South PPG–27, PPA–47; YPG–288, YPA–416

South notes: It was not that South lost last week which was a big surprise since Athens returned a strong core from last year’s 4A playoff team, but the margin was a bit of a shocker. Redemption often is one play away, however, so the young Mounties will look for improvement tonight in what has become an intriguing rivalry the last decade. Canton and South have collided four times in districts and the road team has won three straight games in this series. After South won a thriller at Canton in the 2023 Class A semifinals, the Warriors won a hard-fought 17-8 game at Rodney K. Morgans Stadium last fall. South came alive in the second half against Athens and Cole Gerber threw for 188 yards in his first start at quarterback. Levi Butler caught six passes for 92 yards in his first start and Cade Lusk and Eli White each ran for two touchdowns. Both players went over 500 yards as freshmen a year ago. Freshmen Garrett Lorson and Taylor Naugle intercepted passes and Kaiden Paulhamus was 3 of 4 on extra-point tries in his first action. Lusk, Samir Moy and Dominick Goode all recovered fumbles.

South player to watch–Kasim Davenport: One of South’s strong sophomores who started as a freshman, Davenport could help anchor both lines this season. He made four tackles against Athens and led South in sacks a year ago. His and his fellow linemen’s play will be crucial against a team which ran the ball well in its opener.

Canton PPG–17, PPA–6; YPG–297, YPA–177

Canton notes: Canton is trying to start 2-0 for an eighth straight year. The Warriors scored the final 17 points in a 17-6 opening win against Northwest with the defense allowing just 177 yards and forcing four turnovers. Grant Jennings and Owen Moore both intercepted passes and Canton did not allow a second-half point. Bailey Gardner fueled the offense, running for an area-high 154 yards and a touchdown. Rylan Wesneski totaled 139 yards in his first start at quarterback and Moore also could see some time there. Monte Whitehead is a big play threat who turned two catches against Northwest into 79 yards and also will play a key role in the secondary. Canton has a special teams ace in kicker Alexis McRoberts who earned Class A all-state honors last fall. She arrived for the second half at South last year after helping Troy (which co-ops with Canton in soccer) win a soccer match at Montoursville and kicked a decisive 23-yard field goal in a 17-8 victory. She all but sealed the Northwest victory as well, putting Canton up two scores later with a 30-yard field goal. Canton forced four turnovers at South a year ago with Wesneski and Dawson Burgess intercepting passes.

Canton player to watch–Jake Pepper: Pepper is a leader up front on both sides of the ball. His play was vital to Canton rallying last week and he can both stuff the run and get after the quarterback. His blocking also helped the Warriors run for 202 yards.

Outlook: Both teams are young, but South has more younger experience if that makes sense. Essentially, so many of South’s sophomores have ample playing time, so while the Mounties may have a slight edge, the book on this game often features close games decided late, including the last three.