MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Warrior Run's Mike Kemock (20) knocks down the ball on a pass to Williamsport's Brayden Ungard (5) during a boys soccer game last season.

Every year when I type up the local schedule for athletics in our coverage area, I always mark down some key games to attempt to get out to and cover. Some players circle dates on a calendar, and you can say I’m similar in doing so.

There’s tons of great games in our area every single fall, and oftentimes multiple fall on the same day. It speaks to the talent in our area of quality teams and programs. So, without further ado, let’s get into the top 10 area boys soccer games that are must-watch games this season.

Games listed from earliest to latest in the season.

CENTRAL COLUMBIA AT LEWISBURG

(TUESDAY, SEPT. 2)

Talk about a block buster to start off the season. Zach Diehl has turned Central Columbia into a state contender the last few seasons, and Lewisburg and the postseason go together like peanut butter and jelly. What better way to get some good soccer early in the season than this matchup?

What will make this game fun to watch is that both teams have a lot of offensive weapons back, and both have solid defensive units on the back line. Gaige Gensemer returns for the Blue Jays after scoring 26 goals with 17 assists last year, and second-leading scorer Torin Karns is back as well (22 goals, 11 assists).

For the Green Dragons, Lewisburg has standout Viktor Permyashkin returning who had 17 goals and 16 assists last year as a junior.

Both teams also have standout goalies back. Lucas Utt had 42 saves and only gave up nine goals for Central last year and Lewisburg’s Gabe Pawling had 68 saves and let up just 10 goals.

ATHENS AT WELLSBORO

(SATURDAY, SEPT. 2)

Wellsboro and Athens have played some great matches over the last handful of seasons. The two NTL powers seemingly give fans their money’s worth every time.

Last fall, Welslboro earned a 1-0 win in Athens’ third game of the season and then won the rematch in Wellsboro, 1-0.

In 2023, Wellsboro hosted Athens and earned an exciting 2-1 overtime victory. The only lopsided game the last two years if you will was Wellsboro’s 4-1 win in 2023 in Athens.

But regardless, three of the last four have been exciting games and expect these two programs to put on another good matchup this year when they meet on September 2.

Wellsboro lost a lot from last year, including Northern Tier League Overall Player of the Year Micaiah Fitch, Offensive Player of the Year Alex Citrino and Defensive Player of the Year Micah Vickery. That’s far from easy to replace that trio, but the Green Hornets have talented players each year who come in and step up and should be ready to compete against Athens early in the season.

LEWISBURG AT MIDD-WEST

(TUESDAY, SEPT. 16)

When you talk about great games, good rivalry showdowns and fun matchups, Lewisburg vs. Midd-West is pretty much the bench mark. These two year in and year out have great matchups, from regular season showdowns to playoff thrillers.

And thankfully in my 18 years doing this job, I’ve seen quite a few of those thrillers.

Last year, Midd-West and Lewisburg had a double overtime 1-1 draw before a Halloween showdown in which the Green Dragons edged their rival, 2-1.

This should once again be a great regular-season match between the two, and Midd-West is always an awesome environment to watch a soccer game. Both teams have great defenses annually, and Lewisburg should once again be a team that’s extremely hard to score against.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AT MUNCY

(TUESDAY, SEPT. 16 AND WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8)

Being nearby rivals and Mid-Penn opponents, these two schools obviously play one another twice a year. And that means two meetings for good games. The Mounties edged Muncy last year in their first meet, winning 3-2, before winning a 4-3 double overtime thriller later in the year right before the postseason.

This technically counts as two games to watch as noted, but given the two thrillers last year, it’s only logical to put both matchups down. The second date is at South.

Records don’t matter when these two meet. Muncy and South seem to always bring out the best in one another in boys soccer when they play.

Both teams have pieces back from last year, and both should be competitive within the league in 2025.

MONTOURSVILLE AT WARRIOR RUN

(WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24)

Montoursville is coming off a 13-6 season and the Warriors are hoping to make another playoff push this year and make it deeper into the tournament. The Defenders went 11-8-1 last year and also qualified for the playoffs. This late September afternoon game can be a nice playoff preview if things shake up the right way in late October.

