CV PPG–27.0, PPA–17.0; YPG–367.5, YPA–234

CV notes: It is still early, but CV looks like one of the district’s most improved teams and is a few plays from being 2-0. The Indians (1-1) led Athens by 14 last week before losing, 28-22. Still, it was a good showing against a program which long has had its way with CV. Most of last year’s starters are back and CV opened the season with an impressive 20-point win against Northwest, leading by 26 until late in the game. The offense is more balanced than last year and quarterback Graham Hess already has doubled last year’s touchdown pass total, throwing four the first two weeks. He, Fletcher Good, Dave Hess and Tim Freeman all have run for more than 70 yards. Good and Freeman are both juniors and each has gone over 1,000 career yards. Freeman ran for 1,136 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman. That included a 109-yard performance against Montgomery. Good is among the area’s leaders in rushing and receiving yards and returned a kickoff 80 yards for a score against Montgomery last fall. Freshman linebacker Kegan Lane has made a big impact and 20 tackles in two games. Freeman has topped 10 tackles in both games, making 25. Joel Hutz, Luke Sottolano and Ethan Langworthy all have sacks.

CV player to watch–Lowell Baker: The junior linebacker is a big part of a much improved defense and he made a career-high 10 tackles against Athens. Playing against a team which features a run-heavy offense, Baker could play a big role tonight.

Montgomery PPG–9.5, PPA–34.5; YPG–171.5, YPA–359.5

Montgomery notes: A decided underdog the first two games, Montgomery plays its home opener tonight and could benefit from having gone through those contests. The Red Raiders (0-2) led Hughesville 6-0 in the first half and it was still a one-score game until the fourth quarter. Like CV, Montgomery was one of the district’s youngest teams last year and has a quality core it is building around. Caden Finck has put together consecutive big games, running for a career-high 156 yards and two touchdowns against South Williamsport last week. Finck has broke loose for two touchdown runs of longer than 40 yards each game and has scored all three Raider touchdowns. Coy Bryson started last year and is a versatile threat who added 73 yards against South. Nevin Beachel provides another option as well and ran for 92 yards at Muncy a year ago. Quarterback Parker Persing has not thrown often but started nine games last season and completed 11 of 16 passes in a 36-20 win at CV. The defense played its best game of the season in that victory, limiting CV to 126 yards. With District 4 Class A suddenly appearing more wide open than originally thought, Montgomery could have a shot at reaching districts if it heats up.

Montgomery player to watch–Peyton Hartman: A three-year starter, the senior linebacker is one of Montgomery’s most experienced players. He has been one of the team’s leading tacklers the last two seasons and can play along the offensive line or at fullback.

Outlook: Two years ago, these NTL-II rivals played one of the area’s most exciting regular-season games as Montgomery rallied for a last-minute 21-20 victory, scoring the winning touchdown with 16 seconds remaining. Both teams appear on the rise and it would not be shocking if this one also is close the entire way.