MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock quarterback Danny Dowell (2) avoids a second attempted tackle by Hughesville's Nicholas Stubbs (12).

Midd-West PPG–22.7, PPA–25.7; YPG–206, YPA–293.3

Midd-West notes: The Mustangs are a much improved team from a year ago when they went 1-9. Midd-West pounded Central Columbia in its opener and held a 13-point fourth quarter lead the following week before Hamburg rallied for a 22-21 victory. Midd-West has reached 20 points in all three games, a huge improvement from 2024. Kyle Shupp and Noah Kratzer both have run the ball well and quarterback Brady Janovich has rushed for three touchdowns. D’Angelo Drumheller has helped the offense be more balanced this season and caught 10 passes the first two weeks. The defense limited Central to 214 yards and also forced two turnovers.

Midd-West Player to Watch–Kyle Shupp: In addition to leading the team in rushing, Shupp is one of its top defenders and a special teams weapon. He showed that against Warrior Run last week, returning a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown.

Loyalsock PPG–15.7, PPA–31.3; YPG–266, YPA–295.7

Loyalsock notes: After facing two of the district’s premier teams, Loyalsock (1-2) showed that it was better than its record indicated and pounded Hughesville, 34-6 on the road. The Lancers dominated the line of scrimmage and the offensive line paved the way for a balanced attack which produced 460 yards. Jalil Coates moved from wide receiver to the backfield and ran for 180 yards while quarterback Danny Dowell totaled 273 yards and three touchdowns. CJ Taylor caught his second touchdown and Ivan Baker caught his first varsity touchdown, a 46-yarder which started breaking the game open. Baker is having a big breakout season defensively, averaging 10.3 tackles per game. Linemen Noah Soha and Jeremiah Johnson led the way against Hughesville, combining for 21 tackles, and Jahki Brister added a sack. Johnson is six tackles from reaching 200 for his high school career and he also has 10 sacks with 43 tackles for loss the past four seasons. With its victory last week, Loyalsock moved up to No. 6 in the Class AA playoff standings. The top eight teams reach districts and Loyalsock is seeking its 14th straight playoff berth.

Loyalsock Player to Watch–Josh Meacham: The senior two-way starter helped complement the line last week, providing quality blocking and catching two passes for 25 yards. He also was a factor up front defensively, making seven tackles, including five solos and two for loss. It was his second seven tackle game early this season.

Outlook: Midd-West is a much better team than it was a year ago when these two played. Still, if Loyalsock builds on its Week 3 performance it should even its record.