Williamsport PPG–28.0, PPA–3.0; YPG-370, YPA-153.5
Williamsport news: Williamsport made its HAC-I debut tonight and looked like a team capable of performing in the new league in the first two weeks. The defense did not allow a single point and the only loss in the first two weeks came on a kickoff return. The Millionaires played well at all three levels with linebacker Lucas Norton recording more than 10 tackles in both wins. Sophomore Anthony Manley was an exciting playmaker with 16 tackles and a sack. Fellow linebacker Stanley Tidwell had the play of the game in last week’s 23-6 win at Hazleton, returning an interception for a touchdown just before halftime to give the Millionaires an 11-point lead. Giovanni White also had an interception and Kai Payton added a sack. The offense has also been strong, with quarterback Elijah Way distributing the ball effectively and scoring five touchdowns. Kyreek Bradshaw is second among area receivers in catches and has scored in both games, while Trey Damschroeder looks to be one of the area’s most anticipated sophomore breakout players this season. Kicker Parker Johnson is doing well in his first season of football. In addition to a 32-yard field goal against Hazleton, Johnson has converted six of his 11 kickoffs for touchbacks and is averaging 57 yards per kickoff.
Williamsport Players to Watch – Jayden Ransom: The Millionaires graduated four outstanding linebackers, but Ransom is one of many players ensuring that unit remains strong. The senior had seven tackles in each win and provided excellent run support.
Central Mountain PPG–6.5, PPA–41.0, YPG–173.5, YPA–322
Central Mountain highlights: Central Mountain graduated nearly all of its starters from last year’s District 6-9 Class AAAAA finalists and is one of the youngest teams in the area, with most of its starters being underclassmen. There is an understandable learning curve as many players are first-time starters, but it also has great potential. The run defense has been solid through the first two weeks, with Cole Corman and Kai Kissel both averaging seven tackles per game. The Wildcats have also recorded three sacks. Corman, a sophomore, started at linebacker last season and is becoming established in the offensive backfield, flashing his potential by running for 99 yards in the season opener against Mifflin County. Third-year running back Dylan McDermott is also another running back/linebacker to watch. He and Corman are receiving the majority of the team’s carries, and McDermott is also averaging six tackles per game. Quarterback Hunter Hoy played well last week at Bloomsburg, hitting Jace Seitzer for a 24-yard touchdown, and Central Mountain is looking to beat Williamsport for the first time since 2014.
Central Mountain Players to Watch – Kai Kissel: The senior made his presence felt in the season opener against Mifflin County, recording a career-high eight tackles and 1.5 sacks. He’s a versatile player who can play a variety of positions, and Kissel had five solo tackles against Bloomsburg.
Outlook: Williamsport is hoping to make their first HAC-I a positive experience and is looking good to do so. Central Mountain obviously wants to win this match, but if they come out on top playing better than they were a week ago, that will be encouraging.
Chris Masse
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