Old Shoe Game: Muncy at Montgomery preview
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Background: Montgomery captured the Old Shoe Trophy for the first time since 2018 a year ago when it defeated Muncy, 27-7. That also was the first time Montgomery took the Shoe at Muncy in the 2000s. Montgomery then blanked Muncy, 31-0 in the District 4 Class A semifinals. Either Montgomery or Muncy has played in every Class A championship since 2016. The winner of tonight's game takes sole possession of first place in the NTL-II with both the lone remaining unbeaten league teams. Montgomery is third in the district standings and Muncy fourth.
Muncy PPG--35.0, PPA--5.8, YPG--362.8, YPA--190
Muncy notes: Muncy (3-1) has won three straight games and is allowing the fewest points in District 4. The Indians have surrendered just 23 points and three touchdowns, not allowing an opponent to score more than 14 points. The Indians also have been opportunistic, forcing 13 turnovers. Eight players have intercepted 10 passes and Muncy picked off three in last week's win against Towanda. Nate Rogers and Cullen Reed both have two interceptions and Drew Ryder and Nixon Lamper have made nine tackles for loss. Freshman Finn Thomas has made a big, immediate impact, averaging a team-high 9.3 tackles per game. Noah Walters intercepted a pass last week and he and Noah Weikle have flourished at quarterback, combining for 853 yards and eight touchdowns. Both are averaging more than 100 yards per game and both are running threats. Speaking of, Layken Harris has rushed for five touchdowns since returning from an injury in Week 2. He is one of four runners with more than 100 yards. Rogers is second among area receivers in catches (22) and has caught a score in all four games, twice topping 100 yards. Reed has caught two touchdowns and Ryder and Kynton Fish both have reeled in long passes for 50 or more yards. Muncy had won three straight NTL-II championships before Montgomery ended its reign a year ago.
Muncy player to watch--Jaxson Thomas: A senior leader, Thomas provides Muncy a lift on both sides of the ball, especially at linebacker. There, Thomas made 25 tackles in two games against Montgomery last year, including 15 in the semifinals. He is averaging 5.8 tackles this year and has two for loss while adding 114 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Montgomery PPG--22.8, PPA--8.5, YPG--269.3, YPA--195.3
Montgomery notes: Troy snapped Montgomery's 11-game regular season win streak last Friday, winning a defensive battle, 14-7. That game was scoreless until the fourth quarter as Montgomery (3-1) held Troy to its lowest point total this season. Like Muncy, Montgomery features a stingy defense and is third among District 4 teams in points allowed. The starting unit has allowed just 27 points and made a dramatic goal line stand to help preserve a 12-6 win against South Williamsport two weeks ago. Hayden Denton helped seal victory with an end zone interception and has three picks in his first year starting. All-state safety Trace Furman has two interceptions and averages a team-high 11.8 tackles per game. Linebacker Cameron Woltz also tops 10 tackles per game; Gage Furman averages nine and Lincoln Miller has 3 ½ tackles for loss. A year ago, Montgomery limited Muncy to seven points and 340 yards in its two wins. Gage Furman played well in place of injured quarterback Briar Persing at Troy, throwing for 115 yards in his first start. Miller, Trace Furman and Logan Joy all caught multiple passes. Josh Knoebel has gone over 90 yards in three straight games, scoring each time, and is second among area rushers. He and Trace Furman both topped 1,000 yards a year ago and combined for 246 yards with three touchdowns in the district semifinals.
Montgomery player to watch--Logan Joy: The senior cornerback was a huge reason Montgomery enjoyed success against Muncy a year ago. With the Indians throwing the ball the way they have, he will again play a central role. Joy did not allow a touchdown pass all season a year ago and forced a fumble which helped seal the district semifinal win.
Outlook: With both defenses surging, points could be hard to come by tonight. It's also a bit of a contrast in offensive styles, but as almost always is the case, this game likely will be won in the trenches. What a battle it should be there. With a huge crowd expected, this should be fun.