MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Connor Anstadt (10) runs a sweep around the Loyalsock's Trey Borgess in the first quarter during a game this season.

Mount Carmel PPG–20.8, PPA–37.2; YPG–255.8, YPA–381

Mount Carmel notes: Mount Carmel (1-4) is off to its worst start since 2016, losing three straight games. Still, all four losses are to teams who are or have been either state ranked or an honorable mention. The Tornadoes have never lost to Hughesville, going 11-0 in a series which started in 1996. The main issue for Mount Carmel has been defense. It shutout Central Columbia, but the defense has allowed at least 27 points in every other game and 264.4 rushing yards per game. Michael Higgins, however, has returned an interception for a touchdown against Mifflinburg. Jaylen Delaney and Michael Kismal returned a punt and kickoff, respectively, for touchdowns in that same game. Delaney, a junior, has 87 career catches for 1,187 yards. Halfway through his junior season, he already is ninth on the program’s all-time catch list and 11th in yards. Quarterback Gavin Marshalek went over 3,000 career yards in last week’s 27-0 loss against Montoursville. That game marked the first time Mount Carmel lost three straight games at the Silver Bowl since 1971.

Mount Carmel Player to watch–Max Karycki: The junior defensive end is an excellent playmaker off the edge, averaging 10.6 tackles per game. A three-year starter, Karycki has 250 career tackles and produced 30 tackles for loss his first two years.

Hughesville PPG–12.4, PPA–18.2; YPG–187.8, YPA–195.2

Hughesville notes: Hughesville (2-3) put together a defensive clinic at Midd-West last Friday to turn a two-point fourth quarter deficit into an 18-7 win. Josiah Abernatha and Carson Stackhouse returned interceptions for touchdowns and the defense also produced a safety. The defense has not allowed a point in two victories and has scored four times in those wins. Jakob Charles dominated up front last week, collecting four tackles for loss, while linebacker Maliki Emmil added three, along with nine tackles overall. Jerry Barton recorded his area-best fifth sack and Chase Fowler added eight tackles. The offense has struggled and not scored a touchdown since the second quarter in Week 3 against Loyalsock. Nick Stubbs and Connor Anstadt combined for complete 9 of 18 passes for 91 yards against Midd-West and Chase Shrawder ran for 101 yards in a 32-0 win at Towanda. Jed Abernatha scored twice in the game. Stackhouse has caught six passes the last two weeks and Anstadt is among the area’s top 10 in catches with 15. Avery Puderbach made the most of her first varsity kicking opportunity last week, connecting on a 21-yard field goal.

Hughesville Player to watch–Josiah Abernatha: The junior cornerback made one of the plays of the season for Hughesville with his go-ahead Pick 6 last week and has been making steady progress in his first year starting. He forced and recovered a fumble against Lewisburg, has broken up five passes and made 10 tackles against Loyalsock.

Outlook: Mount Carmel’s offense is too dangerous for Hughesville to think it can ride its outstanding defense to a win like it did last week. The Spartans have to find a way to sustain and finish drives if they hope to have a shot at making history tonight.