e ’ re back for the 12th installment of Football Fever, the award-winning annual high school football preseason preview by the Williamsport SunGazette. Its most recent honor was a honorable mention (top 8) special section award in its circulation category for 2019 by the Associated Press Sports Editors
This year ’ s edition again features in-depth looks at all 17 teams, plus players to watch this upcoming season for each team
Also included in the magazine is a look at what the key is for Jersey Shore’s defense staying relentless, Loyalsock replacing an outstanding QB/WR duo, and the journey Muncy’s Austin Johnson went on being recruited in both wrestling and football at the Division 1 level.
We are also pleased to continue End Zone Extra this fall, which will run inside the Sun-Gazette every Friday during the season and preview each weekend’s action
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Jersey Shore players pose together for the magazine cover photo in late July
Jersey Shoreʼs defense is solid year in and year out, and this year shouldnʼt be any different.
FEATURES
4 TOUGH TO REPLACE:
Loyalsock lost an outstanding QB/WR duo in Tyler Gee and Jaylen Andrews But the cupboard isnʼt bare, and coach Justin Van Fleet is ready for the season.
8 TOUGH DECISIONS:
Muncyʼs Austin Johnson weighed tough decisions over the offseason as he was recruited in both football and wrestling at the Division I level.
TEAM PREVIEWS
11 BRINGING THE HOUSE:
Year in and year out one thing is for certain at Jersey Shore: the Bulldogs defense is going to be solid and relentless So how does Shore keep its defense outstanding every year?
64 MUST-SEE FOOTBALL:
What games this year are ones fans need to get out and see? A look at the top games each week from around the area for 2024.
All rights reserved No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or through any information or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher
ISBN: 978-0-615-67312-7
Publisher John Leeser
General manager Anthony Segraves
Advertising sales manager John Leeser
Editor Jon Gerardi
Editorial managers
Karen Vibert-Kennedy Mike Maneval
Production manager Chuck Smith
Sports staff
Chris Masse
Henry Huber
Zach Powell
Design editor Timothy R Wertz Jr
Photography Dave Kennedy
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
252 W. Fourth St. Williamsport, PA 17701 570-326-1551 ext 1123
We support big-league dreams.
B By y H HEENNRRY Y H HUUBBEER R hhuber@sungazette com
On June 22, Tyler Gee and Jaylen Andrews each repped their Loyalsock helmets one last time for the District 4 AllStar game The historic quarterback-receiver duo proceeded to dominate, rekindling that connection that’s thrived since 2022 and never appearing half a year removed from competition together, as Andrews took home the game’s MVP award and Gee was named North Offensive MVP.
While they put on a show, each impressive in their own right, Loyalsock coach Justin Van Fleet looked on, unsurprised but proud.
“I thought that was to be expected, that they’d be able to link up and have a great game, but I think they did an awesome job,” said Van Fleet. “I was certainly excited with what they were able to put out there on the field together ”
The performance reflected what the pair achieved throughout their careers at Loyalsock, legacies that will be tough to replicate
to say the least
On top of rewriting the program record books, each etched their names within the area and District 4 ones as well. Gee holds area records in career passing yards (7,508) and touchdowns (81) and Andrews does the same in career (3,020) and singleseason receiving yards (1,465)
Impactful both on and off the field, as leaders and dynamic athletes, they’ll both be greatly missed as they prepare for the next step of their football careers and Loyalsock its upcoming season, their first without the pair since 2019.
“I’m incredibly close with both of them and both will be sorely missed. A lot of what will be missed is the time spent with the kids. You lose an awful lot of positive time you had with them, and they’re missed in terms of leadership,” said Van Fleet.
“They also have District 4 and Lycoming County records under their belts, so they’re leaving with incredible acclaim But I’m excited for the opportunity for other individuals who have been working to step into those spots for a number of years.”
