DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Loyalsock and Warrior Run face off in a rematch from Week 7 in the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals.

Warrior Run PPG–31.9, PPA–18.8; YPG–328.6, YPA–242.7

Warrior Run notes: Warrior Run (6-4) has dropped three heartbreakers by 11 combined points, with the opponent scoring the winning points in the final four minutes or overtime each time. That stretch started when Loyalsock erased a nine-point late third quarter deficit and edged it, 24-23. Tonight’s game is a rematch of last year’s District 4 Class AAA semifinals which Loyalsock won, 41-13.

Warrior Run is not just trying to exact some revenge but also reach the semifinals in consecutive years for the first time in program history. The Defenders have made steady progress the past three seasons and started the season 4-0, rallying in the fourth quarter to win close games against Muncy and Bloomsburg. Eli Butler is having a sensational all-around season and ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns against Loyalsock five weeks ago. Butler also has made 112 tackles and leads the area with 24 tackles for loss, while returning kickoffs and interceptions for scores. Defensive end Isaiah Betz averages 8.9 tackles per game and he and fellow end Stone Allison have collected 12 combined sacks this season. Colby LeBarron is a three-year starting linebacker who averages 7.1 tackles per game and combines with Butler to give Warrior Run a strong backfield tandem which has produced 18 touchdowns. Quarterback James Keifer is third in the area with 19 touchdowns and Sam Hall is second on the area’s career catch list with 154. Cohen Zechman also is a receiving threat and had four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown in a 30-12 win against Central Columbia two weeks ago.

Warrior Run player to watch–Jackson Albright: The two-way sophomore lineman has enjoyed a big breakout campaign and made 10 tackles against Milton, including two for loss. Albright was a key reason Warrior Run rallied past Muncy in the opener and could be one of the area’s premier players the next two years.

Loyalsock PPG–20.0, PPA–22.9; YPG–276, YPA–278.2

Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (6-4) is making its 13th straight district playoff appearance and built momentum for this trip when it went on the road and defeated Montoursville, 21-7 last Friday. The Lancers have navigated a difficult schedule and games against undefeated Danville and Shamokin the previous two weeks had them prepared well for Montoursville. The defense made repeated timely stops, including two inside the 2-yard line. That unit also consistently made crucial stops against Warrior Run, keeping the team in the game and setting up the offense to mount a game-winning 90-yard touchdown drive. Jeremiah Johnson is one of the district’s top linemen and has 11 tackles for loss with five sacks. Fellow lineman Isaiah West also has excelled again this year and made 10 tackles for loss. West was a force against Warrior Run in last year’s semifinals, generating three sacks. Linebacker Preston Gross made 13 tackles against Montoursville and is four from reaching 100. Deryk Kulp averages 6.4 tackles per game and also is a valuable tight end who helped set the tone against Montoursville, catching three passes for 30 yards and a touchdown on the game’s opening series. Danny Dowell threw two touchdowns and Jalil Coates set up a score with a diving 27-yard catch. Coates was tremendous against Warrior Run, catching consecutive passes for 90 yards and the game-winning touchdown late in the game. Running back Dolan Harman is fourth among area rushers and has gone over 90 yards in eight consecutive games.

Loyalsock player to watch–Blake Phillips: One of many Lancers who has battled through injuries the last few years, Phillips played a terrific game against Montoursville and helped the defense frequently stiffen when Montoursville threatened. Phillips ended one drive with a fumble recovery and made seven tackles as Loyalsock held the Warriors to their lowest point total this season.

Winner plays: No. 2 Towanda or No. 7 Bloomsburg

Outlook: This reporter left the first game between these two thinking about how awesome the contest he just watched was. Sometimes the sequels don’t live up to the originals but there is everything to think this will be an exception and will again give all the fans their money’s worth.