South PPG–23.7, PPA–34.3; YPG–305.3, YPA–315.3

South notes: South (1-2) put up a good fight against defending 2A state champion Troy a week ago and, like Milton is quite battle-tested with its other loss coming against undefeated 4A Athens. The Mounties are loaded with exciting underclassmen and could be quite dangerous later this season and in the coming years if they continue building on the growth they have shown these first three weeks. The offense is as balanced as it has been, arguably, at any point in the 2000s. Quarterback Cole Gerber has topped 100 yards in all three games and first-time player Levi Butler is tied for the area lead with 17 catches. Cade Lusk is among the area’s top leading rushers and freshman Garrett Lorson has stepped up in a big way with Eli White sidelined, topping 90 yards in consecutive games. Caleb Johnson provides a big-play threat in the passing game and has averaged 25 yards on his four catches. Sophomore Kasim Davenport is a difference-maker along the defensive front and collected three sacks in a 31-14 win at Canton. Three players have intercepted passes and Samir Moy has recovered two fumbles. Lusk has a team-high 20 tackles, including 17 solos.

South Player to Watch–Kamdyn Bubb: As a freshman, Bubb made a nice impact for both the football and baseball teams. He continues doing so this season and provides both lines a lift. Bubb has made eight solo tackles, one for a loss, and also has recovered a fumble.

Milton PPG–7.3, PPA–34.3; YPG–161, YPA–356.3

Milton notes: Milton (0-3) also is a young team with a lot of potential and hung tough with Montoursville two weeks ago before turnovers late in the first half altered the game’s trajectory. Monty Fisher is one of the area’s most versatile players and has gone over 1,000 career yards rushing and receiving. Last week, he made his first start at quarterback. He threw an 80-yard touchdown late against Montoursville and ran for 131 yards with two touchdowns against Shikellamy in the opener. Cole Rhodes caught the 80-yard scoring strike against Montoursville and possesses big-time speed. Jaeden Canelo ran for 63 yards on 11 carries against Milton. Sophomore linebacker Brady O’Rourke has impressed in his first three games at Milton, averaging 11.7 tackles per game. Fellow underclassmen Gavin Whiteknight and Jackson Wertz also both have topped 30 tackles. O’Rourke has three sacks, Wertz forced a fumble against Montoursville and freshman Jensen Souder has an interception.

Milton Player to Watch–Brady Wolfe: The senior linebacker sets the tone for Milton’s defense and also is a talented tight end who can seal the edge or make a tough catch. Wolfe averages 8.7 tackles per game and has at least seven in all three games. He also made 12 ½ tackles for loss a year ago.

Outlook: Milton rallied from 15 down with less than nine minutes to go and won a 22-21 thriller at South last year. Don’t be surprised if the rematch is equally exciting. These teams appear evenly matched, so this could be quite entertaining.