Selinsgrove at Montoursville preview
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Selinsgrove PPG--21.8, PPA--17.9, YPG--257.9, YPA--260.6
Selinsgrove notes: Selinsgrove (6-2) is coming on strong and has won four of its last five games, while getting as healthy as it has been since opening night. The Seals erupted for a season-high 536 yards in last week's 38-28 comeback win at Hollidaysburg and were equally explosive whether running or passing. Tucker Teats ran wild, gaining a career-high 270 yards and scoring twice. Teats missed two games earlier this season but still has a shot at a 1,000-yard season. Quarterback Mark Pastore also missed multiple games earlier in the year and threw for a career-best 249 yards and two touchdowns. Gavin Bastian was his favorite target, hauling in seven passes for 199 yards and two scores. Bastian had to move to quarterback when Pastore and helped lead a comeback win against Juniata. The Seals feature a stingy defense and Devon Mitchell returned an interception for a touchdown against Hollidaysburg which gained only 226 yards despite scoring 28 points. Selinsgrove has held four teams to seven or fewer points and Corey Rumberger averages a team-high 10.7 tackles per game, moving within 25 of a 100-tackle season. Carter Young is one of the district's top kickers and punters. He has a district-best seven field goals and has dropped five punts inside the 20-yard line.
Selinsgrove player to watch--Ethan Miller: The sophomore linebacker is developing into one of the best in the Heartland Conference and has made a huge impact after missing the team's first three games. Miller has 14 tackles for loss and three sacks in five games and has topped 10 tackles three times. He was a force against Hollidaysburg, producing four tackles for loss and a sack. He also is a good fullback who helps pave the way for Teats.
Montoursville PPG--16.5, PPA--29.9; YPG--261.1, YPA--275.6
Montoursville notes: Despite so many injuries and adversity, Montoursville (4-4) is still fourth in the District 4 Class AAA standings and would host a first-round playoff game if it can hold on to that spot. The Warriors started 4-1 but have encountered a brutal schedule and lost three straight games against Southern Columbia, Danville and Jersey Shore teams who are a combined 21-3. Montoursville led Southern in the second half before dynamic Marco Pulizzi, one of the district's best receivers and defensive backs, was lost for the season with a knee injury. The Warriors have come from behind to win three times and produced an exciting win against District 6 title contender Bald Eagle Area. The defense is among the area leaders in sacks and several young players have burst onto the scene. That includes freshman Christian Banks who had a sack against Jersey Shore and who is second on the team in tackles. Junior Evan Bloom has made a big impact in his first year starting and has 10 tackles for loss, while junior Cole Yonkin leads the team with four sacks. Banks, Bloom, Tyler Lepley, Blaise Alexander and Ethan Wanner also have multiple sacks while Nate Fisher has added five tackles for loss. Quarterback Bryce Eberhart is fourth among area passers with nine touchdowns and Matthew Conklin is fifth in rushing. Wyatt Fry is a weapon on special teams who has kicked five field goals, including three in the eight-point win against BEA.
Montoursville player to watch--Matthew Conklin: Despite never carrying the ball before his senior season, Conklin has been outstanding, going over 100 yards four times and 90 yards five times. If Montoursville can get him going tonight, that would help a lot in terms of an upset bid. A hard-nosed runner, Conklin also helps ignite the defense and has made 36 tackles, including six for loss.
Outlook: Montoursville certainly is battle-tested and will do its best to give Selinsgrove a battle. Its best bet likely is to try and shorten the game and play strong defense. Selinsgrove is the favorite, but don't count this gutsy Montoursville team.