It's a situation Van Fleet has grown fa-
miliar with throughout his tenure with the storied program. From 2019 graduate and Villanova starting quarterback Connor Watkins, to recent 1,000-yard receivers in Rian Glunk (2022), Gerald Ross (2018) and Rees Watkins (2019), to their most recent record holders, Van Fleet takes pride in the tradition they’ve built at both positions.
“I’ve been wildly blessed with the quarterback position throughout my time here, with most of the quarterbacks that I’ve had being all-state caliber players. (We’ve) certainly had some guys who were incredibly talented at the wide receiver position (as well),” said Van Fleet, who’s entering Year 13 as the Lancers’ coach.
Still, the departures are rarely easy to overcome. Players like Gee and Andrews don’t come around every season, so the strategy for next season will be vastly different.
“The honest truth is that it’s certainly difficult. You can’t really replace those types of kids but in a sense, can replace their production,” said Van Fleet.
The question is, who will carry the load?
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Loyalsockʼs Tyler Gee runs against Hughesville during a game last fall.
MANNING THE HELM
As a sophomore, Danny Dowell saw time at wide receiver, catching nine balls for 174 yards and a touchdown
Some might’ve expected him to see a jump there his junior season, with Loyalsock’s receiving core of Andrews, Lehigh commit Jamaire Harden and Will Burdett all set to graduate. But unbeknownst to most, he was already making the transition to man the helm as Loyalsock’s next quarterback
“Danny is in the midst of a major position shift, and we’re excited about his development,” said Van Fleet when discussing his quarterback “We think he can be incredibly productive this coming year in the system and turn some pages.”
When compared to Gee, Dowell brings a different dynamic to the table: his speed As a member of the Loyalsock track and field team, Dowell helped his 400 relay team make it to states and held a personal best of 11 62 in the 100 dash
While Gee proved effective as a runner, rushing for over 500 yards and averaging over five yards per attempt his senior season, Dowell’s acceleration could be a consistent issue for area defenses, especially coupled with experienced backs like Dolan Harman and a stout, experienced offensive line
“He’s different than Tyler, but he’ll make the offense fit the standards and skills that we have,” said Van Fleet. “I think what he’ll bring to the table is his ability to escape and run at a higher clip than we did last year. We’re excited to unleash a little bit more of that in terms of what we’ve done in the past with quarterbacks ”
And even with the quick transition, Dowell is expected to be impactful through the air as well.
“He’s really defined and has worked on his arm talent,” said Van Fleet on Dowell’s passing. “He’s very strong in that area.”
WEAPONS, PROTECTION AND GAME PLAN
The impact of having a stout offensive line should not be understated. From middle school ball onwards, it’s one of the most important positions in football, a sentiment Van Fleet is quick to corroborate.
“As Jim Harbaugh made note of just a few weeks ago, he said that they had a heavy emphasis on the line because that’s the one position that in order for them to be great, they really don’t need anyone else’s help to do so,” said Van Fleet
“They’re one of the only positions where as a unit or as an individual, your success is correctly impacted by all others on an individual context Your work is necessary for every single other person on the field to have success.”
While Loyalsock is enduring an overhaul at the skill positions, its line remains mostly intact. Star linemen Jeremiah Johnson and Isaiah West look to build off successful seasons while Hakeem McClain harbors strong starting experience as well.
With those three, coupled
with a strong array of underclassmen, Dowell, Harman and other Lancer runners could expect holes to form in mass, an aspect that gives Van Fleet added confidence in his offense heading into the season. It will certainly play a role in its offensive game plan, as the team shifts back to a more run-oriented style of play
“We’re very excited and confident that our offensive line is going to be very strong for this coming year and a staple of what we’re working towards offensively,” said Van Fleet when discussing the game plan “I think a major focus is actually to rely an awful lot more on our offensive line taking care of business and creating seams for us to run through on a consistent basis.”
Nonetheless, Van Fleet expects the pass game to remain impactful Though matching Andrews’ production would be a tall ask, he has high hopes for his current group of receivers
Amidst receiver talks, the name that came up the most was Jalil Coates.
