Loyalsock at Mifflinburg preview
Trending
Loyalsock PPG--36.3, PPA--16.3; YPG--383.3, YPA--247.5
Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (3-1) has made quick work of opponents in three wins, scoring 28 or more first half points each time. The Lancers built a 42-0 halftime lead in last week's win at Midd-West and have mercy-ruled consecutive opponents. Tonight's game is a big one against the defending District 4 Class AAA champions with each team trying to improve its seeding. Loyalsock is third in the standings and Mifflinburg sixth. Freshman quarterback Dyson Dupont dazzled at Midd-West, throwing six first-half touchdowns. He is tied with Jersey Shore's Nolen Pauling for the district touchdown pass lead (11) and is second among area quarterbacks in yards (710). CJ Taylor has caught three scores the past two weeks and Carter Brown, Ivan Baker, Zion Cobb and Jackson Keefer also reeled in touchdowns at Midd-West. Cobb added two interceptions and Baker another. Baker is sixth among area rushers, twice topping 100 yards. He also leads the team in tackles, averaging 10.3 per game. Linebacker Matthew Rickard is close behind and sophomore Cooper Cowden has six tackles for loss. John Day produced two sacks in the Wellsboro win and the starting defense did not allow a point in the last two wins.
Loyalsock player to watch--Tommy Pham: The senior linebacker is a big part of the defense's success and is fifth on the team in tackles, adding two for loss. The senior enjoyed a breakout junior year despite an injury, averaging 6.1 tackles in seven games.
Mifflinburg PPG--24.8, PPA--18.5; YPG--293.5, YPA--228.3
Mifflinburg notes: Mifflinburg (2-2) overpowered Hughesville at the line a week ago, racking up eight sacks in a 36-0 win. Luke Brubaker generated three and Lucas Miller two. Isaiah Kurtz also returned an interception for a touchdown and Mifflinburg totaled 17 tackles for loss. The Wildcats are a play or two from being 3-1, losing its opener against Shikellamy in the final minutes after leading by nine in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Brennen Snyder has flourished in his first season starting and he threw three touchdowns at Hughesville. Snyder has thrown at least one touchdown in all four games, including two more three times. Mifflinburg's running game came alive as well at Hughesville. Landon Moser ran for a career-high 168 yards and a touchdown. He was the team's leading rusher a year ago, going for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns. Moser also plays a big defensive role and has a team-high 10 tackles for loss. Mifflinburg has allowed just 10 points in its two wins, limiting Selinsgrove to 169 yards in a 28-10 Week 2 victory.
Mifflinburg player to watch--Brady Threet: The sophomore defensive end recovered a fumble for a touchdown in that Selinsgrove victory and has four tackles for loss. Threet also has three sacks, including one in three different games. Able to line up as a receiver or tight end, Threet leads the team with 11 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Outlook: Loyalsock won a one-point thriller two years ago against Mifflinburg before the Wildcats romped to a 47-13 in last year's season opener. I don't know who wins tonight, but I think this game much more resembles that 2024 game than last year's.