Montoursville at Mifflinburg preview
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Montoursville PPG--26.6, PPA--18.0; YPG--327.5, YPA--246.3
Montoursville notes: It's not a stretch saying tonight's rematch of last year's District 4 Class AAA championship essentially is the start of Montoursville's postseason. The Warriors play Mifflinburg and Loyalsock the final two weeks of the regular season and those outcomes will go a long way in determining where Montoursville lands in the district bracket and whether it hosts a first-round game. The Warriors (5-3) are fourth and Mifflinburg (6-2) third in the standings, but Montoursville would move into third if it avenged two defeats from last year tonight. The Warriors have won four of their last five games with the lone loss coming against undefeated Mount Carmel. Montoursville, though, did struggle at times last Friday at Central Mountain before scoring 21 straight second-half points and pulling away. Quarterback Elijah Eck is second among area passers with 1,485 yards and also leads the team in rushing. Kaden Kleinman is close behind and produced 92 yards with a touchdown last week. Four receivers have double figure catch totals and all have scored as well. The defense allowed just 38 yards against Central Mountain and has held opponents to one or no offensive touchdowns in all five wins. Linemen Branson Fogleman, Riggs McGraw and Zane Butler all had big games at Central Mountain and linebacker Jacob Schon averages 9.6 tackles per game, making eight for loss.
Montoursville player to watch--Jay Houseknecht: The junior does just about everything on the field, lining up at receiver, running back and quarterback at different times. The cornerback also has allowed just one touchdown and is one of the area's leaders in punt return yards. Houseknecht also long snaps and averages nearly 21 yards per kickoff return.
Mifflinburg PPG--35.8, PPA--15.1; YPG--384.6, YPA--216.4
Mifflinburg notes: Mifflinburg thumped Montoursville twice last season, including 35-12 in the district final and has continued thriving despite heavy graduation losses. The Wildcats have won five straight games and feature a potent offense. Landon Moser had big games in both Montoursville games a year ago and is one of two District 4 rushers to go over 1,000 yards this season. He has topped 100 yards in five straight contests and ran for a career-high 260 yards in last week's win at Midd-West. Quarterback Brennen Snyder is one of the district's top-rated passers and has thrown a touchdown pass in all eight games, while going over 1,000 yards. Like Eck, Snyder spreads the ball around well and five receivers have 10 or more catches, while eight have scored. Before last week, Cameron Schneck had caught touchdowns in four straight games. Mifflinburg's defense has been among the district's most opportunistic, forcing 20 turnovers. The Wildcats have returned three fumbles and two interceptions for scores, Moser taking his second fumble this year for a score at Midd-West. He and linebacker Isaiah Kurtz have combined for 21 tackles for loss and Taylor Zimmerman has three interceptions.
Mifflinburg player to watch--Seth Hartman: The junior linebacker has been a big part of the defense's success and had six tackles, a sack and interception last week. Hartman has made eight tackles for loss and also is second on the team in rushing, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.
Outlook: On paper, this looks like it should be one of the district's best games this weekend. Both teams had to replace a lot of starters from last year and have done so well, each surging as the season has progressed. They have met in the postseason in consecutive years, the home team winning each time, and this rematch likely will have a playoff-feel.