Warrior Run at Hughesville preview
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Warrior Run PPG--22.9, PPA--28.0; YPG--336.1, YPA--351.9
Warrior Run notes: Injuries have hit area teams hard this year, but the epicenter might be in Turbotville where Warrior Run has lost three first team Sun-Gazette league all-stars, its quarterback and three linemen for either the season or extended times. Still, the Defenders (3-4) played a strong game a week ago against Loyalsock, erasing a 14-point second quarter deficit and nearly a 21-point fourth quarter deficit. There were a lot of building blocks for a team which is fifth in the District 4 Class AA standings with a chance to be a sleeper in the quarterfinals if it stays there. Jackson Bower and Emiliano Torres both played well at quarterback against Loyalsock, combining for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Torres also ran for 55 yards and a score, set up his rushing touchdown with a 16-yard catch and intercepted a pass. Wide receiver Liam Moore made some terrific catches, finishing with a career-high nine for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He and Bryson Weigel are among the area's top 15 in receiving yards and Weigel also averaged 5.4 yards per carry against Loyalsock. Defensive end David Stiner has six tackles for loss and Daniel Hawley had a strong game against Loyalsock, generating nine tackles and a sack.
Warrior Run player to watch--Carter Little: The junior linebacker missed the first half of the season, but quickly has made up for lost time, making 20 tackles in two games. Little was all over the field against Loyalsock, producing a game-high 14 tackles, including 10 solos. He also had a tackle for loss and provides offensive depth, running for 31 yards on four carries.
Hughesville PPG--10.6, PPA--25.9; YPG--168.9, YPA--288
Hughesville notes: Hughesville (2-5) has split two games against Warrior Run the last two years, winning at home two years ago, 32-29 in double overtime. Tonight's game is a big one for both teams because a Warrior Run keeps Hughesville behind it in the standings, but a Spartan would could vault it past the Defenders. Hughesville had won consecutive games and allowed just 13 points before running into undefeated Bloomsburg last Friday. The Spartans scored 21 second-half points against Northwest and rallied from down three in the final eight minutes against Midd-West. Jerry Barton is at the heart of a physical defense and has an area-high 21 tackles for loss, as well as three sacks. He, Chase Shrawder, Maliki Emmil, Alphonzo Smith and Colton Woolever all have six or more tackles for loss. Carter Gordner picked off two passes in the season's first three games and Levi Green added one against Midd-West. Shrawder went over 100 yards rushing at Bloomsburg and Connor Anstadt quarter Nick Stubbs touchdowns in the two wins. He also again is leading all District 4 punters in yardage, producing 48.6 yards per kick and dropping 16 of 37 inside the 20-yard line.
Hughesville player to watch--Julian Smith: The sophomore wide receiver is making strides each week as he gains more experience. Smith matched a career-high with four catches against Bloomsburg and leads the team in receiving yardage. He also helps defensively and intercepted a pass against Mifflinburg, only the second player to pick off Wildcat quarterback Brennen Snyder this year.
Outlook: Both teams have an opportunity at earning a quality win and gaining some late-season momentum tonight. Last year's Warrior Run rout often has been the exception in a series which has featured some thrillers over the years. Tonight could be another fun one.