Loyalsock at Montoursville preview
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Background: While this rivalry goes back a long way, the official Battle of the Bridge started in 2002 with Montoursville holding a 14-10 advantage. Loyalsock and Montoursville also have met four times in the playoffs since then, the Warriors winning the last three games. Montoursville snapped Loyalsock's three-game Bridge winning streak a year ago, but is seeking its first home Bridge win since 2021. Both teams will compete in the District 4 Class AAA playoffs next week.
Loyalsock PPG--29.6, PPA--26.6; YPG--348.2, YPA--342.6
Loyalsock notes: A rash of injuries has hurt Loyalsock (4-5) and it has dropped four of five games since a 3-1 start. The Lancers were inches from a potential win last week, but Hughesville made a dramatic stand and preserved a 10-7 victory. It looks like Loyalsock will be either the No. 6 or 7 seed in next week's quarterfinals and play at either Mifflinburg or Athens, depending on how tonight's outcomes go. The defense played one of its best games last week, allowing just three second-half points. Sophomore linebacker Cooper Cowden has had a big season starting for the first time and made 15 tackles, including 10 solos. Freshman Jackson Keefer and Matthew Rickard both made eight tackles and Rickard is tied with Zion Cobb with a team-high three interceptions. Quarterback Dyson Dupont has thrown for a Loyalsock freshman record 1,284 yards, producing at least one touchdown pass in every game. He also has run for 543 yards and senior Cayden Sones has come up big in the absence of Ivan Baker, running for 711 yards and six touchdowns. Sones also has topped 90 yards in four straight games. Carter Brown caught his sixth touchdown a week ago and he and Cobb have combined for 42 catches, 662 yards and 10 scores. Loyalsock is playoff-bound for a 15th straight year.
Loyalsock player to watch--Jordan Walker: The senior two-way lineman has been a big part of the offense's success, helping three players gain at least 368 yards. Walker also was key in slowing Hughesville a week ago, the defensive tackle making six tackles, including five solos. Walker also has a sack and two tackles for loss.
Montoursville PPG--24.4, PPA--18.3; YPG--321.6, YPA--248.8
Montoursville notes: It looks like Montoursville will be either the No. 4 or 5 seed in next week's quarterfinals. If it wins tonight and Mifflinbug defeats Lewisburg, the Warriors likely will host Lewisburg. If Lewisburg wins and/or Montoursville loses, that game will be at Christy Mathewson Stadium. Either way, the Warriors are hoping to break out of an offensive funk. They moved the ball well at times against defending District 4 Class AAA champion Mifflinburg last week, but were limited to seven points. Conversely, the defense has been stout for much of the season and contained an explosive Wildcat offense. The Warriors have not let an opponent score more than one offensive touchdowns in any of their five wins and held teams scoreless for 11 straight quarters earlier this year. Linebacker Jacob Schon has had a big season and Riggs McGraw, Zane Butler and Branson Fogleman all have flourished up front. Brayden Burkett has intercepted five passes, forced a fumble and blocked a punt. Cornerback Jay Houseknecht has allowed just one touchdown pass and safety Maxton Williamson averages 7.2 tackles per game. Quarterback Elijah Eck has topped 200 yards passing four times and seven players have gone over 100 yards receiving. Freshman Bryson Fillman caught four touchdowns in a 35-8 win at Danville. Kicker Brent Crawford is 24 of 25 on extra-point tries.
Montoursville player to watch--Kaden Kleinman: The junior running back/linebacker offered a glimpse of what was coming when he ran for 65 yards and a touchdown on seven second-half carries a year ago at Loyalsock. He has run well and been a reliable receiver out of the backfield this season, but has been even better defensively. Kleinman has seven or more tackles in four straight games and made 10 at Mifflinburg, including three for loss.
Outlook: These teams are more evenly matched this season than last. Both are hoping to build momentum entering the playoffs, too. But throw that aside. It's Loyalsock-Montoursville. That is all it takes to motivate either team, so expect quite a battle.
By CHRIS MASSE