These two met last year and had a great game in which Warrior Run won a close contest, 2-1. Braego Cieslukowski is back in goal for his senior year and he’s a stud in goal for Warrior Run. Having that experience back in goalie is invaluable.

Montoursville coach Bryan Pauling does well each year getting the best from his players, and expect the Warriors to go into Turbotville motivated to avenge last year’s loss.

LOYALSOCK AT MONTOURSVILLE

(MONDAY, OCT. 6)

Who doesn’t love a rivalry game?

Loyalsock and Montoursville have put on some thrillers over the last few years. Last fall, Montoursville beat Loyalsock on the road, 2-1, late in the regular season.

The two met in the 2022 District 4 Class AA playoffs in which Loyalsock beat the Warriors, 2-1. The year prior in 2021, they earned a 3-2 win over Montoursville in the first round of districts.

What that all boils down to is expect another great game between these two schools.

The Lancers will have question marks offensively as to who will step up to lead the team after Loyalsock graduated Evan Anderson (17 goals), Gavin Grieco (nine) and Brycen Savoy (three).

LEWISBURG AT WILLIAMSPORT

(MONDAY, OCT. 6)

The last few years Williamsport has had a fairly tough schedule from start to finish. Being in a tough conference, that tends to happen with the likes of Midd-West and Lewisburg. Williamsport hasn’t beaten Lewisburg in the 2020s, but did have two 1-0 losses in 2020 and 2021 to the Green Dragons. The Millionaires lost each of their matchups with Lewisburg the past two years, 3-1.

While the Millionaires hope to get a win sooner rather than later against the district power Green Dragons, the matchup nonetheless proves to be a good barometer of how well the team is as districts get closer.

Williamsport should have another solid team this season and should compete well in games, including against Lewisburg.

MONTOURSVILLE AT WELLSBORO

(SATURDAY, OCT. 11)

What makes this matchup a fun one is that it comes right before the District 4 playoffs begin, and will feature two teams that will likely be vying for the postseason once again.

Wellsboro, as noted above, lost quite a few key pieces to their team such as Micaiah Fitch, Alex Citrino and Micah Vickery. And while they’re extremely talented players who are hard to replace, the Green Hornets should be good once again this year.

Montoursville and Wellsboro squared off last year twice in a two-week span. Once at the end of the regular season in which Montoursville earned an exciting 3-2 win before meeting again in the playoffs in which the Green Hornets got revenge, earning a 1-0 win to advance.

With both those games being close last year and Wellsboro earning that playoff win, the Warriors will be motivated to get a win back against the Hornets.

LOYALSOCK AT WELLSBORO

(TUESDAY, OCT. 14)

Speaking of Wellsboro, the Green Hornets had some tough games last year to close out the year. That included that aforementioned regular-season game against Montoursville and a regular-season finale against a solid Loyalsock team. The Lancers won that game, 4-0, before heading into the postseason and these two will meet up once again, funny enough once more just before the playoffs begin.

Both teams have been playing well the last few seasons and this game will be a great test before the playoffs begin for both the Lancers and Green Hornets.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT VS. MONTGOMERY AT PCT

(THURSDAY, OCT. 16)

This one will be a fun game for South Williamsport and Montgomery playing under the lights at Penn College’s field. It gives both schools a great atmosphere on a turf field with some passionate fanbases for both teams.

Montgomery has turned the program around under Mike Sherman since getting a program back a few years ago and Chris Vanaskie is a longtime coach who does well with his players and getting the most out of his team.

Both Mid-Penn opponents played good matchups last year.

The Mounties won the first meeting in 2024, 3-2, and Montgomery won the rematch, 1-0. There’s no reason to believe this meeting at Penn College to close out the regular season won’t be a great game as well.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN

Coach: Billy Hook

Assistants: Alex Terry, Seth Cooper

League: HAC-I

Last year: 7-9-3 (3-5-1 HAC-I) (lost to Hollidaysburg 1-0 in District 6 Class AAA semifinals)