Making the shift from running back, where he ran for
150 yards on just 21 attempts last season, the junior has impressed through his hard work in learning the position and his intangibles.
Van Fleet described his catching as ‘top shelf’ and complimented his work ethic in learning to run routes and block, where he believes Coates could be exceptional Amidst a tradition that’s produced multiple 1,000-yard receivers in recent memory, he believes
Coates could be the next to do it.
“He’s really stepped forward and worked hard to become a clean wide receiver and he’s also spent a lot of time with Jaylen working on his game, similar to the way that Jaylen spent a lot of time with Rian Glunk,” said Van Fleet.
“We’re proud to have a tradition of strong receivers within our program and we can expect that to continue at this point. An expectation would be that Jalil would be a primary target for us ” Outside of Coates, Jadyn Wagner has stepped up throughout the offseason and should be expected to play a
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Loyalsockʼs Jaylen Andrews runs after a catch during a game last season.
role within the receiving room, along with Chase Wright – who’s returning after a year off – and Preston Gross –who can be impactful anywhere he’s placed
With Coates leading the way, Van Fleet has high expectations in his receiving core.
“It was a major concern after losing (Andrews), Will Burdett, Gage Patterson and LJ Lee. That’s a lot to lose in terms of a football team to replace,” said Van Fleet. But I really think that with the development throughout the off season, my confidence level has grown an awful lot in what we’re bringing to the table at our skill positions.”
“They bring a little bit more physicality to the table as well So that’s definitely welcome both within the run game and within the way they run routes A little bit less speed, but again more physicality in small spaces, so we’ll rely on that. In large part,
it really comes down to them understanding their jobs and assignments within routes and that they recognize their spacing,” he added on the receiving core.
PROUD TRADITION AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS
This past year, the number of Van Fleet’s Lancers to play at the collegiate level surpassed 30. That’s a milestone that gives the longtime coach both pride and assurance, with his collegiate newcomers having plenty of outlets they can go to for advice
“That’s exciting and definitely something that we’re proud of as a program and allows the players who are stepping into the collegiate level to have contacts that have kind of been there and are working through the process,” said Van Fleet. “They have the ability to find comfort and recognize what to do and what not to do, and really that’s a strong point of emphasis in terms of my contact with them ”
Tyler Gee and Jaylen Andrews have each gotten to speak with Connor Watkins, who’s spent five seasons at Villanova And Andrews has been receiving advice from Bam Brina on top of that, who plays defensive line at Pittsburgh. They’ll also have the opportunity to reconnect with former teammates in person
Gee will get to play alongside receiver Rian Glunk, with both joining the Robert Morris roster ahead of the upcoming season. And though Andrews will be the lone Lancer at East Stroudsburg, he could learn more about the PSAC from Ian Hornberger, who plays offensive line at division foe West Chester.
Those are added benefits to what each player already brings to the table, factors
that’ll help them better prepare for what’s ahead. Either way, Van Fleet expects big things from the pair.
“My expectation for both of them is to compete and work hard, get to class, have good grades,” said Van Fleet. “In terms of football, if they do those things, it’ll all fall in line.”
He looks forward to seeing what they’ll be able to accomplish, as he has with all the Lancers that have made it on the field at the next level. And more than anything, he looks to continue carrying the tradition forward and enjoys seeing what his guys achieve, on and off
the field.
“It’s been pretty neat being in this for 12 years, having individuals come back and individuals becoming professionals in the working world,” said Van Fleet “Definitely have a lot of pride with the long-term growth, of the kids making their way collegiately but also kids who go forward, get a job, come back and contribute ”
“They recognize what we’re trying to teach is something beyond just X’s and O’s. We’re trying to give them opportunities for their life and a formula that can work for success throughout,” he added
B By y H HEENNRRY Y H HUUBBEER R hhuber@sungazette.com
aking it to a state final is a dream every wrestler has, some less attainable than others.
To do so at the Giant Center in Hershey, it takes years and endless hours of training and considerable commitment and poise, with so many yearround wrestlers standing in your way And while most Pennsylvania wrestlers at that level don’t entertain the idea of taking up another sport, others manage to make it work, and even prosper.
