Samuel Hall of Warrior Run pulls in a touchdown against Loyalsock earlier this season. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Warrior Run PPG–30.9, PPA–17.7; YPG–319.3, YPA–232

Warrior Run notes: Warrior Run (7-4) is trying to reach its first district final and is coming off an exciting 21-7 comeback win at Loyalsock. The Defenders outscored Loyalsock, 21-0 in the second half, avenging a one-point Week 7 loss. The offensive and defensive lines took over late in that contest and Warrior Run allowed just 125 yards. Stone Allison moved to nose tackle and shined, collecting three sacks while fellow lineman Jackson Albright made 11 tackles, including four for loss. James Keifer ended a scoring threat with an interception at the 3-yard line before leading the ensuing go-ahead scoring drive. Eli Butler ran for three second-half touchdowns, while going over 1,000 yards. He also has 123 tackles, including 25 for loss. Colby LeBarron also has run well and Sam Hall has gone over 800 receiving yards for a third straight year. Isaiah Betz has played well throughout his scholastic career and helped set the tone against Loyalsock when Warrior Run made three consecutive stops inside its territory. He has 14 tackles for loss this season and he and Allison are among the area’s sack leaders over the past two years. Linebacker Denyn Beachel has added 11 tackles for loss and Cameron Milheim has three interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Warrior Run has improved its win total in each of the last three seasons, producing consecutive non-losing seasons for the first time since 2005-06.

Warrior Run player to watch–Garrett Williams: The sophomore two-way lineman has combined with Albright to help solidify Warrior Run on both sides, jelling well with the seniors on those units. Williams averages 3.1 tackles per game and helps open lanes for the linebackers. He also has tackles for loss in four of his last five games.

Towanda PPG–32.1, PPA–17.3; YPG–359.6, YPA–243

Towanda notes: Towanda (9-2) also is coming off an impressive win, scoring the final 22 points and defeating Bloomsburg, 42-20. The Black Knights are 8-1 since quarterback Riley Vanderpool returned and have won six straight games. Vanderpool is one of the district’s top dual threat quarterbacks, going over 1,000 yards passing and rushing during the regular season despite missing those first two contests. After throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns in a rivalry week win against Wyalusing, Vanderpool ran for 236 yards and six touchdowns in the Bloomsburg victory. Rylee Sluyter caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against Wyalusing and Tashon Gardner went for four catches, 128 yards and a score in a win against Athens. Sawyer Robinson helps ignite the defense and averages 6.7 tackles per game, while producing 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Garner and Sluyter each have four interceptions and Vanderpool three, giving him nine the past two seasons. Jack Wheaton is one of the district’s top kickers and has missed just twice on 43 attempts this season. Towanda is seeking its first district final appearance since 2007.

Towanda player to watch–Edan Flynn: The senior defensive tackle provides muscle on both sides of the ball and is second on the team with six sacks. He also has 10 tackles for loss and had a big game against Canton when he made a career-high 15 tackles.

Winner plays: Either No. 1 Troy or No. 4 Southern Columbia

Outlook: This feels like a coin flip game. Towanda soared down the stretch, while Warrior Run bounced back from adversity and came back strong last week. The last time Towanda hosted a semifinal it was decided late and it would not be surprising to see history repeat itself.