Roster: Dylan Bechdel, Camden Boob, Tim Brinker, Myah Carson, Griffin Confer, Cole Cooper, Nolan Cross, Kullen McDermit, Hayes Miller, Jaggar Pardoe, Brody Rhine, Benjamin Brinker, Alton Counsil, Cameron Counsil, Anthony Croak, Thomas Croce, Yurek Lamey, Che McAllister, Jean Portillo, Chase Anders, Bentley Andrus, Benjamin Bennett, Cooper Confer, Collin Confer, Tobias Conoway, Rayland Croak, Ruger Dutrow, Gabryell Killinger, Shelson Marcelin, Louden McKean, Landry Miller, Cameron Rhine, Yayfran Sanche, Eli Santonico, Parker Spotts, Landon Spotts, Aaron Streator, Brody Swanger, Thompson Bechdel, Christian Briggs, Cameron Raymond, Elijah Shadle, Hayze Smith, Braylon Szostek, Robert Willis.

HUGHESVILLE

Coach: Cole Lesher

Assistants: Ethan Jackson

League: HAC-II

Last year: 7-9-2 (3-3-2 HAC-II

Roster: Tyler Creasy, Quintin Dibble, Kaviko Faulkner, Royce Gardner, Carter Gormont, Sam Haddon, Peyton Hartman, Wesley Harvey, Ashton Kishbaugh, Malakai Kranz, Evan Mackenzie, Ryder McCormick, Landon Miller, Carter Sherwood, Kellan Smith, Patrick Stine, Spencer Stine, Michael Swales, Daeus Trager, Luke Vermeire, Chase Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Connor Windham, Brendan Wolfgang.

JERSEY SHORE

Coach: Mitch Cornelius

Assistants: Steve Shrodo

League: HAC-I

Last year: 5-13-1 (0-8 HAC-I) (lost to Selinsgrove 4-0 in District 4 Class AAA semifinals)

Roster: Seniors: Zachary Drammissi, Breylan Guerrero, Jayden passetti, Gannon Willoughby. Dylan Hensler, Dekin McDermott, Luke Sarge, Adison Heddings, Mitchell Branton. Sophomores: Tyler Beck, Nathan rant, Aiden Lape, Kaleb Morse, Ezra Paulhamus, Owen Rhea, Gabe Welshans, Vaughn Eberhart. Freshmen: Pierce Cebulka, Dominic Dittmar, Wyatt Enders, Ben Gill, Cole Long.

LEWISBURG

Coach: Ben Kettlewell

Assistants: Stephen Pavlov, Jevin Martin, Adam Slear

League: HAC-I

Last year: 19-2-1 (8-0-1 HAC-I) (league champs; def. Warrior Run 1-0 in District 4 Class AA quarterfinals; def. Wellsboro 4-0 in semifinals; def. Midd-West 2-1 in championship; lost to Scranton Prep 1-0 in first round of PIAA Class AA playoffs)

Roster: Seniors: Grayson Barner, Isaac Ayres, Logan Kitchens, Isaac Schreffler, Viktor Permyashkin, Ethan Vinolas, Jack Johnson. Juniors: Colby Jacob, Gabe Pawling, Evan Berger, Keegan Crosby, Matt Newcomer, Riley Gulden-Luthi, Aiden Berry, Holden Coyle. Sophomores: Caleb Rosinski, Blake Gulden-Luthi, Porter Willis, Gunner Shoeman, Caden Papson, Jude Reynolds, Daedrian Campbell, Maxwell Wheeler, Eli Abunassar, Ran Beachy, Jack Kohl, Lincoln Ayres, Dylan Vogel. Freshmen: Marcos Iudica, Mason Pawling, Sam Barbella, Lue Troxell, Everett Good, Blake Bleich, Jeremiah Todd.

Team managers: Owen Kettlewell, Noah Kettlewell, Mateus Beachy.

LOYALSOCK

Coach: Steve Ertel

Assistants: (not available)

League: HAC-II

Last year: 10-6-4 (5-2-2 HAC-II) (def. Williamson 2-1 in District 4 Class AA playoffs; lost to Central Columbia 6-1 in quarterfinals)

Roster: Charlies Hutchinson, Ethan Boyer, Tyler Kennedy, Gabriel dePrenda, Wesley Johnson, Gamal Fahmy Rabea, Luke Edmonds, Eli Rinehart, Brady Picking, Ryan Lingg, Dylan Eck, Kolin Gardner, Trenton Miller, Jackson Bennett, Aiden Wetzler, Christian Scampone, Connor Rodgers, Ethan Wetzler, Owen Peck, David Bjorkman, Conner Lang, Caleb Hartsock, Gianluca Roskowski, Landon Singer, Julian Oliver, Ethan Dsouza, Justus Miller, Declan Dougherty.

