Montoursville students cheer for their team against Mifflinburg at Montoursville High School. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Previous result: Montoursville defeated Mount Carmel, 27-0 in Week 5

Mount Carmel PPG–31.0, PPA–27.7; YPG–321.1, YPA–327.9

Mount Carmel notes: Mount Carmel has come roaring back since the first Montoursville game, winning four straight blowouts and then coming seconds from defeating the state’s No. 2-ranked Class AAAA team Shamokin last week. Mount Carmel returned to running the single wing offense following the Montoursville loss and scored at least 35 first-half points in each of its next four games. Jaylen Delaney is among the top 10 receivers in program history as a junior and is the team’s leading rusher, averaging 8.8 yards per carry. Freshman Jason Klokis has provided the offense a jolt as well, running for 63 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries at Shamokin. Delaney and Michael Kismal each went over 100 yards in a 61-13 win against Danville in which Mount Carmel totaled 473 rushing yards. Quarterback Gavin Marshalek can keep defenses honest and threw for 1,822 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. The defense also has come on strong with most of the points allowed during the four-game winning streak coming against reserves. Mount Carmel stopped a 2-point try at Shamokin with less than a minute remaining, but the Indians recovered the ensuing onside kick and won with 16 seconds remaining. Klokis and Max Karycki both have shots at 100-tackle seasons and have combined for 23 tackles for loss. The special teams are strong with Delaney returning a kick and punt return for touchdowns and Kismal and Cooper Karycki taking back kicks for scores.

Mount Carmel Player to watch–Aiden Brokenshire: The sophomore linebacker is averaging 5.7 tackles per game and has 11 tackles for loss as he settles in. He also has three sacks and can make things happen in the passing game, averaging 25.1 yards per catch on his 11 receptions.

Montoursville PPG–36.2, PPA–11.7; YPG–339.2, YPA–190.3

Montoursville notes: Montoursville (8-2) is trying to reach its first district final since 2021 and has its most wins in a season since 2020. The Warriors are tied for the district lead in shutouts with four and the defense has allowed one or no touchdowns seven times, including a week ago at Loyalsock. The Warriors played outstanding up front on both sides of the ball in that win, neutralizing the run and rushing for 370 yards. Defensive end Noah Rakestraw had a big game and Gabe Vanderwall continued his strong late-season play, while Branson Fogleman added a sack. Defensive back Brayden Burkett broke up a potential touchdown pass in the first quarter as well. Christian Banks has gone over 1,000 yards for a second straight year and Hayden Harvey ran for a career-high 146 yards and four touchdowns at Loyalsock. Tight end Kingston Fisher has turned three of his six catches into touchdowns and provides strong blocking, while quarterback Elijah Eck went over 1,000 yards last week. Fellow sophomore Jay Houseknecht has come on strong receiving down the stretch and also set up two touchdowns at Loyalsock with long punt returns. Playing football for the first time, Adam Shearer kicked his area-high sixth field goal last week and also has produced 14 touchbacks, while placing 10 of his 18 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Montoursville Player to watch–Kane Moore: The senior defensive back has a team-high four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He also has broken up eight passes and averages 4.1 tackles per game. Moore provides depth in the receiving core and caught four passes in a Week 2 win at Milton.

Winner plays: Danville or Mifflinburg

Outlook: Both teams get second chances tonight. Montoursville has a chance to win its final home game after Southern Columbia spoiled its Senior Night three weeks ago and Mount Carmel has a shot at exacting revenge against the Warriors. Both teams have improved since Week 5, so one can throw out that result. Mount Carmel looks like the team of the future in 3A since it is loaded with strong freshmen and sophomore players, but for now, tonight is the future, so this should be a good one.