MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock’s Namir Thomas runs against Lewisburg during a game last week at Bucknell. The Lancers head to Warrior Run (5-1) tonight.

Loyalsock PPG–24.2, PPA–20.5; YPG–313, YPA–258

Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (4-2) is fourth in the District 4 Class AA playoff standings and is seeking its 13th straight district playoff appearance, tied with South Williamsport for most among area teams. The Lancers are fourth in the standings and would host a quarterfinal if they stay there. Loyalsock led undefeated Lewisburg late in the first half a week ago before struggling in the second half of a 27-13 loss.

The defense has allowed 13 or fewer points three times and Jeremiah Johnson is among area leaders with five sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Linebacker Preston Gross averages 10 tackles per game, and Isaiah West and Chase Wright have recovered two fumbles each. Linebacker Deryk Kulp averages 6.2 tackles per game and Jalil Coates has two interceptions, while leading the team in receiving and providing a spark in the return game. Dolan Harman has gone over 100 yards in five of his six games, including four straight. The junior workhorse also is the only player to top 100 yards against Lewisburg. Quarterback Danny Dowell is averaging nearly 100 yards per game through the air and Nicholas Avalos completed 5 of 6 passes while leading a late game touchdown drive against Lewisburg. Loyalsock defeated Warrior Run in last year’s District 4 Class AAA semifinals, but both teams are now in the Class AA field with Warrior Run at No. 2 in the standings.

Loyalsock player to watch–Blake Phillips: The senior linebacker made a nice impact against Lewisburg, collecting a season-high 10 tackles. Phillips is part of a well-rounded linebacking unit and also had a key interception in a comeback win against Bloomsburg.

Warrior Run PPG–37.3, PPA–16.7; YPG–355.8, YPA–249

Warrior Run notes: Warrior Run (5-1) is pursuing its first win against Loyalsock since 2005. It also is a victory from securing non-losing seasons for the first time since 2005-06. The Defenders earned a good bounceback victory following their first loss and dominated the second half in a 70-24 win at North Penn-Mansfield last Friday. The Defenders scored touchdowns in all three phases, including two on defense Warrior Run erased a four-point second quarter deficit and scored the game’s final 49 points. Eli Butler leads the team in rushing and tackles and was a force at North Penn-Mansfield, running for 301 yards, returning a kickoff and interception for touchdowns and totaling five scores. Warrior Run played without two key starters, co-sack leader Stone Allison and wide receiver Sam Hall. Despite missing the last two games, Allison is tied for second among sack leaders and Hall is third among receivers in yards. Isaiah Betz is tied with Allison at 4 ½ sacks and led the area in sacks a year ago. Quarterback James Keifer leads the area in passer rating and went over 1,000 yards in his first year starting a week ago. Colby LeBarron has run for seven touchdowns and found Cohen Zechman for a touchdown last week. Tyler Ulrich also caught a touchdown and has had a strong season after not playing as a sophomore. Ulrich has made five tackles for loss and also blocked a kick.

Warrior Run player to watch–Denyn Beachel: The sophomore linebacker is flourishing in his first year starting. Beachel averages 6.2 tackles per game and has made six for loss. Beachel made nine solo tackles two weeks ago against Lewisburg.

Outlook: These teams are about as evenly matched as it gets and their games against Lewisburg and Bloomsbug have mirrored each other in many ways. This one feels like it could be one of the district’s best games tonight.