MILTON

Coach: Eric Yoder

Assistants: Brett Ballo, Aidan Welch, Richard Lincoln, Desmond Shaffer.

League: HAC-I

Last year: 11-7-1 (4-3-1 HAC-I) (def. Lourdes 4-0 in District 4 Class AA play-in game; lost to Midd-West 2-1 in quarterfinals)

Roster: Seniors: Ethan Steiner, Tristan Steiner, Jake Harris, Aaron Parker, Aidan Prieto, Adam Kerstetter, Trent Delong, Landon Munson, Clayton Shiffer, James Thomas. Juniors: Yomar Vargas, Tavin Reitz, Caleb Langdon, Ean Shaffer, Elijah Brosious, Tobin Strous, Orrie Godown. Sophomores: Gavin Swanson Batman, Lediel Rivera, Lucas Shearer, Carter Forbes. Freshmen: None.

MONTGOMERY

Coach: Mike Sherman

Assistants: Doug Rife, Landon VanOrd

League: Mid-Penn

Last year: 10-9 (3-7 Mid-Penn) (lost to Southern Columbia 2-0 in District 4 Class A quarterfinals)

Roster: Seniors: Camdyn Dalrymple, Cameron Wilver, Zach Diehl, Porter Hall, Justin Figard. Juniors: Cash Hill, Conor Irwin, Dylan Sherman, Shawn Pysher, Parker Bennett, Shawn Pysher, Quinton Bloodgood. Sophomores: Collin Gregory, Michael Montefusco, Jackson Wilver, Daniel Moon, Brady Irving.

MONTOURSVILLE

Coach: Bryan Pauling

Assistants: Ed Winslow, Adam Mertes, Christian Calehuff, Jason Hawley, JOseph Balduino.

League: HAC-II

Last year: 13-6-2 (6-2 HAC-II) (lost to Wellsboro 1-0 in first round of District 4 Class AA playoffs)

Roster: Seniors: Adam Shearer, Cody Marino, Connor Zartman, Cullen Pauling, Gian Carmine, Quinn Winslow. Juniors: Aiden Jackson, Austin Davidson, Bryce Winslow, CJ Lucas, Colton Beadle, Cooper Boyles, Haden Ferguson, Mason ry, Simmon Dietrich, Simon Mueller. Sophomores: Billy Zartman, Bobby Nolan, Brent Crawford, Christian Berwanger, Leyton Bedison, Lukas Easton, Maksim Martinez, Noah Coffman, Oliver Duarte. Freshmen: Ethan Amato, Kendyl Lucas, Landon Mertes, Liam Lucas, Raylan Rhone, Solomon Gregory.

MUNCY

Coach: Ben Burns

Assistants: Armando Sassano, Scott Moyer, Konner Shearer

League: Mid-Penn

Last year: 4-11-2 (2-7-1)

Roster: Seniors: Austin Hartzel, Cayden Jacobs, Lucas McCahan, Landyn Burns, Owen Woodward, Bryce Eckard. Juniors: Bodie Moyer, Cohen Wommer, Chris Cummings, Jordan Rothrock, Kyran Lisembee. Sophomores: Alec Noviello, Ben Zalonis, Gannon Swank.

Team managers: Nate Noviello, Myles Kunkle, Liam Shearer, Tim Buc, Logan Siverling.

