Wellsboro PPG–0, PPA–49; YPG–93, YPA–260

Wellsboro notes: Wellsboro truly is the district’s youngest team this season. Hayes Campbell is the team’s lone senior, so it’s not surprising that Wellsboro could experience some growing pains. Opening against a perennially strong program like Montoursville and Class A state-ranked Muncy makes that climb tougher but Wellsboro has some exciting players to build around. Campbell is being used in a lot of different ways and will likely be worked in more as a threat as the season progresses. Ryder Bowen is coming off a strong sophomore season in which he led the team in both rushing and tackles. He did so again last Friday, while also catching three passes. Quarterback Will Gastrock made some big plays after becoming the starter midway through last year, punctuating that run when he threw for 182 yards and four touchdowns in a victory against Wyalusing. Largely because Montoursville dominated the time of possession, Wellsboro was limited in what it could do and who it could use offensively last week. The Hornets gave Muncy a battle last year and led by seven at halftime before the Indians rallied for a 30-22 victory.

Wellsboro player to watch–Marek Mascho: The sophomore could see more time offensively in the coming weeks and is a good athlete who made some quality contributions last fall. Mascho is a potential big play threat on special teams and led the team in kick return yardage last Friday.

Muncy PPG–33, PPA–26; YPG–322, YPA–289

Muncy notes: A team which has reached five straight District 4 Class A championships is having its mettle tested early after losing four starters to injuries last week. Three starting linemen went down and wide receiver/defensive back Noah Confer was lost for the season after scoring a touchdown, intercepting a pass and breaking up two more early in a 33-26 win against Warrior Run. Despite all that, Muncy found a way to win, twice making defensive stops late in the game when Warrior Run had a chance to tie or take the lead. Sophomore Carter Feigles broke up a potential touchdown in the final two minutes and Austin Johnson made a big sack which all but ended Warrior Run’s comeback hopes. Johnson also picked up where he left off last season, breaking loose for an 81-yard touchdown and finishing with 141 yards. Jacob Fowler also went over 100 yards and gained 49 yards on a crucial third-and-19 third-quarter play which helped set up a touchdown. Stiles Eyer made his first start at quarterback and also came up big on a fourth down play, going 25 yards for a touchdown on fourth-and-6 play which gave Muncy a 33-20 lead. Eyer also made an end zone interception that quarter, snuffing out a potential game-tying or go-ahead touchdown. Muncy has won 19 straight regular-season games the second-longest among District 4 teams and trailing only Jersey Shore.

Muncy player to watch–Gabe Stark: With three starters potentially sidelined tonight, Stark will play a critical role up front. The senior has made quality contributions throughout his scholastic career and started last week’s game strong. He blocked a punt to set up Muncy’s first touchdown and also was able to gain penentration up front to disrupt Warrior Run offensively at times.

Outlook: Muncy is the favorite here, but there are a lot of unknowns because of the injury issue. Muncy had some young players step up in a big way against Warrior Run and will need to keep receiving those contributions as it tries healing up and