Enter Muncy senior Austin Johnson, a three-time PIAA finalist and one-time champion Johnson practices wrestling whenever he can throughout the year, constantly working to stay in shape and fend off rust From December to May, he’s one of the most dominant wrestlers in Pennsylvania, the wrestling capitol of the United States
But from June to December, that focus is divided. On top of being a problem on
the mat, he’s also proven to be one of the most dominant and consistent running backs in Central Pennsylvania – the only player in area history to eclipse 1,000 yards in his first three seasons.
“Having a kid like Austin is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Muncy head coach Sean Tetreault when discussing the phenom. “When he was in junior high, we saw his work, his dedication to football, to wrestling, to everything he does, and we knew he was going to be a special talent.”
He’s done enough to gain Division 1 attention in both sports, ultimately committing to Oklahoma for wrestling at the end of April. Some might expect that decision to affect his commitment towards football heading into August, but Johnson’s goals remain as lofty as ever.
BALANCING ACT
Johnson started competing in both sports by the age of six, quickly displaying promise and developing a passion for both. Through those years of development, one defining goal started to form. With the overlap of the college football
and wrestling seasons, actually pursuing both sports would be next to impossible. But Johnson wanted the option to play either at the highest level And in order to do so, he knew he really had to prove himself.
“My goal was always to be able to have the option to play both sports in Division One for college,” recalled Johnson. “I remember one time in eighth grade, a wrestler that graduated from Muncy (Bryce Vollman) told me that I had a chance to be the greatest Muncy athlete of all time. So, I kind of just thought about that and that became my goal, to be the best overall athlete that I could be ”
You would think there would be growing pains as Johnson worked to develop a balance between the two sports at the high school level. But those conversations would quickly traverse to what he was doing, rather than how he was doing it
Even while opting to focus more on wrestling at the start, he led a stout Muncy backfield in rushing yards, yards per attempt and overall touchdowns.
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Then, he’d become the fourth freshman in PIAA history to make the state final at 285 in either class, falling just short of a shot at four-peating.
The pursuit of greatness in two sports isn’t for the weak, taking tremendous work ethic, mental fortitude and confidence
That’s especially the case when one of those sports includes wrestling in the state of Pennsylvania, a sport where the best of the best have been training in one sport all their lives. Though others at his level were competing year-round, he never felt intimidated
“I know I’m getting the most out of my wrestling practices, getting the most out of what I'm doing for football,” said Johnson “I just think that if I’m doing everything right when I’m working out for wrestling, I’m going to be good.”
Following his freshman year, he steadily developed more of a balance between the two, earning his first wrestling state title as a sophomore and falling just short of 1,500 yards as a junior despite battling injuries.
“I think if I did put my focus all on one sport, it would make a big difference. But I just try and get a good mix of them in Talk to football coaches, talk to wrestling coaches and just try to see what works,” said Johnson. “I learned that I need to be doing both at the same time, doing workouts at the same time I just need to be able to do them together if I want to do my best ”
Following a state title loss his junior season, he’d shift his summer focus a bit more towards wrestling, training for an esteemed, national event in Fargo in hopes of eclipsing his previous fourth place finish in 2021 Against some of the best wrestlers in the country at 215, he did just that, claiming bronze.
Even then, he was consistently working out with the football team
In a typical week this summer, he’d lift three times, practice wrestling three to four times and work speed (sprints, VaporTrail247) one to two times, on top of partaking in consistent biking and cardio
“They’ll come into the weight room, do a full football lifting session and then he turns around and goes to State College for a wrestling practice later that night,” emphasized Tetreault. “His work ethic and determination to be good at not just one sport, but both sports, it’s unparalleled.”
With Fargo now out of the way, his prioritized sport shifts back to football.
