Mark Nance / Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock’s Namil Thomas plays against Lewisburg during last week’s game at Bucknell. The Lancers head to Warrior Run (5-1) tonight.
Royasoc PPG – 24.2, PPA – 20.5; YPG-313, YPA-258
Loyalsock said: Loyalsock (4-2) is fourth in the District 4 Class AA playoff standings and is seeking its 13th consecutive district playoff appearance, tied with South Williamsport for the most among area teams. I’m here. The Lancers are in fourth place in the standings, and if they stay there they will be in the quarterfinals. Loyalsock led undefeated Lewisburg late in the first half a week ago, but struggled in the second half and lost 27-13.
The defense allowed fewer than 13 points three times, and Jeremiah Johnson was among the area leaders with five sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Linebacker Preston Gross is averaging 10 tackles per game, while Isaiah West and Chase Wright each recover two fumbles. Linebacker Deryk Kulp averaged 6.2 tackles per game and Jahlil Coates led the team in receptions with two interceptions and provided a spark in the return game. Dolan Herman has gained over 100 yards in five of six games, including four in a row. The junior workhorse was also the only player to top 100 yards against Lewisburg. Quarterback Danny Dewell is averaging nearly 100 yards per game through the air, and Nicholas Avalos completed 5 of 6 passes while leading a late touchdown drive against Lewisburg. Loyalsock defeated Warrior Run in the District 4 Class AAA semifinals last year, but both teams now advance to Class AA, with Warrior Run ranked No. 2.
Loyalsock player to watch – Blake Phillips: The senior linebacker made a big impact against Lewisburg, recording a season-high 10 tackles. Phillips is part of a solid linebacking unit and also made a key interception in the come-from-behind victory over Bloomsburg.
Warrior Run PPG–37.3, PPA–16.7. YPG-355.8, YPA-249
Warrior Run Notes: Warrior Run (5-1) is looking for its first win against Loyasock since 2005. This victory also marks the first time they have secured an undefeated season since 2005-2006. The Defenders bounced back from an early loss to win last Friday against North Penn-Mansfield, dominating in the second half for a 70-24 victory. The Defenders scored touchdowns in all three phases, including two Warrior runs on the defensive end, erasing a four-point deficit in the second quarter and scoring the final 49 points of the game. Eli Butler led the team in rushing and tackles, rushing for 301 yards, returning kickoffs and interceptions for touchdowns, and scoring five total points for North Penn Mansfield. Warrior Run played without two key starters in co-sack leader Stone Allison and wide receiver Sam Hall. Despite missing the past two games, Allison is tied for second among sack leaders and Hall is third in yards among receivers. Isaiah Betts is tied with Allison for 4 1/2 sacks and led the area in sacks a year ago. Quarterback James Keefer leads the area in passer rating and has surpassed 1,000 yards as a first-year player who started practicing a week ago. Colby LeBaron ran for seven touchdowns and Cohen Zeckman scored a touchdown last week. Tyler Ulrich also caught a touchdown and is having a strong season despite not playing as a sophomore. Ulrich committed five tackles and also blocked a kick.
Warrior Run Players to Watch – Denin Beachell: The second-year linebacker is blossoming in his first year as a starter. Beachel is averaging 6.2 tackles per game, six of which are for a loss. Beachel had nine solo tackles two weeks ago against Lewisburg.
Outlook: These teams are about evenly matched, and the games against Lewisburg and Bloomsbug mirror each other in many ways. I feel like this could be one of the best games in the district tonight.
Northwest Montgomery (3-3) is one of the most improved teams in the district and has won three straight.
Central Mountain PPG—7.2, PPA—46.2; YPG—189.8, YPA—380.5 Central Mountain Notes: Central Mountain (0-6) …
