scoring five defensive touchdowns. Justin Fowler has returned two interceptions for touchdowns and Aiden Barlett, the area's leader in interceptions with five, has another pick-6. Tyler Wetzel has added four interceptions and linebacker Mason Hoppes continued his strong season last week, making 15 tackles. Gabe Wagner is among the area's sack leaders with five and Hughesville has an area-high 18. Wagner and Landen King each have 11 tackles for loss. Josh Applegate has been tough on the interior line and made nine tackles against Milton while adding a sack. Last week was the first time Hughesville did not force a turnover but it still leads the area in that category with 19. The offense has struggled at times and is using Luke Kaiser, Tyler Wetzel and Blake Davis at different times at quarterback to try and spark the unit. Wetzel completed 4 of 6 passes a week ago and ran for a 54-yard touchdown against Midd-West, while Kaiser threw three touchdowns in the season-opening win at Montgomery. Hoppes, Angelo Ferrigno and Kelby Gordner all have run for more than 170 yards and scored touchdowns this season.
Hughesville player to watch--Garret Sharer: The senior defensive end has been a big part of the team's success and returned a fumble for a touchdown against Midd-West. He added nine tackles and a sack last week. Sharer was a force in the shutout at Midd-West, making a career-high 15 tackles, including 13 solos and two for loss. He is tied for second on the team with three sacks.
Outlook: Hughesville gave Mount Carmel a game last year and was within two touchdowns in the third quarter. The Tornadoes look like a team that could win a state championship, so if Hughesville can keep it competitive like last year that could be a nice sprinboard into the final four weeks.