NORTH PENN-LIBERTY

Coach: Matt Grinnell

Assistants: Jason Jackson, Damen Wheeland, Tawny Grinnell

League: NTL

Last year: 11-7-1 (7-4-1 NTL) (lost to Warrior Run 4-0 in District 4 Class AA playoffs)

Roster: Seniors: Deakon Valentine, Ryan Blackwell, Brody Grinnell, Truman Loudenslager, Peter Bishop, Bryce Ent, George Bishop. Juniors: Parker Jackson, Kolton Alexander, Silas Boiywo, Luke Chakraborty, Jonathan Kieser. Sophomores: Mason Forer. Freshmen: Nathan Knefley, NIcholas Ohnmeiss, David Graf, Kai Wheeland.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

Coach: Chris Vanaskie

Assistants: Alex Morrow, Bryan Watson, Zach Lynn

League: Mid-Penn

Last year: 5-13 (4-6 Mid-Penn)

Roster: Seniors: Dylan Webb, David Miller, Gavin Freas, Ian Rieppel. Juniors: Bobby Regan, Carson Harris, Gabe Mitcheltree, Davis Pace, Brendan Carpenter, Tryston Cronin. Sophomores: Kaiden Paulhamus, Trent Rogers, Garrett Bacorn, Levi Jackson, Nick Rissel, Spencer Beaty, Tanner Packard, Logan Shook. Freshmen: Nathaniel Miller, Cameron Stahl.

SULLIVAN COUNTY

Coach: Chris Koschak

Assistants: (not available)

League: Mid-Penn

Last year: 7-11-1 (2-7-1 Mid-Penn)

Roster: (not available)

WARRIOR RUN

Coach: Troy Emmert

Assistants: Brandon Emmert, Kylan Kurtz, Tim Lust

League: HAC-II

Last year: 11-8-1 (5-3 HAC-II) (def. North Penn-Liberty 4-0 in District 4 Class AA play-in game; lost to Lewisburg 1-0 in quarterfinals)

Roster: Seniors: Braego Cieslukowski, Cristian Cirilo, Gavin Cromley, Shea McNett, Ian Miller, Ben Shaffer, Ethan Balzar. Juniors: Braden Beachel, Jesse Butler, Cooper Dietteric, Ryan Kemock, Gideon Kennel, Ori Kennel, Ty Margargle, Sam McCloskey, Ayden Reese. Sophomores: Ayden Arbogast, Gavin Bailey, Carter Bottorf, Caden Hoffman, Ryan Orwig-Smith. Freshmen: Greyson Bastian, Collin Brandt, Garrison Cromley, Jay Gardiner, Lee Gardiner, Josh Grenoble, Cayson Irwin, Michael Zeigler.

WELLSBORO

Coach: Todd Fitch

Assistants: Derek Stevens, John Shaffer, Sam Mitchell, Jake Mitchell

League: NTL

Last year: 15-5 (12-0 NTL) (league champs; def. Montoursville 1-0 in District 4 Class AA quarterfinals; lost to Lewisburg 4-0 in semifinals)

Roster: Seniors: Camden Tom, Jude Cuneo, David Seeling, Karter Campbell, Cameron Owlett, Jacoby Strang, Mason Nowak. Juniors: Kayden Rogers, Jacob Smith, Peter Doan, Mason Brill, Dylan Tomlinson, Zander Rachielle, Coen Tennis, Colin Fletcher. Sophomores: Michael Seeling, Gabe Cuneo. Freshmen: None.

WILLIAMSPORT

Coach: Brett Hofstrom

Assistants: Adam Scheibeler, Lee Karr

League: HAC-I

Last year: 7-8-2 (5-3 HAC-I) (lost to Wilkes-Barre 1-0 in Distirct 2-4 Class AAAA quarterfinals)

Roster: Senors: Dumfer Adjei-Frimpong, Wyatt Judge, Parker Fox. Juniors: Maxwell Fink, Spencer Kaar, Charles Plummer, Levi Gair, Isaac Balza, Trace Town, Connor Hofstrom, Joshua Baird. Sophomores: David Castro, Brayden Harpster, Brock Lehr, Tyiere Praiour, Caleb Shultz, Trey Zachery, Johannes van Emrik, Adyn Anderson. Freshmen: Adoniram Hill, Lance Watson, Cypress Koch, Ayden Barr, Brian Love-Ritchey, Derek Speck, Zachary Bonislawski, John Douglass.

Jon Gerardi is the sports editor at the Sun-Gazette and covers high school soccer. He can be reached at jgerardi@sungazette.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JonGerardi.