Shamokin at Williamsport preview
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Shamokin PPG--45.5, PPA--5.8; YPG--412.8, YPA--174.2
Shamokin notes: Shamokin (6-0) is the state’s top-ranked 4A team and has won 26 straight regular season games. It can clinch a third straight HAC-I championship with a win tonight. The Indians have shutout consecutive opponents since allowing a season-high 386 yards against Jersey Shore and also have shutouts in three of their last four games. The starting unit has nearly scored as many touchdowns this season (4) as it has allowed (5). Wake Forest defensive back Logan Steele has returned both an interception and fumble for scores. Steele is one of District 4’s most dynamic players and is on pace to top both 1,000 passing and rushing yards this season. He ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 42-0 win against Selinsgrove. The Indians led 14-0 at halftime before dominating the second half and allowing just 144 yards. Colin Steinhart also was an all-state selection last year and has been the team’s leading receiver the past two years, while intercepting five passes in last year’s district final against Jersey Shore. Noah Ringes leads the team in tackles and averages more than 100 yards per game but is injured. Trey Taylor ran well in his place last week, gaining 76 yards on 12 carries and scoring a touchdown against Selinsgrove.
Shamokin player to watch--Ryan Bickert: Wherever he is, Bickert makes plays ... big ones. The explosive senior has returned an interception and kick for touchdowns, while scoring on long passes and runs. Bickert averages 33.6 yards per catch and totaled 100 yards on five touches at Central Mountain.
Williamsport PPG--37.2, PPA--22.7; YPG--421.5, YPA--370.1
Williamsport notes: Williamsport (5-1) leads the District 2-4 Class 6A standings and is coming off a dramatic 32-28 comeback win at Jersey Shore. The Millionaires scored twice in the final 11 minutes and made four red zone stops to win the Battle of 220 Trophy for the first time in three tries. Now, Williamsport is trying to secure its first winning regular season since 2020. The Millionaires lead the area in yards and points per game and Zion Hughes threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns against Jersey Shore, adding 69 yards rushing and two scores, including the game-winner. Trey Damschroder leads the area in catches (35) and caught eight passes for 185 yards. Delantae Haberstroh-Stotts had a big breakout game against Jersey Shore, hauling in six passes for 115 yards and a 54-yard touchdown. He, Kason Ulmer and Jaylen Lilly all have 14 or more catches. Linebacker Anthony Manley is among the area’s leading tacklers for a third straight year and also has an area-best seven sacks. Defensive lineman Cordoza Minor is close behind with six and Ulmer has four. Linebacker Davahjei Dymeck had a strong game at Jersey Shore and linebacker Eli Weaver made a huge tackle which forced the punt which set up Williamsport’s game-winning drive. Williams had a big night, intercepting two passes, including one at the 1-yard line.
Williamsport player to watch--Mha’si Strickland: An exciting freshman, Strickland made one of the game’s biggest plays at Jersey Shore, straddling the sideline and picking off a pass which all but sealed victory. He was all over the field there and also returned a punt 31 yards, nearly breaking away for a touchdown. He is a player to watch now and definitely in the coming years.
Outlook: It’s all about the lines tonight. Shamokin frequently imposes its will and did so in last year’s 42-7 win against Williamsport. To have a chance, Williamsport must find a way to neutralize that Shamokin strength and play a clean game.