DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette After winning the Old Shoe against Muncy last week, Montgomery will look to make it five wins in a row as it hosts Northwest.

Northwest PPG–20.3, PPA–29.7; YPG–222.5

Northwest notes: After starting 0-4, Northwest has come on strong, overpowering New Hope-Solebury and Sayre the last two weeks, outscoring them, 96-18. Sophomore running back Shane Hempel has run wild, gaining 440 yards and scoring four touchdowns in those victories. He also scored twice in Week 2 against 4A Athens, producing 89 yards on six carries. Five players scored touchdowns against Sayre last Saturday and the defense allowed a season-low 59 yards while forcing four turnovers. The last two wins have moved Northwest to No. 4 in the District 4 Class A standings and if the Rangers stay in the top four, they would reach the playoffs. Ben Bonham sparked the defense against Sayre, intercepting two passes. Northwest is a young team, but as those players have gained more experience, they have started taking off.

Northwest Player to watch–Jacob Zagata: The freshman linebacker is one of several talented newcomers and is second on the team in tackles, averaging 5.2 per game and making six for loss. He was at his best against Sayre, producing a season-high eight tackles, four tackles for loss, as well as forcing and recovering fumbles.

Montgomery PPG–31.3, PPA–7.2; YPG–334.8, YPA–141.8

Montgomery notes: Montgomery (5-1) is hoping its Homecoming game includes it clinching a second straight winning season. The Red Raiders are coming off an impressive 27-7 Old Shoe win against defending District 4 Class A champion Muncy and have won four straight games. The defense has been stifling, leading District 4 in both points allowed (7.2) and yards allowed (141.8). The Red Raiders have not allowed more than seven points in five wins and limited Muncy to 25 rushing yards. Montgomery has played complementary defense with all three levels excelling. The Raiders generated five sacks against Muncy and Mason Bryson consistently was in the backfield. He was one of six players in on sacks, while Austin Luckenbill and Seth McClintock each made eight tackles. Montgomery made three different stops inside the 25-yard line, including a late goal line stand. Offensive linemen Connor Jarrett, Caleb Parkyn, Layne Gingery, Ethan Hugar and Evan Hugar continue to set the tone offensively and helped Montgomery run for 290 yards against a strong Muncy defense. Trace Furman, Lincoln Miller and Josh Knoebel all have 100-yard games this season and quarterback Parker Persing went over 90 yards for a third time against Muncy.

Montgomery Player to watch–Ethan Tupper: The versatile senior linebacker had five tackles against Muncy, was in on a sack and broke up two passes. That highlights his ability to drop into coverage or get after the quarterback. Tupper also adds receiving depth and nearly went the distance, catching a 21-yard pass to set up a Montgomery touchdown last week.

Outlook: Northwest is improving but as long as Montgomery avoids a letdown tonight, it should have a happy homecoming and continue building momentum for the stretch run.