Selinsgrove at Williamsport preview
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Selinsgrove PPA--21.5, PPA--28.5; YPG--218.3, YPA--321.8
Selinsgrove notes: Selinsgrove (2-2) is the defending District 4 Class AAAA champion and snapped a two-game losing streak a week ago, defeating Central Mountain, 41-13. The Seals are battle-tested with their two losses coming against the No. 2 and 7-ranked teams in Class AAAA, Twin Valley and Jersey Shore. They also have a 14-6 win against Juniata in a rematch of last year's state quarterfinal. All-state linebacker Ethan Miller sparks the defense and is averaging 12.3 per game.
He went over 300 for his career in last week's win. Safety Carlos Stuter is having a strong year as well and is averaging 10.5 tackles per game. Devon Mitchell has added 1 ½ sacks. Senior wide receiver Gavin Bastian is a game-changing receiver who was at his best during last year's playoffs. He finished the season with 846 yards and leads the team in receiving again this year. First-time starting quarterback Rocco Amato played his best game last week, completing 6 of 7 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Bastian had 121 yards and Miller ran for 85 and a touchdown on just eight carries.
Selinsgrove player to watch--Brett Rice: The team's second-leading rusher, Rice also is a special teams threat, returning a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown against Twin Valley. He also complements Miller's tough inside running and carried 13 times for 50 yards a week ago.
Williamsport PPA--28.0, PPA--5.7; YPG--342.5, YPA--178.5
Williamsport notes: Williamsport (4-0) is tied for first in the HAC-I with Selinsgrove as it embarks on a challenging three-game league stretch. The Millionaires are 4-0 for just the third time since 2002 and the defense has not allowed a point in three of the four games. Williamsport also leads the area in points and yards allowed and has produced two shutouts. Linebacker Lucas Naughton is having an excellent season, averaging 12.5 tackles per game. Defensive end Jayden Ransom made a big play last week, forcing a fumble which set up a game-clinching touchdown and Giovanni White and Anthony Manley each made nine tackles. Aiden Everett had a strong game as well, collecting two sacks. Williamsport has played well at all three defensive levels and Ransom and defensive tackle Cordoza Minor each have three tackles for loss. The defense came up big last week with the offense short-handed and leading rusher Kahyear Whaley sidelined. Whaley is averaging more than 100 yards per game, while Elijah Way is among the area's leading passers. Kyreek Bradshaw is having a big season returning from a torn ACL and has caught touchdowns in three of four games. White has scored as a runner and receiver in the last two games.
Williamsport player to watch--Brady Neenan: The junior offensive lineman provides both strength and experience up front. He made a tone-setting block on the game's first play two weeks ago, springing White for a 73-yard run. Neenan also provides defensive line depth and averages two tackles per game.
Outlook: Both teams have some explosive playmakers, but also have used stingy defense as the foundation for their success. This game feels like one where the first team to reach 20 wins. Not that doing so will be easy.