MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock's Joshua Meacham (19) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against Midd-West.

Lewisburg PPG–24.8, PPA–26.2; YPG–270, YPA–309

Lewisburg notes: The Green Dragons (1-4) have experienced some heartbreak this year, losing two games by seven combined points, one when the winning touchdown came with 17 seconds left and the other last week when Warrior Run stopped it inches from a game-winning touchdown. The bottom line is this is a team better than its record indicates. And with all eight teams qualifying for the 3A playoffs, Lewisburg could be a threat if it keeps progressing. Lewisburg rallied from a 21-point deficit against Warrior Run and led 22-21 in the fourth quarter. The Green Dragons have had a lead in all but the season opener, topping 20 points in four straight games. Quarterback Xavier Carter leads the area with 10 touchdown passes and Jaylen Walker is tied for second in catches (26). Nick Coleman is a versatile threat who has totaled 327 yards. Linebacker Ethan Long is one of the area’s best and averages 12.6 tackles per game, reaching at least 10 in every game. David Bozella averages 8.6 tackles and sparked a 36-0 win against Hughesville when he produced a safety on the game’s first play. Sophomore Owen Fellon and freshman Ace Bynum are exciting young players, combining for nearly 13 tackles a game.

Lewisburg Player to watch–Ace Bynum: Speaking of Bynum, he also is growing as a receiver and caught a 22-yard touchdown against Warrior Run. He has made at least six tackles in four consecutive games and also has two sacks.

Loyalsock PPG–23.8, PPA–27.4; YPG–297.8, YPA–277.8

Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (3-2) can clinch a tie for the HAC-III championship if it wins tonight. The Lancers have roared back from an 0-2 start, highlighting a three-game winning streak with a 32-23 win at previously undefeated Bloomsburg. The Lancers held Bloomsburg to a season-low in points and Jeremiah Johnson produced a sack for a fourth straight week. The senior lineman also has a team-high 11 tackles for loss. Danny Dowell became the first player to intercept District 4 passing leader Wyatt Brosious, doing so twice at Bloomsburg. Ivan Baker averages a team-high 8.2 tackles per game and Noah Soha and Tyler Pham combine for more than 15. Jalil Coates is one of the area’s premier cornerbacks and also has topped 100 yards rushing in each Loyalsock win. The offensive line has flourished during the winning streak and helped Coates and Dowell go over 100 yards at Bloomsburg. Dowell has been one of the area’s most improved quarterbacks, hurting opponents with his arm and legs. Dowell ran for 153 yards and three scores last week, also finding Coates for a touchdown. Nahmir Thomas caught seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown against Midd-West and CJ Taylor has caught touchdowns in three games.

Loyalsock Player to watch–Tyler Pham: The junior is one of three new starting linebackers and is settling in, averaging 6.6 tackles per game. Pham has made 21 solo tackles, including seven against Midd-West, adding a tackle for a loss.

Outlook: This is an intriguing matchup between that have had significant starter turnover since last fall. Three of Lewisburg’s last four games have been exciting, two determined on nearly the last play. It would not be surprising if tonight’s