Previous result: Troy defeated Wellsboro, 53-7 in Week 7

Wellsboro PPG–28.5, PPA–23.7; YPG–259.2, YPA–272.5

Wellsboro notes: Wellsboro (6-4) is competing in the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and has its most wins since 2019. The Hornets have mercy-ruled three straight opponents since the first Troy game and will return the majority of their starters next season after having won six of their last eight games. Wellsboro also has made a four-win improvement this season. Sophomore quarterback Griffin Morral went over 1,000 passing yards for a second straight season and is closing in on 2,000 total yards, leading the team in rushing as well. Marek Mascho has been as potent a runner as a receiver and ran for a career-high 147 yards with two touchdowns in last week’s 48-10 win at North Penn-Mansfield. He also has five interceptions. Kody Enck is another versatile offensive threat who has been a force defensively, intercepting six passes the past three weeks, returning two for touchdowns. Levi Champaign produced two sacks a week ago and both lines dominated as Wellsboro outgained its rival, 517-58. Six receivers have caught multiple touchdowns this season and the defense has forced 25 turnovers.

Wellsboro Player to watch–Hayden Stevens: The senior defensive end is closing his high school career with a flourish, generating a team-high five sacks. He also is one of its leading tacklers and is a physical player who has forced three fumbles.

Troy PPG–48.6, PPA–13.6; YPG–416.7, YPA–204.2

Troy notes: The defending state champions are 25-1 over the past two seasons and captured a third straight NTL-I title. Troy (9-1) has won eight straight games, mercy-ruling all but one opponent during that time. Quarterback Mason Smith has made a smooth transition in his first season starting there, throwing 17 touchdowns and just one interception. He carved up Canton a week ago, completing 13 of 15 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns. Smith, an all-state athlete a year ago, is a dynamic player who also has twice surpassed 200 yards rushing this season. He is one of the state’s premier men as well, returning a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown against Wellsboro, his fifth return score of the last two years. Despite missing two games, all-state running back Brendan Gilliland is closing in on a second straight 1,000-yard season and is averaging 11.6 yards per carry. He ran for 124 yards and three touchdowns on just five carries in the first Wellsboro game. Jayden Kutt and Roland Smith help spark the defense and each has 12 tackles for loss. Kael Millard has five sacks and also has run for 532 yards.

Troy Player to watch–Spencer Martin: Troy’s likely quarterback of the future is fulfilling the role Smith once did, helping in just about every area. He has seen time at all three skill positions and caught two touchdowns against Canton. Martin also is a standout defensive back who has a team-high four interceptions, one coming against Wellsboro.

Winner plays: South Williamsport or Warrior Run

Outlook: Troy is a big favorite here, but Wellsboro has a chance to show how much it has improved since the first meeting. This experience also should be beneficial with many starters returning next fall.