RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville's Christian Banks (0) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a high school football game against Central Columbia at Montoursville on Friday.

Southern PPG–37.4, PPA–14.3; YPG–354.1, YPA–202

Southern notes: Southern (6-1) has come roaring back after a season-opening loss against 4A power Wyomissing, winning its last six games and defeating Mifflinburg on the road, 21-14 a week ago. The Tigers have earned a share of the HAC-II championship and will win it outright if they win tonight. If Montoursville wins, the Warriors and possibly Mifflinburg would share the crown with Southern. Defense has helped set the tone for Southern with it producing three shutouts during its winning streak. The Tigers collected six sacks against Mifflinburg and Caden Hopper added an interception. Junior defensive end Chase Williams is having a big season, leading the team in tackles (43), tackles for loss (17) and sacks (4). Ethan Makowski had 1 ½ sacks last week and has nine tackles for loss, while John Quinton added a sack and has eight tackles for loss. Brayden Andrews is one of the district’s most versatile running backs and ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns against Mifflinburg. He scored 19 touchdowns three ways a year ago and returned a punt for a touchdown against Mount Carmel. Quarterback Ayden Hockenbroch went over 1,000 yards last year in his first year starting and threw for 161 yards in a 19-16 win against Montoursville. Blaise Kissinger had three catches for 81 yards and a touchdown in that game. He is one of three Southern receivers who has more than 100 yards.

Southern player to watch–Nolan Wittig: The junior linebacker is coming on strong and made a career-high 10 tackles a week ago. Wittig has four tackles for loss and three games with seven or more tackles.

Montoursville PPG–36.6, PPA–9.0; YPG–337.3, YPA–165

Montoursville notes: Montoursville (6-1) has produced three straight shutouts and has a district-high four this season. The starting defense has not allowed a point in five of seven games and is second among district teams in points allowed. Montoursville is trying to win a share of its first league crown since 2020 and has secured its first winning season since 2021. The Warriors are still in the hunt for District 4’s Class AAA top seed but likely need to win their final three games to have a shot at that. Kingston Fisher, Gabe Vanderwall and Zane Butler had sacks in last week’s win at Central Mountain, while Hayden Harvey intercepted his second pass. He and Kane Moore have returned interceptions for touchdowns and Moore has four picks this season. Branson Fogelman had two sacks against Danville, including a game-clinching one which produced a safety. Christian Banks has topped 100 yards in three straight games and leads area rushers with 13 touchdowns. He and Harvey are both among the area’s top 10 leading rushers. Quarterback Elijah Eck threw two touchdowns a week ago and Brayden Burkett has three touchdown catches, as well as a kick return for a score. Adam Shearer has flourished as a first-time kicker and punter. He has an area-best four field goals, including a 41-yarder, and has placed eight of his 14 punts inside the 20-yard line, while adding 12 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Montoursville player to watch–Kingston Fisher: The senior defensive end has built off last year’s success and leads the team in tackles (47), tackles for loss (8) and sacks (4). Fisher and Noah Rakestraw form a strong tandem off the edge and Fisher also has excelled while playing tight end for the first time. He caught two passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns at Central Mountain.

Outlook: Regular seasons games do not get a whole lot more exciting than two 6-1 teams battling it out in a game filled with championship implications. This went down to the wire a year ago and it would not be surprising if the rematch follows suit.