West Scranton at Williamsport playoff preview
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Last meeting: Playing for first time
West Scranton PPG―14.1, PPA―32.4
West Scranton notes: The Invaders (3-7) started the season 2-0 and thumped third-seeded Hazleton, 38-17 in the opener. The defense stifled Scranton three weeks ago in a 19-6 win. Quarterback Austin Sostre has had a strong season, throwing for 1,148 yards. He played well against a tough North Pocono defense a week ago, throwing for 221 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Kaz Colbert is his favorite target and caught four passes for 127 yards and two scores. He topped 100 yards in both the opener and regular-season finale. Jonyae Sostre is dangerous as a runner and receiver and is second on the team with 23 catches for 249 yards and four touchdowns. He also has run for 300 yards and gained a season-high 120 yards in the Scranton win. Quincy Mosley is another quality receiver and caught two passes for 57 yards and a touchdown last Friday. West Scranton moved up to 6A this season and earned the final of the fourth playoff berths, edging out defending champion Wilkes-Barre.
West Scranton player to watch―Michael Green: He did not play during the season's first half, but Green has come on strong in the second half. Green highlighted that against rival Scranton, rushing for a career-high 137 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
Williamsport PPG―34.0, PPA―25.9; YPG―395.7, YPA―371
Williamsport notes: Williamsport (7-3) earned the top seed and is trying to reach a third straight final. The Millionaires also can become the first Williamsport team since 2016 to win eight games. Two of Williamsport's losses came late by a total of 11 points. The Millionaires bounced back last week and exacted some revenge on Wilkes-Barre, defeating it, 42-34 in a rematch of the last two district finals. The Millionaires led 42-10 before the starters exited. Quarterback Tevin Williams topped 100 passing and rushing yards for the fifth time in six games and hit Jaylen Lilly and Trey Damschroder with touchdowns. Zion Hughes has excelled as a runner, receiver and quarterback this season, while Damschroder is third among area receivers with 48 catches, scoring touchdowns in nine of 10 games. Lilly, Kason Ulmer and Delantae Haberstroh-Stotts all have caught at least 20 passes and the offensive line paved the way for 407 yards last week. The defense has struggled at times, but also been outstanding in wins against Selinsgrove and Berwick. Anthony Manley has lined up at linebacker and defensive end, collecting eight sacks, while linemen Ulmer and Cordoza Minor each have six sacks. Linebacker Davahjei Dymeck leads the team in tackles and freshman Mha'si Strickland intercepted his third pass last week. He and Jaylen Williams combined for three picks in a comeback win at Jersey Shore five weeks ago.
Williamsport player to watch―Cordoza Minor: The sacks tell a story, but not a complete one. Minor has been fantastic up front, fueling the defense and consistently wreaking havoc in the backfield. A four-year starter, Minor also helps anchor the offensive line which has helped Williamsport average nearly 400 yards per game.
Winner plays: Wyoming Valley West or Hazleton
Outlook: Williamsport played well down the stretch and has a nice blend of hungry seniors eager to exit high school on a high note and exciting young players eager to make a mark. West Scranton will do its best to put up a fight, but if Williamsport is focused and locked in, it has a good shot to reach the final.