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1. Jersey Shore (10-0): It was a win against tonight's opponent, Shamokin, which helped start transforming this program. Jersey Shore had lost 38 of its last 41 games when it went to Shamokin in Week 2 of 2013 and won, 33-14, as Utoa Agae-Naipo ran for 200 yards. A district title followed later that season and the Bulldogs are 94-30 since. Now they are trying to do something only Southern Columbia has done in District 4 and win five straight district championships.
2. Loyalsock (9-1): The next man up keeps stepping up in huge fashion and last week it was Blake Phillips turn. The sophomore started in place of standout Logan Bastian and led Loyalsock with eight tackles. It again highlighted Loyalsock's depth and character, while also shining a light on a potential future star.
3. Canton (9-1): Obviously, their work is not complete and they want to go as far as possible, but Canton's seniors have put up some impressive numbers during their four years. Those players have helped Canton go 35-6, win three straight NTL-I championships and a district title. Canton also went undefeated in league play each of the past three years, doing so in the big school division as a small school.
4. Muncy (9-0): Is there an echo in here? Nearly everything said above about Canton applies with Muncy's senior group, too. It is one that enters tomorrow's semifinals having gone 35-9 with two league championships and two district crowns. Like Canton, Muncy would love the opportunity to build on those numbers.
5. Milton (9-1): Milton keeps breaking down walls and raising its program's bar. It secured the best regular season mark since 2001 but now has an opportunity to one up that fantastic team from 21 years ago. If Milton can win tonight, it would reach 10 wins for the first time in the 2000s.
6. South Williamsport (6-3): Give South's coaching staff a lot of credit. It starts with the players, but year after year these coaches maximize the team's talent and are doing it again this season. As usual, South is peaking at the perfect time and again has made monster strides as the season has progressed. That is a major reason this program has won at least five games in 11 straight years.
7. Williamsport (4-6): Another team that has come a long way, Williamsport has a chance to win a championship Saturday and that is quite an opportunity after replacing most of last year's starters. With a lot of underclassmen playing, this also is an excellent opportunity for the returning 2023 players to get a taste of playoff football, something which could provide a major boost.
8. Montoursville (4-6): This team has endured so much adversity this season. If it could go on the road and defeat Athens for a playoff win that would be a monster achievement. Whatever happens, this team has done its best to reflect its coach Mike Boughton who continues to valiantly fight cancer and the Montoursville community should be proud of the heart this team has shown.
9. Hughesville (4-6): Second chances don't come a lot but the one Hughesville has coveted since Week 4 is here tonight. The Spartans already have come a long way this season but a strong performance tonight would really put a cherry on top.
10. Lewisburg (2-8): Lewisburg could be the wildcard entering districts. This is a team which has made massive progress the past three weeks and which nearly stunned Mifflinburg last Friday. There is a good foundation in place moving forward as well, so what has happened down the stretch should provide a nice springboard into 2023.
11. North Penn-Mansfield (3-7): Like Lewisburg, North Penn-Mansfield did not give up on its season following a rough start and has turned things around. Obviously, tonight presents a Herculean task but these Panthers have generated more confidence moving forward and gaining this playoff experience with several starters coming back next year is a huge help.
12. Warrior Run (3-7): Not to sound like a broken record, but North Penn-Mansfield's situation applies to Warrior Run as well … probably even more so. Nearly every starter will be back in 2023 and the Defenders have taken a huge step forward after entering the year having not won a game since 2019. There is excitement brewing and this certainly is a program on the rise.
13. Central Mountain (0-10): The Wildcats may have been down this season, but do not expect them to stay there. A team with just five seniors, including multiple ones who had not played before, played a tough schedule and learned on the go. A strong coaching staff is in place and I think this will be one of the area's most improved teams next fall.
14. Wellsboro (1-9): Watch out for Ryder Bowen next year. The sophomore flourished in his first year starting, topping 100 tackles and leading the team in rushing. He closed his breakout year with 103 yards against North Penn-Mansfield.
15. Bucktail (2-6): The record might not show it but Bucktail has turned things around this season following a winless 2021 campaign. All but one game has been competitive and the Bucks have outgained six of eight opponents. Most of the starters are back next year, so this is a team to keep an eye on.
16. Montgomery (1-9): Parker Persing and Hayden Wilt likely offered a glimpse of things to come in last Saturday's finale. Persing, a freshman quarterback, threw for a career-high 195 yards and Wilt, a sophomore wide receiver, caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. He added an interception.
17. Cowanesque Valley (0-9): Expect sophomore running backs Fletcher Good and Tim Freeman to be double trouble again for 2023 opponents after they combined to run for 1,526 yards and 13 touchdowns.