Danville PPG–12.0, PPA–36.0; YPG–198.5, YPA–418

Danville notes: Danville (0-2) has captured five straight District 4 Class AAA championships but took a big graduation hit following last year’s state semifinal run. Still, the Ironmen showed their potential when they built a 14-0 lead against district title contender Mifflinburg a week ago. The Wildcats stormed back to win, 42-14 but the game was closer than the final score indicated. Danville has used three players at quarterback and may have settled on Carter Raup who has been a standout receiver the past three years. Raup caught eight passes for 102 yards in the opener against Bloomsburg before moving under center last week and completing 11 of 23 passes for 108 yards, while running for 76 yards on 14 carries. If Raup is moved back to receiver, look for Mason Kingery to play quarterback. Liam Hagerman could see a lot of carries and ran for 50 yards on nine carries against Bloomsburg. The defense has struggled against the pass, allowing 589 yards and seven touchdowns the first two games. Danville has won seven straight games against Montoursville, ending its season three times in districts.

Danville player to watch–Landon Kehoe: A terrific linebacker, Kehoe has been a major reason Danville has enjoyed its success the past two seasons. He has topped 100 tackles in consecutive years and had 143 tackles as a junior, including 19 for loss. Kehoe also could see time in the backfield after running for 125 yards last season.

Montoursville PPG–46.5, PPA–3.5; YPG–402.5, YPA–119.5

Montoursville notes: Montoursville is trying to start 3-0 for the first time since 2020 and has made quick work of Wellsboro and Milton the first two weeks, imposing the mercy rule in the third quarter both times. The starting defense has yet to allow a point and never let Milton cross its 40-yard line a week ago. Kane Moore and Hayden Harvey have returned interceptions for touchdown and, if not for an 80-yard touchdown pass scored against the backups, would lead the area in yards allowed. Montoursville’s pressure has given quarterbacks fits the first two games and played a large role in both Pick 6’s. Defensive end Kingston Fisher has made 10 solo tackles and him getting in the quarterback’s face at Milton led to Harvey’s 47-yard interception touchdown. Speaking of Harvey, he and Christian Banks form a strong backfield duo with each having more than 110 yards through two games. Banks scored three touchdowns against Milton and has both a 100-yard rushing and receiving game this year. Quarterback Elijah Eck leads the area in passer rating and threw for 229 yards against Milton with Moore catching four passes. First-time kicker Adam Shearer has made all 11 extra points and boomed his kickoffs.

Montoursville Player to watch–Chase Jones: The senior linebacker has been a vital part of the defense’s success these first two weeks. He has played well against the run, but also excelled in coverage and it was a Jones interception late in the first half against Milton which led to a game-changing 14-point flurry before halftime.

Outlook: No current Montoursville player has a win against Danville. That being the case, this may be a game where the coaching staff has to reel in the players from being too pumped up. Danville showed glimpses last week, so this could be an interesting game.