RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville's Hayden Harvey (22) picks up yardage during a high school football game against Danville at Montoursville on Friday.

Mifflinburg PPG–45.7, PPA–15.7; YPG–529.7, YPA–174

Mifflinburg notes: Mifflinburg (3-0) moved to No. 10 in the Class AAA state rankings following last week’s 48-20 demolition of Mount Carmel at the Silver Bowl. The Wildcats put up video game offensive numbers, gashing Mount Carmel for 631 yards and not allowing an offensive point. Mount Carmel scored its points on a punt return, kick return and interception return. As explosive as the offense is, the defense has excelled as well not allowing a point over the last seven quarters. It also has surrendered just three touchdowns in three games. Special teams have been an issue, however, with teams returning two punts and a kickoff for scores. Quarterback Chad Martin possesses a big arm and has topped 300 yards the last two weeks. He leads the area in both touchdowns (10) and yards (788). Martin threw for 2,188 yards and 26 touchdowns a year ago and would be going for a third straight 2,000-yard season had an injury not ended his sophomore campaign prematurely. Landen Murray and Jackson Griffith are two of the district’s premier wide receivers and Murray had six catches for 100 yards in last year’s regular season game against Montoursville. While the passing attack has been lethal this is hardly a one-dimensional offense. The Wildcats ran for 322 yards against Mount Carmel.

Mifflinburg Player to Watch–Xzavier Croll: The senior helps anchor a stout offensive line and excels at inside linebacker. Croll already has six tackles for loss this season and is second on the team in tackles, averaging 5.3 per game with a fumble recovery.

Montoursville PPG–42.0, PPA–9.3; YPG–371, YPA–149

Montoursville notes: Montoursville (3-0) won two thrillers against Mifflinburg last year, including 28-27 in the district quarterfinals, erasing a 14-point deficit. Something has to give in this showdown between Mifflinburg’s district-leading offense and Montoursville’s swarming defense. The Warriors have given up some pass plays but have been stout for the most part, especially against the run. There, they are surrendering just 31.3 yards per game. And while the Warriors do not have a lot of sacks, they have pressured the quarterback well, leading two interception touchdowns and a safety. Defensive end Kingston Fisher has been among the area’s top linemen early this season and Branson Fogleman collected two sacks, along with that safety, in last week’s win against Danville. Noah Rakestraw also makes things happen up front, while Hayden Harvey, Christian Banks and Chase Jones all have flourished at linebacker. Harvey and Kane Moore have returned interceptions for touchdowns. Harvey and Banks both went over 100 yards rushing against Danville, each ripping off long scores as well. Quarterback Elijah Eck threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns against Mifflinburg in last year’s playoff win and leads the area in passer rating. Adam Shearer has flourished in his first year kicking and punting, connecting on two field goals and dropping five of his nine punts inside the 20-yard line.

Montoursville Player to Watch–Brayden Burkett: The sophomore wide receiver/safety came up huge against Danville, returning a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown and catching his third scoring pass this season. Burkett also forced a fumble which led to a touchdown against Milton two weeks ago and has made eight solo tackles.

Outlook: Mifflinburg likely has had this game circled since it left Memorial Stadium last November. The Warriors will have to play better than they did against Danville, and if they do, this could be one of the state’s best Class AAA games this weekend.