Dave Kennedy/Sun-Gazette South Williamsport’s Dylan Scherer attempts a reception during a game against Canton this season.
Milton PPG–9.0, PPA–28.7; YPG-202, YPA-325
Milton comments: Milton has two tough games coming up against Montoursville and Southern Columbia, but they showed their mettle in their season opener, rallying late to beat Shikellamy 20-17 in overtime. Quarterback Isaiah Miniam was injured two weeks ago against Montoursville, but backup Chase Lytle was strong, throwing for 139 yards and a touchdown against Southern. Monty Fisher, who caught six passes in each of Milton’s first two games, had his best yardage performance against Southern with three catches for 112 yards. Fisher will likely be used in the backfield as well and is a special teams weapon. South allowed two touchdowns on punt returns last week, so that’s one to watch. Milton struggled to get their running game going last week, but Chris Doyle is one of the area’s best running backs, throwing for over 70 yards in each of their first two games. Doyle, Dom Lytle and Hayden Patterson are also talented linebackers who helped the defense hold off Montoursville and keep Milton in the game until late in the fourth quarter. Milton has gone 9-2 the past two seasons and was in 4A that season before moving up to 3A. The field is competitive and Milton is looking to establish itself there.
Milton Players to Watch – Lucas Ditty: A reliable defensive back, Ditty intercepted three passes last year and could be a great matchup against South’s explosive Dylan Scherer. Ditty also showed off his receiving ability last week against Southern, scoring a touchdown.
South PPG–13.7, PPA–24.3; YPG–229.7, YPA–255.7
South highlights: Like Milton, South has played two quality opponents in the past two weeks, including a trip to Class AA Troy, ranked No. 1 in the state, last Friday. South opened its season with a 26-13 win over Athens, which was especially impressive considering Athens had won its past two games and upset Canton last Saturday. The defense was nearly at full strength against Troy, but two special teams touchdowns early in that game broke South’s lead. South has allowed just 30 points in its first two games, including a blocked field goal by Caden Smith against Athens that led to a return touchdown by Tad Lusk. Caleb Johnson has been in good form, intercepting a pass in each of his last two games. Scherer was named All-State defensive back last fall and has stopped three passes. Paxton Gephart and Ryan Bauer have combined for five tackles for loss. Scherer is tied for second among area receivers with 15 catches and third in yards. He has surpassed 90 yards twice this season. Quarterback Tad Rusk has thrown for 20-plus touchdowns since becoming the starter midseason last fall, and underclassman running backs Jaden Ham, Eli Smith and Cade Rusk have all shown their talents early this year. Ham ran for 91 yards in Athens’ win and Rusk had a 26-yard touchdown run at Troy.
South Players to Watch – Ben Ferris: The senior defensive tackle played a key role in South’s run to the state Class A Final Four last year and is tied for second in tackles for loss. His ability to plug up the middle and slow down Milton’s running game will play a key role in how this game plays out.
Outlook: These two teams are similar in many ways and their matches over the past two seasons have been very competitive. This time around, it feels like the first team to reach 20 points will win (if they can get there at all).
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