Hughesville at Loyalsock preview
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Hughesville PPG--13.8, PPA--26.4; YPG--184.3, YPA--303.4
Hughesville notes: Hughesville (3-5) is coming off a dramatic 36-30 overtime comeback win against Warrior Run which vaulted it to No. 5 in the District 4 Class AA rankings. The Spartans likely need at least one win in their final two games to hold off Warrior Run and/or Towanda for that spot. Hughesville's offensive line took last week's game over, paving the way for 284 rushing yards. Chase Shrawder ran for a career-high 191 yards, topping 100 yards for a third straight game, and also returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Nick Stubbs ran for 75 yards and a touchdown and his end zone interception on the first play of overtime set up Hughesville to win the game three plays later. Carson Shoemaker is excelling at fullback and also played a large role in the running success against Warrior Run; also running for a touchdown. Linebackers Maliki Emmil and Alphonzo Smith had strong games last week and defensive end Jerry Barton is among area leaders in tackles for loss with 21, while averaging 7.7 tackles per game. Connor Anstadt placed two more punts inside the 20-yard line last week and the all-state punter is averaging 48.6 yards this season. Hughesville has won three of its last four games following an 0-4 start. The Spartans are trying to beat Loyalsock for the first time since the 2015 district quarterfinals.
Hughesville player to watch--Cael Bowman: The freshman line is one of several exciting Hughesville young players making big impacts. That was especially true against Warrior Run. Bowman was a key part of the offensive line's success and also produced a late sack and forced an incompletion on third down to force a punt on Warrior Run's final possession of regulation.
Loyalsock PPG--32.4, PPA--28.6; YPG--362.9, YPA--358.5
Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (4-4) enters tonight sixth in the District 4 Class AAA standings, but earning a home game for the quarterfinals remains a possibility if it wins its final two games. Before running into seven-win Shikellamy last week, Loyalsock also earned an exciting win against Warrior Run, scoring 21 points in 92 seconds during the fourth quarter to break a 14-14 tie. Cayden Sones is having a big season and has topped 90 yards in three consecutive games. He ran for a career-high 166 yards and three touchdowns against Warrior Run and returned a kickoff 95 yards for a score against Lewisburg. Quarterback Dyson Dupont has thrown at least one touchdown pass in every game and is tied for second among area passers with 18 touchdown passes. Carter Brown caught his fifth touchdown a week ago and Zion Cobb and CJ Taylor have combined for seven touchdown grabs, although Taylor has missed the last three games with an injury. Linebacker Matthew Rickard is having a strong season, averaging a team-high 9.5 tackles per game and intercepting three passes. Cobb also has three interceptions and Cooper Cowden seven tackles for loss. Connor Tallman anchors a big offensive line and his blocking was critical to Loyalsock's late-game success at Warrior Run. The Lancers ignited a four-game winning streak with a 30-3 win against Hughesville in Week 3 last year.
Loyalsock player to watch--Wyatt Emerick: The two-way starter plays pivotal roles on the offensive line and at linebacker. He made a series of key plays against Warrior Run, one which saved a first-half touchdown, and produced nine solo tackles. Emerick has come on strong the last three weeks, making 27 tackles.
Outlook: This game looks a whole lot more interesting than it did four games into the season. Hughesville has come a long way since its slow start and this will be a good battle up front. Both teams need this game, so look for a closer game than a year ago.