MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Josef Walker (15) brushes off an attempted tackle from Shamokin's Noah Ringes (22) in the second quarter.

Williamsport PPG–27.3, PPA–27.7; YPG–300.6, YPA–376.9

Williamsport notes: Williamsport (4-3) continues its murderer’s row schedule tonight, playing the second in a run of three straight undefeated, state-ranked opponents. The Millionaires have lost two straight games but still have a shot at the top seed in District 2-4 Class 6A. They are second and the top two teams will host semifinals. Williamsport trails Wilkes-Barre area by a small margin and faces the Wolfpack in Week 10. Williamsport put up big offensive numbers two weeks ago against Jersey Shore, but after a touchdown drive on its opening possession, was shut down against Shamokin last Friday. The Millionaires also turned the ball over five times. Still, the unit is filled with playmakers. Quarterback Tevin Williams leads the team in passing and rushing, Giovanni White is one of the area’s most versatile running backs and Trey Damschroder caught six passes for 181 yards and three touchdowns against Jersey Shore. Brayden Ungard and Kason Ulmer also have emerged as threats in their first varsity campaigns. The defense has struggled to slow the run the last three weeks, allowing 1,141 yards. That unit, though, features just two seniors. Linebackers Luke Naughton and Anthony Manley both have averaged well over 10 tackles per game the last two years and Cordoza Minor had two sacks against Selinsgrove in a comeback 29-23 win.

Williamsport player to watch–Kason Ulmer: A player who could be poised for a breakout basketball season is showing what he can do on the football field as well. The linebacker is averaging eight tackles per game and had a career-high 13 in a 42-0 win against Central Mountain. Ulmer also is a good tight end who can use his height to cause match-up problems, catching a touchdown against Jersey Shore.

Berwick PPG–40.0, PPA–10.4

Berwick notes: Berwick is back, starting the season 7-0 and moving to No. 6 in the Class AAA state rankings. After defeating Lake-Lehman, 24-7 in its opener, Berwick has defeated its last six opponents 21 points or more, topping 30 points each time. It has been a big turnaround for a team which went 4-7 last year and which already has exceeded its win total from the last two seasons combined. Ty’Mere Wilkerson ran wild in last week’s 42-16 win against Nanticoke, producing most of his 159 yards and two touchdowns on five carries in a 35-point first quarter. Wilkerson is having a monster season and is among the state’s leading rushers with 1,513 yards and 21 touchdowns. He is averaging a whopping 11.5 yards per carry as well. Quarterback Brady Cleaver has added 301 yards and six touchdowns. The success of the line and Wilkerson has meant Berwick rarely has had to throw. In fact, Cleaver has completed just seven passes, throwing for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Four of those have gone to Alex Estrella for 107 yards and two scores.

Berwick player to watch–Ty’Mere Wilkerson: He has speed, power and agility. The 100-meter dash District 2 champion set the Berwick single-game rushing record a year ago when he ran for 366 yards. The opponent that night? Williamsport. Wilkerson broke a record which had lasted since 1975 by 61 yards.

Outlook: Wilkerson’s success and Williamsport’s struggles against the run are a lethal combination. Unless the Millionaires can find a way to solve the run defense issues and/or sustain drives, this one could get out of hand quick.