MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock's Clynton Taylor (4) pulls in a pass for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Loyalsock PPG–21.8, PPA–28.5; YPG–286.5, YPA–265.3

Loyalsock notes: Two straight wins have firmly put Loyalsock back into the District 4 Class AA playoff picture. Now comes a big opportunity against first-place Bloomsburg. These two played an exciting game last year with Loyalsock rallying from a second-half deficit and winning, 20-13. The starting defense has surrendered just six points the past two weeks, holding Hughesville and Midd-West without a point in five straight quarters. Jeremiah Johnson has a sack in three of four games and leads Loyalsock with nine tackles for loss. First-year starter Ivan Baker averages a team-best 8.8 tackles per game and fellow first-time starters Noah Soha and Tyler Pham combine for 13.8 tackles per game. Jalil Coates intercepted a pass against Midd-West and has given the offense a huge jolt since moving from wide receiver to running back. As the line has jelled Coates ran wild the past two games, totaling 380 yards and four touchdowns. That included 201 yards and three scores in less than three quarters a week ago. Loyalsock has displayed good balance this season and quarterback Danny Dowell has topped 100 yards in all four games. He totaled 272 yards and three touchdowns against Hughesville. CJ Taylor has caught touchdowns in three of four games and Nahmir Thomas had a big game last week.

Loyalsock Player to watch–Wyatt Emerick: The junior lineman has played a big role in Loyalsock’s resurgence the past two weeks, helping the Lancers gain 818 yards. He also is part of a new-looking linebacking tandem and is averaging five tackles per game.

Bloomsburg PPG–35.5, PPA–15.5; YPG–421.3, YPA–203

Bloomsburg notes: Bloomsburg is 4-0 for the first time since 2011 when it reached the District 4 Class AA championship against Mount Carmel. The Panthers produced a statement win against 2024 finalist Warrior Run a week ago, rallying from an eight-point fourth quarter deficit and winning, 42-28 in a battle of unbeatens. After falling behind by eight, Bloomsburg scored 35 of the next 42 points. Quarterback Wyatt Brosious has been virtually unstoppable and threw for 324 yards, while running for 93 and three touchdowns. The senior is the first District 4 quarterback to go over 1,000 yards this season and has more than 3,200 yards in the last two years. He also ran for a career-high 194 yards in a comeback win against Lewisburg. Bloomsburg has a bevy of talented receivers, including Jack Katulis who topped 100 yards in the first three games. Sophomore Jharee Moore-Stewart was held without a touchdown for the first time in 15 high school games last week, but still had three catches for 144 yards and scored six different ways as a freshman. Shane Frey sparks the defense, averaging a team-high eight tackles per game. Brosious and Moore-Stewart have two interceptions.

Bloomsburg Player to watch–Krue Wheadon: The senior receiver has been a reliable target all season, catching a touchdown in three of four games. He played his best game a week ago against Warrior Run, hauling in seven passes for 107 yards and a score.

Outlook: A year ago Loyalsock had the experience advantage, but that script has been flipped. What could remain constant is this game being close throughout. If Loyalsock can at least neutralize an explosive offense a bit, this game could be decided late.