Montgomery at Canton preview
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Montgomery PPG--24, PPA--0; YPG--317, YPA--71
Montgomery notes: The defending NTL-II champions started strong last week, blanking Hughesville, 24-0. A defense which ranked No. 1 among District 4 teams in points and yards allowed last season picked up where it left off, allowing just 71 yards and three first downs. Montgomery is seeking its first 2-0 start since 2021 and just its third of the 2000s. The Red Raiders went 10-2 last year, reaching their first District 4 Class A final since 2017 and enter tonight ranked No. 9 in the state. The offense started slow against Hughesville but a new-look line started taking charge in the second half as Montgomery sustained long drives. Trace Furman, Josh Knoebel and quarterback Briar Persing all went over 80 yards. Furman and Knoebel topped 1,000 yards last season. Lincoln Miller adds depth and versatility, blocking and running well. Miller and lineman Evan Knoebel combined for a sack, 3 ½ tackles for loss and 14 tackles in the opener. Furman made nine tackles and his younger brother Gage made one of the game's biggest players, forcing a fumble which he recovered to set up a short touchdown late in the first half. Cornerback Logan Joy continued blanketing receivers as he did last year and fellow corner Hayden Denton looked strong in his first varsity start.
Montgomery player to watch--Cameron Woltz: A four-year starting linebacker, Woltz has been at the heart of Montgomery's defensive success throughout his high school career. He also is playing along the offensive line for the first time and settled in as last week's game progressed. Waltz has never played up front before offensively, but his ability to adapt and embrace the new role says a lot about him.
Canton PPG--22, PPA--9; YPG--307, YPA--137
Canton notes: Canton won its ninth straight season opener Friday, showing its resilience by scoring 22 straight fourth quarter points and turning a nine-point deficit into a 22-9 win against Cowanesque Valley. The Warriors could be a sleeper in the Class A race, returning a lot of players who started last year. They also received a boost with the return of standout running back/linebacker Bailey Gardner who suffered a season-ending injury heading into Week 5 a year ago. Gardner ran for 156 yards; caught five passes for 72 yards and ignited the defense. He scored both the go-ahead and game-clinching touchdowns as well. Monte Whitehead altered the game dramatically when he turned a crossing route from Owen Moore into an 80-yard catch and run. Moore became the starter midway through last season as a freshman and threw for 163 yards and two scores last week. Canton's defense thrived against CV and only South Williamsport and Montgomery allowed fewer yards among area teams last week. Aaden Dowling came up big in the fourth quarter, intercepting a pass which led to Gardner's game-sealing touchdown.
Canton player to watch--Rylan Wesneski: A true Swiss Army Knife, Wesneski can line up at quarterback, running back or wide receiver. He opened the season at quarterback a year ago before averaging 19 yards per catch late in the season. Wesneski caught four passes against CV and also is a big part of the team's defensive success.
Outlook: Canton had dominated this series throughout the 2000s, but Montgomery signaled its massive turnaround two years ago with a close win at Miller A. Moyer Stadium. Now, it is Canton hoping to make a statement but it will need to play a fabulous game to make it happen.
By CHRIS MASSE