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Montoursville PPG--19.5, PPA--23.0; YPG--341, YPA--236
Montoursville notes: Montoursville (1-1) became the first team to beat Troy on its home field since 2023 in its opener and had Jersey Shore on the ropes at times last week before losing, 27-13. The Warriors have embraced a difficult early-season schedule and outgained Jersey Shore. The big problem was turnovers with Montoursville losing three, including once at the 1-yard line and another after it had crossed the 30. Still, a young line has played well on both sides and the defense slowed Jersey Shore's running game minus a few big plays. The Warriors held both opponents to fewer than 300 yards and forced four turnovers at Troy. That included Bradyen Burkett intercepting two passes. Lineman Branson Fogleman knocked down two Jersey Shore passes and added a tackle for loss, while linebacker Jacob Schon leads the team with 17 tackles. Quarterback Elijah Eck is second among area passers in yards and also ran for a career-high 129 yards and three touchdowns at Troy. Jay Houseknecht caught four passes last week and James Williams showed big-play ability with a magnificent 60-yard catch and run touchdown. Kaden Kleinmann has provided hard-nosed running and grew stronger as last week's game progressed, scoring a fourth quarter touchdown.
Montoursville player to watch--Maxton Williamson: The junior safety had Jersey Shore playing behind the chains multiple times, making big plays deep in the backfield. A first-time starter, Williamson is making a nice impact and made three tackles for loss, all resulting in at least four yards for loss. His ability to read and react certainly will be an asset against Southern's power running game.
Southern PPG--32.0, PPA--19.5; YPG--391.5, YPA--260
Southern notes: Southern captured its seventh Class AA state championship in eight years last fall and looks as potent as ever. The Tigers opened the season with impressive wins against Class AAAA state power Wyomissing and Class A title contender Williams Valley. Southern has won 17 straight games since last year and again is the state's top-ranked Class AA team. The Tigers trailed early at Williams Valley last Saturday, but scored 30 of the final 36 points as Grady Garcia ran for a career-high 178 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a score from quarterback Ayden Hockenbroch who is seeking his third straight 1,000-yard season. While Southern is a run-first team, it is effective when it goes to the air and Blaise Kissinger caught two touchdowns at Montoursville in last year's 26-16 victory. Three of Jace Malakoski's catches have gone for touchdowns, including two in the season opener. Joey Williams ran for 108 yards in that game. Linebacker Noah Witting has made 23 tackles in two games and Keagan Diehl intercepted a pass at Williams Valley. Montoursville is the last team to beat Southern Columbia on its home field in the playoffs, doing so in the 2014 district semifinals when it won, 26-14 on its way to taking the title.
Southern player to watch--Chase Williams: One of the state's premier defensive ends, Williams generated six sacks and 27 ½ tackles for loss a year ago. Williams has picked up where he left off this season, producing 2 1/2 sacks, including at least one in both games. He also has a team-high five tackles for loss.
Outlook: Montoursville is doing some nice things with a fairly young group and I like what Reese Holmes and his staff are building in their first year there. Still, this is a tall order tonight and Southern likely extends its winning streak.