By Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent South Williamsport quarterback Tad Rask, 5, hands Eli White, 28, during a high school football game against Montgomery.
South PPG–21.8, PPA–25.7, YPG–270.8, YPA–288.3
South notes: South (4-5) is tied with Loyalsock for the region’s longest district playoff winning streak (12) and will likely need a win tonight to extend that streak. The Mounties sit eighth in the District 4 Class AA standings, with the top eight teams advancing.
Reaching the postseason would be a great accomplishment for a team that started primarily with underclassmen, including several freshmen, with a big hit in alumni. South has won three straight after a 1-3 start and erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit at Cowanesque Valley after a late rally against Wyalusing. Freshman running backs Cade Rask and Eli White combined for 966 yards and 11 touchdowns. Quarterback Tad Rask threw a team-high eight touchdowns, and Paxton Gephardt and Max Wilton served as anchors for a young, rookie offensive line. Caleb Johnson is the only player to intercept Troy’s 1,000-yard quarterback Evan Woodward this season, and freshman Kasim Davenport leads the team in sacks. Caden Smith contributed up front, blocking a field goal that led to Tad Rask’s return touchdown in the season opener against Athens.
South player to watch – Dylan Scherer: The senior earned all-state honors in the secondary last year and had three interceptions this season. He is also the only South receiver to reach 80 catches in the 2000s. He has been double-teamed a lot this season, but has continued to provide consistent production. His 1,503 career yards are also the most by a South receiver in the 2000s.
Northwestern PPG – 8.6, PPA – 39.8,
Northwest Notes: Northwest (1-8) is looking to build momentum heading into next season after losing its past four games. The Rangers are also looking for their first home win with a 17-14 win over New Hope Solebury. Quarterback Jace McCoy has thrown for 1,207 yards and six touchdowns, and Noah Arnette, Logan Dilts and RJ Moyer have all caught at least 24 passes. Arnett is a new student. Dilts is a sophomore and they combined for 69 pass catches, 678 yards and four touchdowns. McCoy also leads the team in rushing with 290 yards and four touchdowns. Freshman Shane Hempel ran for 205 yards.
Northwest Player to Watch – Ben Bonham: The sophomore linebacker leads Northwest in tackles, averaging 8.8 tackles per game. He has collected at least 10 tackles four times, and had a strong showing last week against Wellsboro with four tackles and one sack for a loss.
Outlook: The Northwest, like the South, has a good young core. But the Mounties are having a better season and should be here if they focus and play hard.
