South Williamsport at Muncy preview
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Background: The last two regular season games between these rivals played at Muncy have been decided on the game's last play. Muncy won in overtime in 2023 when Nate Rogers caught a game-winning 2-point pass. Samir Moy sealed a 28-20 South victory last year with a last-second end zone interception. The winner tonight stays a game behind Montgomery in the NTL-II standings and keeps its league title hopes alive, although it would have to win out in league play and receive help.
South PPG--34.4, PPA--5.8; YPG--327, YPA--124.6
South notes: South (3-2) thundered back after two straight close and frustrating losses, blanking Canton, 56-0 last Friday. The Mounties have won all three games via shutout and lead District 4 in both points and yards allowed. Colton Paulhamus ignited a swarming defense against Canton, returning an interception for a touchdown and adding a sack. South finished with five sacks and Iziah Touchet added an interception. Linebacker Cade Lusk leads the team in tackles and Dominick Barclay has three tackles for loss, while Kamdyn Bubb adds two sacks. Starting quarterback Cole Gerber missed last week's game with an injury and sophomore Garrett Lorson will make his second start if he is unavailable tonight. Lorson, Lusk and Eli White all ran for more than 400 yards last year. White had a big game against Muncy, going for 105 yards and three touchdowns and Lorson made a fantastic long touchdown run which put South up, 28-20. Levi Butler has caught 78 passes in 1 ½ seasons despite not playing football until last year. His five catches against Muncy came at key times and helped set up multiple scores in that win. Taylor Naugle led the team with five interceptions last season and is a running threat as well, producing 67 yards and a touchdown against Canton. South is sixth in the District 4 Class AA standings and needs to reach the top four to host a first round game.
South player to watch--Caleb Johnson: The senior cornerback is a three-year starter and is having a strong season, breaking up a team-high seven passes. Johnson will play a big role tonight with Muncy's ability to throw the ball and he provides receiving depth, catching a touchdown in the season opener.
Muncy PPG--32.0, PPA--10.6; YPG--324.8, YPA--213.4
Muncy notes: Muncy (3-2) held a three-point lead late in the second quarter at Montgomery last week before the Red Raiders rallied and won, 30-20. Muncy became just the second team in 15 games to reach 20 points against Montgomery and surrendered just 23 points over its first four games. Muncy gave a full strength Warrior Run team a battle in the season opener and followed with three straight victories; allowing just one touchdown. Freshman Finn Thomas has come up huge in his debut season, especially with Layken Harris missing time because injury. The linebacker is averaging a team-high 10.4 tackles per game. He, Cullen Reed and Drew Ryder all have at least three tackles for loss. Eight players have intercepted 11 passes for Muncy and Chase Boozer returned an interception 80 yards for a go-ahead score against Montgomery. Nate Rogers has two interceptions and is third among area receivers with 25 catches. He also threw a 39-yard pass a week ago and has scored in all five games. Quarterbacks Noah Weikle and Noah Walters have both played well, combining for nearly 1,000 yards. Each are mobile threats as well. Jaxson Thomas ran well against Montgomery and also is an outstanding linebacker. Despite missing two games, Harris has run for five touchdowns. Muncy is fourth in the District 4 Class A standings and ensured of a playoff berth with all seven eligible.
Muncy player to watch--Nixon Lamper: The four-year starting lineman was all over the field at Montgomery, making a career-high 16 tackles. Lamper is explosive up front and his 7.4 tackles per game is a fantastic number for a lineman. An anchor on the offensive line, Lamper also has 19 tackles for loss the past two years.
Outlook: Other rivalries receive more attention, but in terms of consistent competitiveness, this may be the area's best during the 2000s. The annual series has been filled with thrillers and both programs have mirrored each other in success. Expect another exciting to be added to this ongoing story tonight.