RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Nick Stubbs of Hughesville runs against Lewisburg during a game this year. The Spartans (2-6) host Wyalusing (2-6) tonight.

Wyalusing PPG–16.6, PPA–30.5; YPG–223.9, YPA–289.8

Wyalusing notes: Wyalusing (2-6) has shown some firepower at times this year, including last week when it scored 21 points against 4A Athens. The Rams feature a strong running game led by Jon Earle who needs 201 yards to reach 1,000 this season. Ethan Vanderpool and quarterback Reuben Kinney also are running threats. While Wyalusing is run-heavy it has thrown the ball more this year than last and has had some success. That included at Athens when Kinney threw for 81 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Taylor has scored touchdowns on four of his nine catches, averaging 23.4 yards per catch. Earle, Vanderpool and Kinney all ran for at least 67 yards two weeks ago in a 42-7 win against Canton. The defense did not allow a point that night with Canton’s lone points coming on a kick return. The defense also did not allow a second-half point in a comeback win against Cowanesque Valley and limited Wellsboro to 14 points a week later.

Wyalusing Player to watch–Ethan Vanderpool: A hard-nosed runner, Vanderpool also showed his receiving prowess at Athens, catching four passes for 53 yards. In his last two games, the fullback has totaled 182 yards and three touchdowns.

Hughesville PPG–10.3, PPA–26.1; YPG–163, YPA–257.4

Hughesville notes: Hughesville (2-6) would need to win out and hope for a lot of help in order to reach the District 4 Class AA playoffs for a fourth straight year. Regardless, the next two games are Senior Night and at Muncy, so this team has a lot to play for. The Spartans are trying to break out offensively after not scoring an offensive point the past two weeks. The lone score a week ago came on a Carson Stackhouse 85-yard kickoff return. The Spartans also are hoping to earn their first win at home after beating Towanda and Midd-West on the road. The defense dominated in those two games, not allowing any points and scoring three touchdowns. Josiah Abernatha’s interception for a touchdown at Midd-West helped Hughesville erase a fourth-quarter deficit and win, 18-7. Linemen Jerry Barton and Jakob Charles have had strong seasons, combining for 31 tackles for loss. Barton has six sacks, giving him an area-high 15 over the past two seasons. Linebackers Chase Fowler, Chase Shrawder, Maliki Emmil and safety Connor Anstadt all are averaging more than seven tackles per game. Emmil also has eight tackles for loss in his first year starting. Hughesville pulled away in the second half a year ago at Wyalusing, winning, 24-7.

Hughesville Player to watch–Connor Anstadt: Anstadt has a shot at earning first team HAC-III honors for a second straight year at safety. He also is one of the area’s more versatile offensive threats, making an impact as a receiver, rusher and passer. His 20 catches lead the team and Anstadt has totaled 596 yards.

Outlook: Both teams have shots at ending their seasons strong over the next two weeks. The key tonight will be how Hughesville holds up on the front lines against a team which likes to try impose its will there.