THE DECISION AND WHATʼS NEXT
Austin Johnson’s love for football and wrestling has always been equal. But when he’s pictured his future, he sees himself competing at NCAAs, facing off against the best wrestlers this country has to offer
“I like them both equally. I have a lot of fun in both,” said Johnson “I think I’ve just kind of grown up to be a wrestler ”
In receiving more attention for his wrestling, that outlook was validated Schools reached out to Johnson in droves following his state title
just because you always have to work out,” said Johnson when asked about the prospect of being far from home. “I think it’d be cool to be somewhere with a different culture and experience some new things.”
Finalizing that decision won’t impact his drive towards football either There was always going to be a point where he had to choose. And despite that, there’s never been a drop off in passion on either side.
“For us on the football side, I was never worried about him being ready for football,” said Tetreault when asked if he was ever concerned about Johnson’s divided focus.
in 2023, including some at the Division 1 level, a testament to what it means to win a state title in Pennsylvania
Outside of Oklahoma, Johnson considered Maryland, NC State, Pittsburgh, North Carolina, Purdue and Clarion for wrestling He spoke with Villanova and Lehigh for footbal briefly before leaning toward wrestling
With plenty of time to make a decision, he’d take the process slow, choosing to wait until the following spring or early summer to finalize things. One school stuck out above the rest, as he officially committed to Oklahoma at the brink of May.
“They’re going to have a really good program in the next year, probably going to be a top-10 program and they have a lot of really good upcoming guys,” said Johnson on the decision. “I really like the school itself and the facilities, and the coaches and whole wrestling team were super welcoming I just think the future is really bright for Oklahoma.”
The drive from Muncy to Oklahoma’s campus takes 20 hours, but that’s not a prospect that fazes him.
“You’re at college for the majority of the year anyways,
“His hunger to constantly get better, whether it’s in the weight room or classroom, wrestling or on the football field There are not many kids that have the work ethic that Austin Johnson has, and it shows in everything he does.”
After leading the area in rushing yards as a junior, he’s looking to top 2000 yards to finish things off And from a team standpoint, he’ll continue to serve as a leader within the locker room and hopes to help the Indians take home the district crown and make a deep run through states.
“I just want to make the most out of it, try to get as far as we can with our team and just have fun,” said Johnson on his final season of football with Muncy. “That’s the biggest thing. Just have fun, enjoy it and do my best. Help all the younger guys out too ”
“He’s gonna easily break the all-time rushing record at Muncy High School, the alltime leading rushing touchdown record as well, and we’re excited,” said Tetrault on Johnson. “We’re excited to see him break those records and we’re very excited to see him be that leader on the field and be willing to do what he needs to do.”
Whether it’s on the football field in the fall or the wrestling mat in the winter, you won’t want to miss it
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Muncyʼs Austin Johnson competes during the state tournament this year in Hershey.
IB By y Z ZAACCH H P POOWWEELLL L
zpowell@lockhaven com
t was a Wednesday evening when Jersey Shore’s football coaches and most players hit the weight room for a midJuly workout. The Bulldogs were preparing for a 7-on-7 scrimmage and workout at Mount Carmel with the bus scheduled to leave at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. It was 77 degrees outside after a rain storm moved through, but inside the Bulldog weight room, in the back of the dark and empty high school gymnasium, was as hot, humid and sticky as they come.
Those moments and atmospheres the sweat dripping down faces because of the humidity and intensity of the workouts, weights slamming and music humming in the background are what collectively make Jersey Shore football legit, especially its defense, the dynamite powerhouse it has been over the past decade
Well, maybe not all of Shore football, but it is a big reason the Bulldogs have been successful on Friday nights When the lights are shining the brightest, when the hot evenings turn to warm and eventually cold and the fans are cheering loudly at Thompson Street Stadium, the muggy, two-hour weight room sessions are the by-product of the success.
“Remembering that muscle memory is what we get into,” senior defensive lineman Owen Vandruff said when asked about the translation from weight lifting to on-the-field success “We got to push each other At the end of the day it’s hard, man, no one likes (the tough heavy lifting). We got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable ”
The Bulldogs workout four days per week throughout the summer, giving players an opportunity to use a threeday rest to “be a kid,” as coach Tom Gravish calls it But even outside of the four days, players are finding ways to get stronger and faster on their own.
