RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery quarterback Parker Persing (7) fires off a pass during a high school football game against Northwest Area at Montgomery on Friday.

Redeemer PPG–16.7, PPA–41.0

Redeemer notes: Redeemer (1-6) has shown some offensive punch the last two weeks, scoring 63 points in losses against Holy Cross and Montrose. The Royals won their first game in two years in Week 4, defeating Susquehanna, 27-20. Redeemer was 42 seconds from winning another game last week before Montrose rallied. Quarterback Brady McDermott is having a strong season and lit up Montrose, completing 16 of 24 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns. That comes after producing a monster game against Holy Cross, completing 21 of 31 passes for 382 yards and five scores. McDermott already has gone over 1,000 yards in his first full season starting, throwing for 1,210 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 166 attempts. Mike Zbierski has been his favorite target, catching 28 passes for 356 yards and four touchdowns. Kaden Sepkoski has added 20 catches for 327 yards and three touchdowns. While the passing game has sizzled, the running game has been non-existent. The team’s leading rusher David Jackiel has just 88 yards.

Redeemer player to watch–Josh Grochowski: Another skilled receiver, Grochowski is the team’s top big-play threat. He has scored on a third of his 18 receptions, going for 328 yards and six touchdowns.

Montgomery PPG–35.7, PPA–6.1; YPG–363, YPA–152.4

Montgomery notes: Montgomery (6-1) is off to its best start in the 21st century and is trying to build momentum for the final two weeks with a shot at winning the NTL-II championship. The Red Raiders have won five straight games and lead District 4 in both points and yards allowed. They have three shutouts and have not let an opponent score more than seven points in any win. Linebacker Ethan Tupper intercepted two passes a week ago and both he and Cameron Woltz had 11 tackles. Logan Joy set up a touchdown with a blocked punt and safety Trace Furman has 72 tackles. Highlighting how well the defense has played as a unit, 15 players have been in on sacks. Linemen Layne Gingery, Caleb Parkyn, Connor Jarrett, Ethan Hugar and Evan Hugar also have been outstanding up front offensively, paving the way for a ground game which has been improving each week. Furman, Lincoln Miller, Josh Knoebel and Austin Luckenbill all have 100-yard games this year and quarterback Parker Persing has gone over 90 yards twice. Knoebel, Furman and Luckenbill all went over 100 yards in last week’s win against Northwest. Persing also threw a 22-yard touchdown to cousin Briar Persing. Montgomery’s yards and points per game are its most in the 2000s.

Montgomery player to watch–Josh Knoebel: The sophomore has made a big impact in his first season at Montgomery. Knoebel has been a valuable asset on both sides of the ball and leads a balanced rushing attack with 574 yards and 11 touchdowns. Knoebel has gone over 100 yards in two of his last three games and also has 43 tackles, along with two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble at linebacker.

Outlook: Redeemer has proven it can sling the ball around the field. The hard part tonight might be giving McDermott time to throw against a stout defense. Look for Montgomery to make life difficult on that surging offense and send the Montgomery fans home happy again.