RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Muncy won last year’s Old Shoe Game against Montgomery. This year, both teams enter the rivalry game with 4-1 records as Montgomery hopes to avenge last year’s loss and reclaim the trophy.

Background: This is the first time in the 2000s both Montgomery and Muncy enter the Old Shoe Game at least three games above .500. Counting a playoff game in 2021, Muncy has won seven straight games against Montgomery and has lost the Shoe just once (2018) since 2004. This could be the first of two games these rivals play this season with a strong possibility they finish as the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds in the District 4 Class A standings. These teams also are tied for first with South Williamsport in the NTL-II, so tonight’s game will be crucial for both playoff seeding and league title hopes.

Montgomery PPG–32.2, PPA–7.2; YPG–334.2, YPA–124.2

Montgomery notes: Montgomery (4-1) has won three straight games, allowing just six points and shutting out both opponents at home. The Red Raiders have surrendered only 12 points in four wins and lead District 4 in both points and yards allowed per game. Montgomery has held opponents scoreless for six straight quarters and Lincoln Miller has been a force at times with three sacks and four forced fumbles. Trace Furman averages 12.2 tackles per game and Ethan Tupper has 1 1/2 sacks. Seth McClintock is a three-year starter and made 10 tackles, including 1 ½ for loss in a 28-6 win at Wyalusing. Logan Joy and Austin Luckenbill intercepted passes in last week’s 54-0 win against Canton and all but two players produced tackles. Montgomery’s linemen on both sides of the ball have excelled, stuffing the run and paving the way for a strong running game. Montgomery’s line has helped four runners have games of more than 90 yards rushing and Josh Knoebel went for 103 yards and two touchdowns against Canton. Furman and Miller also have 100-yard games and quarterback Parker Persing has run for five touchdowns. Hayden Denton displayed his potential against Canton, running for 67 yards and two touchdowns on five carries. Montgomery is trying to win at Muncy for the first time in the 2000s.

Montgomery Player to watch–Parker Persing: The four-year starting quarterback has not had to throw the ball much this season since the run game has been so effective. That might change tonight if Muncy’s defense continues surging the way it has the last four weeks. Montgomery will not be airing it out, but if Persing and his receivers can make some key connections it could loosen up the defense.

Muncy PPG–31.0, PPA–9.4; YPG–292.2, YPA–159.2

Muncy notes: The defending District 4 Class A champions (4-1) have won four consecutive games, as well as 23 straight NTL contests. This, however, is a much different team than the one Montgomery faced last season. Several starters graduated, there is a new coaching staff and a new offensive system. The ground and pound Indians of last year have become a balanced offense which has produced the third most passing yards among area teams. Quarterback Andrew Walters has thrown seven touchdowns the last four weeks and leads the team in rushing as well, accounting for eight scores in his past two games. Nate Rogers fourth among area receivers with 21 catches and is third in yards (387). Carter Feigles caught a touchdown in last Saturday’s 42-0 win against Sayre and Dominic Guardini and Gavin Barrows also are receiving threats. Wes Somits and Layken Harris both ran for touchdowns against Sayre, Harris ripping off a 78-yard fourth quarter score. Three starters are back from last year’s offensive line and those players also have played a big role on defense, helping Muncy rank second among District 4 teams in yards allowed. Defensive tackle Nassir Miller has come on strong and has five tackles for loss, while linebacker Jaxson Thomas averages 5.6 tackles per game. Six players also have sacks.

Muncy Player to watch–Nixon Lamper: The junior two-way lineman was a force in last year’s Shoe Game, collecting 3 ½ sacks. Lamper was a first team NTL-II all-star a year ago and has been at the heart of Muncy’s success again. He averages six tackles per game and has six tackles for loss. Lamper also anchors the offensive line, helping Muncy average more than 300 yards the last four weeks.

Outlook: Both teams have strong offenses, but the defenses have been pretty nasty this year. That makes one think this could be a low-scoring game. This feels like strength against strength up front and should be a physical, hard-fought game that might not be decided until the last minute or so. Add in what will likely be a huge crowd and this is what high school football is all about.