Williamsport at Berwick preview
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Williamsport PPG--33.7, PPA--26.3; YPG--389, YPA--382.1
Williamsport notes: Williamsport (5-2) is trying to clinch its first winning season since 2020 and also defeat Berwick for the first time since that season. The Millionaires are atop the District 2-4 Class 6A standings and one more line likely would secure no worse than a No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Quarterback Tevin Williams is expected to play for the first time since Week 3 and his return comes at a great time with Zion Hughes injured last week and questionable to play after excelling in four starts. Williams was leading the area in rushing and was among the area's passing leaders after three games and was on pace for 1,000-yard rushing and passing seasons. He also totaled more than 1,000 yards in three starts. Trey Damschroder leads the area in catches and is second in yards, going over 100 career catches. Delantae Haberstroh-Shots caught six passes for 115 yards and a touchdown two weeks ago in a comeback win at Jersey Shore and he, Kason Ulmer and Jaylen Lilly all have caught at least 15 passes. Freshman Za'Mire Hopkins ran for 133 yards against Selinsgrove and returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown against Shikellamy. Linebackers Davahjei Dymeck and Anthony Manley both average more than eight tackles per game and Manley is tied for the area sack lead at seven. He also returned an interception for a touchdown. The defense stifled Shamokin, the state's No. 1-ranked 4A team for a half last week, surrendering just one touchdown.
Williamsport player to watch--Jaylen Williams: The sophomore defensive back came up big at Jersey Shore, intercepting two passes. The first snuffed out a first-quarter drive and the second came when Williams made a fantastic play and covered ample ground on a deep ball. He also adds depth at wide receiver and could make noise there the next few years.
Berwick PPG--22.7, PPA--19.3; YPG--304.1
Berwick notes: Berwick (4-3) has won consecutive games and has two shutouts this season. The Bulldogs held off a fourth quarter rally a week ago against Hazleton, winning, 24-21. Workhorse running back Gavin Galutia ran for 142 yards and two touchdown on 28 carries and Berwick collected five sacks, along with 11 tackles for loss. Like Williamsport, Berwick has been without a multi-threat quarterback with Brayden Cleaver missing the last three games. Cleaver ran for 586 yards and eight touchdowns the first four weeks and threw for 376 yards. Shiloh Escobar ran for a score and completed 6 of 9 passes against Hazleton. Galutia has run for 555 yards and six touchdowns, twice topping 100 yards. Gabe Decker is dangerous in the passing game and has 21 catches for 215 yards. Decker averges 8.8 tackles per game; Galutia 8.7 and they have combined for 27 tackles for loss. Brock Simms also has 13 tackles for loss and Escobar has intercepted three passes.
Berwick player to watch--Jake Lisnock: The senior defensive end helps set the tone for Berwick and has two sacks, as well as a team-high 15 tackles for loss. Lisnock produced two sacks against Hazleton has tackles for loss in every game. He also played fullback last week, running for 44 yards on six carries.
Outlook: Berwick has dominated the line of scrimmage in the last three games against Williamsport, running the ball at will. The Millionaires can expect Berwick to try the same thing tonight. How it holds up will likely determine how this game plays out.