MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent A Wyalusing runner is gang tackled by a host of South Williamsport defenders in the first quarter.

South PPG–32.6, PPA–20.0; YPG–354.7, YPA–232.4

South notes: South (4-3) enters tonight tied for first with Montgomery in the NTL-II and Muncy is one game behind both. The Mounties control their destiny since they play Muncy and Montgomery these next two weeks. South has won three straight games and moved to sixth in the District 4 Class AA standings as it seeks a 14th consecutive playoff appearance. South features its most balanced offense this century with running back Cade Lusk third among area rushers, wide receiver Levi Butler leading in catches and quarterback Cole Gerber third in passing yards. Freshman running back Garrett Lorson has had a big debut season and also is a threat coming out of the backfield. South has received an added boost with sophomore running back Eli White returning from injury. He ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win at Sayre. Caleb Johnson and Neeko Bowen also have emerged as receiving threats. The offensive line has come together as well, helping South top 40 points in three consecutive games. The defense also has made progress since a 1-3 start and forced 14 turnovers during the three-game winning streak. Dominik Goode intercepted two passes at Sayre and Samir Moy added another. Kasim Davenport has a team-high four sacks and Kamdyn Bubb and Kayne Bungo have sacks the past two weeks.

South player to watch–Taylor Naugle: Yet another young player who has grown up quick, Naugle is helping solidify the secondary and has four interceptions, including three the past two weeks. Naugle intercepted two passes at Sayre and also has made 20 tackles.

Muncy PPG–26.1, PPA–11.9; YPG–291.6, YPA–193.1

Muncy notes: Muncy (5-2) is a victory from clinching its ninth straight winning season. It and South have won the last two District 4 Class A championships and both reached the Final 4 each time. The Indians had to replace most of last year’s starters, but have won five of their last six games and could win a share of a fifth straight league crown if it wins tonight and South and/or Cowanesque Valley defeats Montgomery the next two weeks. Muncy’s defense has been one of the area’s best, and is third in the district in points allowed, as well as third among area teams in yards allowed. Muncy has not allowed more than nine points in any of its last four wins and the starters went three weeks at one point without allowing a score. Senior Nick Delany helped lead the way against North Penn-Mansfield a week ago, producing two sacks. Senior linebacker Wes Somits also had a big game with 11 tackles, including three for loss. Quarterback Andrew Walters went over 1,000 passing yards in his first year starting last week and has totaled 17 touchdowns, also leading the team in rushing. Sophomore Layken Harris ran for a season-high 73 yards and a touchdown at North Penn-Mansfield and Nate Rogers is sixth among area receivers with 28 catches. Gavin Barrows caught eight passes against Montgomery and Carter Feigles and Dominic Guardini have games with at least five catches.

Muncy player to watch–Jaxson Thomas: Another player excelling as a first-time starter, Thomas has helped anchor the linebacking unit and made a career-high 14 tackles last Friday. Thomas has topped 10 tackles three times, including in consecutive weeks, and has 14 solo tackles during that time.

Outlook: These teams are similar in a lot of ways. The past two games in what has been one of the area’s best small school rivalries have been lopsided but the 2023 regular season contest went to overtime. Look for tonight’s game to mirror that one and not the last two in terms of excitement.