1. Jersey Shore (2-0): A word this reporter heard a lot from others describing Jersey Shore this past offseason was, “small.” Where, the Bulldogs might not have the biggest players, but they sure play big. Gaining 579 yards at Delaware Valley is a testament to the damage those linemen can do.

2. Montoursville (2-0): Montoursville last started 3-0 five years ago. That also was the last time it defeated Danville, doing so, 42-28 at Memorial Stadium. The Warriors certainly would like seeing history repeat itself tonight.

3. Williamsport (2-0): Last year’s kicker, Parker Johnson, never played football before last season. Ditto, this year’s kicker, Brayden Ungard. Together, they are 35 of 38 on extra point tries and have kicked 12 combined field goals. Talk about quick studies.

4. Warrior Run (2-0): Five Defenders have produced three or more tackles for loss during the first two games. That says a lot about how Warrior Run has started 2-0 for a second straight year despite a heavy graduation hit.

5. South Williamsport (1-1): My eyes almost popped out of my head when putting together the area leaders this week. No area team has thrown more passes than South? What a changing world we live in. Seriously, though, sophomore Cole Gerber’s development and Levi Butler’s smashing football debut gives South as balanced an offense as it has had in quite some time.

6. Muncy (1-1): Austin Hartzel tied Muncy’s longest field goal last season when he connected on a 37-yard try. Hartzel may have wished Muncy was hit with a false start Saturday at Wellsboro because his 34-yard field goal would have been good from 44 and smashed the record.

7. Montgomery (1-1): A stingy defense is in place. If Montgomery gets its offense going the next few weeks, it could really take off. Signs of that happening may have come in the fourth quarter at Warrior Run when Parker Persing ripped off a 43-yard touchdown run.

8. Hughesville (1-1): It’s not surprising that Hughesville leads the defense in yards per game, considering it has not allowed a point in six quarters. And the Spartans have allowed just one touchdown this season which was not set up off a turnover.

9. North Penn-Mansfield (1-1): The Panthers enter tonight holding the No. 2 seed in the District 4 Class AA standings. Sure, there’s a long way to go and many challenges ahead, but fighting for the program’s first playoff home game since 2016 might provide added motivation.

10. Lewisburg (0-2): Lewisburg’s first three opponents this season are a combined 6-0. The young Green Dragons, however, took a big step forward last week. This is a program which traditionally grows stronger as the year progresses under coach Eric Wicks, so keep on eye on Lewisburg.

11. Loyalsock (0-2): Loyalsock certainly can relate to what Lewisburg encountered the first two weeks. Southern is Southern and Mifflinburg is a Class AAA honorable mention in the state rankings. Those making snide comments about the team on social media last Friday might be a big spoiled since Loyalsock has put together 12 straight winning seasons.

12. Cowanesque Valley (1-1): In addition to being a Swiss Army knife on offense, Dave Hess has become an excellent defensive back during his three seasons at CV. He has an interception in both games this year.

13. Milton (0-2): Seeing Milton’s defense up close last week, this reporter came away impressed. The Black Panthers have a nice foundation there, especially with a lot of the playmakers being underclassmen.

14. Canton (1-1): Here’s a stat which drives home how strong Canton has been for nearly a decade. Its loss last week marked the first time it did not start 2-0 since 2017. For a small public school, that’s pretty impressive.

15. Wellsboro (0-2): Outside of Troy and Athens, there really isn’t another game on its schedule well Wellsboro would be considered a big underdog. It’s not the start the Hornets wanted, but it will have the opportunities to turn things around and build off what they started last Saturday.

16. Central Mountain (0-2): Central Mountain is looking for bright spots and can find one with its run defense. The Wildcats have allowed 221 yards rushing the first two weeks, limiting opponents to fewer than four yards per carry.

17. Bucktail (1-1): How does a school which knows its opponent is traveling 4 1/2 hours not have referees assigned for a game? Well, that’s exactly what happened last week after Bucktail traveled to play Renaissance Academy. As a result, Bucktail won via forfeit, although that is certainly not how it wanted to win its first game since 2023.