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Wyalusing PPG--2.4, PPA--40.0; YPG--94.2, YPA--317.2
Wyalusing notes: It's been a rough go for Wyalusing (0-5) but the Rams scored their first points a week ago and trailed Sayre by two at halftime before the Redskins pulled away. Wyalusing's roster is the smallest it has had in the 2000s and there have been plenty of growing pains but the team has made strides the last few weeks. Wide receiver Landry Tinna caught five passes in Week 2 against Muncy and Jacob Gromley ran for a career-high 86 yards and a touchdown against Sayre. Patrick O'Connor added 59 yards in that game. Quarterback Wiley Trombaugh threw for 76 yards and a score and the Rams have been throwing the ball much more often than in years past.
Wyalusing player to watch--Andrew Taylor: He did not play in the team's first three games, but Taylor has provided a spark since returning. The wide receiver has six catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, combining with Tinna to give Wyalusing a quality duo. Taylor caught a 36-yard score against Montgomery last season and five of his 12 catches resuled in touchdowns.
Montgomery PPG--24.2, PPA--10.8; YPG--276.6, YPA--191.4
Montgomery notes: Montgomery (4-1) took sole possession of first in the NTL-II with a comeback 30-20 win against Muncy a week ago and can repeat as champion if it wins its final three league games against Wyalusing, Sayre and Cowanesque Valley. The Red Raiders also moved up to No. 2 in the Class A standings and are battling Line Mountain for the top seed. Montgomery scored the game's final 13 points against Muncy, dominating the second half to take the Old Shoe in consecutive years for the first time since 1994. Sophomore Hayden Denton helped seal victory with his fourth interception and the offensive and defensive lines took control throughout the second half. Senior Lincoln Miller had a monster game with 4 ½ sacks, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and 124 yards rushing with a score. He, Trace Furman and Briar Persing all gained more than 60 yards and quarterback Gage Furman added a touchdown and sack. Trace Furman earned all-state honors at safety last year and is helping his case again with 55 tackles and two interceptions. Cameron Woltz has 47 tackles and has settled in up front offensively, playing on the line for the first time where players like Connor Jarrett, Ethan Hugar and Evan Hugar have helped anchor things.
Montgomery player to watch--Lyle Huggler: Speaking of that line, Huggler also is settling in and looking like a potential standout the next few years. A freshman, Huggler played a key role in Montgomery controlling the ball for nearly 32 minutes a week ago. Tall, strong and athletic, Huggler helped Montgomery run for 307 yards and should only get better as he gains more experience.
Outlook: Montgomery has played three straight thrillers, but that likely will not be the case. Nothing can be taken for granted in sports, but it if Montgomery plays the way it is capable of, this should be an early knockout.