DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Tevin Williams (11) of Williamsport runs as he’s hit by Kole Corman (19) of Central Mountain.

Williamsport PPG–24.2, PPA–16.0; YPG–289.7, YPA–265

Williamsport notes: Williamsport (4-2) is trying to play spoiler and help Jersey Shore. If the Millionaires upset Shamokin, Jersey Shore would have a shot at earning a share of the HAC-I title. Shamokin takes the title outright if it wins tonight. The Millionaires have lost two straight but still are second in the District 2-4 Class 6A playoff standings, behind Hazleton.

Williamsport defeated Hazleton in Week 2, so it knows it could stack up well in that field come playoff time. The defense struggled against Jersey Shore, but linebackers Lucas Naughton and Jamel Bailey both had strong games, combining for 27 tackles. Naughton leads the area in tackles, averaging 12.8 per game and Bailey also ran the ball well against Jersey Shore, setting up a touchdown with a long run. Jayden Ransom and Aison Graham added sacks and Anthony Manley blocked a punt which set up Williamsport’s first touchdown. Quarterbacks Elijah Way and Zion Hughes have both played well this season, combining for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kyreek Bradshaw, Trey Damschroder and Aiden Everett all have had some big receiving games and Everett also returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown. Parker Johnson has developed into one of the area’s top kickers and punters in his first year playing football and has drilled a district-best eight field goals.

Williamsport player to watch–Anthony Manley: The sophomore linebacker is enjoying a breakout season and has helped Williamsport develop on the area’s premier linebacking units. In addition to blocking a punt last week, Manley also made seven tackles. He twice has topped 10 tackles and made a career-high 14 against Selinsgrove.

Shamokin PPG–42.3, PPA–9.0; YPG–388.8, YPA–200.8

Shamokin notes: The Indians (6-0) are the No. 8-ranked Class AAAA team in the state and are the only team to defeat Jersey Shore during the regular season this decade. Shamokin rallied from a 13-point deficit to do so. Chase Pensyl is a three-way threat who kicked the game-winning field goal that night. He also caught eight passes for 196 yards and a touchdown there before returning the game’s opening kickoff 97 yards for a score in last week’s win at Selinsgrove. The Indians scored 16 straight points after Selinsgrove led that contest 7-6 late in the first half. Ten players scored offensive touchdowns two weeks ago against Central Mountain, highlighting the team’s balance. Running backs Jayce Ginck and Za’kem Clinton both have produced 100-yard games and Ben Delbaugh had a big game against Selinsgrove. Jennsyn Shuey, a 6-foot-7 tight end provides Shamokin another valuable target. Sophomore quarterback Logan Steele started a year ago and has established himself as one of the district’s top signal callers. In addition to topping 1,000 yards of total offense and 19 touchdowns, Steele also has returned an interception and fumble for touchdowns.

Shamokin player to watch–Black Hockenbroch: The two-way senior lineman earned all-state honors last year and helps spark units which are both strong and quick. Shamokin has controlled the action up front each week and Hockenbroch is a big reason why and Williamsport will have its hands full against him and his fellow linemen.

Outlook: Williamsport has struggled mightily against the run the past two weeks. Fixing that issue will be imperative tonight. Because, while Shamokin has nice balance, it also has the ability to play ground and pound and give Williamsport’s offense limited possessions.