Shikellamy at Williamsport preview
Trending
Shikellamy PPG--15.7, PPA--19.3; YPG--264.7,YPA--260
Shikellamy notes: Shikellamy (2-0) started 2-0 before running into 4A state title contender Shamokin last week. The Braves are seeking their second straight win in this series after defeating Williamsport, 35-14 a year ago in Week 4. Shikellamy rallied from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit to edge defending District 4 Class AAA champion Mifflinburg in its opener with quarterback Bobby Felmy throwing four touchdowns. The sophomore also ran for 99 yards in that win. Thomas Pollock is one of the district's best wide receivers and is the district's current career leader in catches (187), yards (2,855) and touchdowns (25). He also was used as a primary rusher in a 21-0 win against Lewisburg, gaining 93 yards and scoring a touchdown on 10 carries. Gavin Keefer ran for 78 yards in that win and Felmy threw for 133 with two touchdowns. The defense went five quarters without allowing a point before going to Shamokin. Shikellamy made a four-win turnaround last year, reaching the district semifinals.
Shikellamy player to watch--Willie Bender: The senior linebacker has been at the heart of that turnaround and is one tackle from reaching 200 in his career. Bender leads the team in tackles again this season and also has a team-best six tackles for loss. A year ago he produced 90 tackles.
Williamsport PPG--41.3, PPA--17.3; YPG--41.3,YPA--343
Williamsport notes: Williamsport (3-0) likely will be without dynamic quarterback Tevin Williams (illness) tonight and that could leave a gaping void. Williams has been sensational the first three weeks, leading the area in rushing, while placing third in passing yards, totaling 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns scored four ways. If Williams does not play, Jaivion Alston could start or Zion Hughes may move from running back to quarterback, having played there before. The Millionaires are atop the District 2-4 Class 6A standings and lead the area in in yards per game. Hughes has topped 80 yards in consecutive games and wide receiver Trey Damschroder is second in catches with 16 for 264 yards. He also has scored in all three games. Five receivers caught passes in last week's win at Central Mountain and Jaylen Lilly caught a 39-yard scoring strike two weeks ago against Hazleton. Despite being short-handed at times because of injury last week, the defense played its best game. The starters allowed just 92 yards and three points. Defensive lineman Cordoza Minor was a force, collecting three sacks and four tackles for loss. Kason Ulmer added a sack and Nick Dincher recovered a fumble. Williamsport is 3-0 for a third straight season.
Williamsport player to watch--Jaxson Thompson: The senior lineman has been a big part of the offense's success thus far. He and his fellow linemen have paved the way for a unit which has scored at least 34 points in every game. An experienced starter, Thompson (275 pounds) is strong and agile and can help Williamsport try to impose its will whoever lines up under center.
Outlook: There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding this game, so it's hard to get a feel for it. This has been a battle the last few times these teams have met, so it would be surprising if this game is not a close one.