And before those summer workouts truly begin, coach Gravish and Jersey Shore get guys out to Western Pennsylvania to embrace some new and familiar faces. Although some of its players may be in-season playing a spring sport, the Bulldogs use the players available to make appearances at Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh to face off against toptier competition throughout the state.
It prepares a mighty offense, but obtaining defensive reps on the front line against talent from the WPIAL is a different element of football than local Central Pennsylvania football athletes. Gravish exposes his defense to perennial Division 1 scholarship athletes.
Take senior Kaden Walker, for example, who played in 12 games last year and averaged almost five tackles
per game Walker has had a strong spring and summer, according to coach Gravish, most notably going toe-to-toe with offensive wideouts at team camps. Those moments like Walker had during the spring and a summer in both the weight room and on the field serve as confidence boosters. And as the bar for his confidence is raised, it heightens it for his teammates around him.
Those camp moments, while Shore’s competition may be sitting at home or in-season, are critical to individual success But ultimately it contributes to a much bigger picture preseason, during the regular season and postseason play, a place Jersey Shore thrives in.
Vandruff on the defensive front, Walker, Brodie Herr, Bo Sechrist and Elijah Jordan are among notable guys that headline Jersey Shore’s returning defense They will be commanding the troops, if you will, but the younger guys will also pitch in on making critical stops.
“We go to a lot of 7-on-7s and work on it We just stay on top of it as long as we can, making sure everyone is covered,” two-way senior Elijah Jordan mentioned. “You don’t want to let up a long touchdown on a six-second play.”
Jersey Shore has, in retrospect, run the table in District 4 over the past decade. Since the arrival of coach Gravish, who enters his 13th season at the helm for Jersey Shore, the Bulldogs
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Members of Jersey Shoreʼs football team who play defense pose together inside Jersey Shoreʼs gym in late July. The Bulldogsʼ defense has been outstanding the last few years, and coach Tom Gravish and Jersey Shore expect it to be solid yet again
continue to show how lethal and dangerous of a team they are year-in-and-yearout, where most have a tough time keeping up
The Bulldogs score a lot of points they scored at least eight touchdowns in seven of their 12 games last season and averaged over 54 points the year prior but their stingy defense makes their offense operate like a well-oiled steel machine in a factory. It then translates to special teams, and all put together, Jersey Shore collected three straight seasons with just one loss, including one tie last season in a 21-21 game on the road at Selinsgrove, Jersey Shore’s deemed rival at this point.
“It all starts with our staff and coach (Alex) Jackson who is the defensive coordinator He’s the best defensive coordinator around,” coach Gravish said “All of our guys teaching defensive positioning take great ownership of positions. They do a great job of teaching what needs to be taught for that week.
“On a Sunday coach Jackson might say, ‘hey, we’ve got to tweak this or tweak that a little bit still in our base system and play a tight cover ’ But these guys all buy in and work as a team That’s kind of our motto,” said Gravish.
Jersey Shore’s coaches spend ample time preparing the Bulldogs for big Friday nights no matter which team is on the schedule. Each game is tailored to each specific opponent and the keys to each game are addressed before the
school week gets started.
“We just try to be relentless every play. Our coaches prepare us well during the week and we have a good scout team that gets us ready for the opposing teams’ offense that gets us ready for the game,” Bo Sechrist said.
“We try to put them in situations that are difficult, maybe even more difficult situations that might be in a game,” Gravish explained about Jersey Shore’s practices “We try to put them in hard situations We’re always playing long-andgoal situations or goal-line situations
What the players get from the coaches is an inspiration for them to approach each game week with that same mentality. Beginning with the early-to-mid-August heat acclimation which follows a brief one week layoff from practices and workouts coach Gravish and his staff set the tone
The Bulldogs are not allowed to give up big plays in practice, even when it is as early as two or three weeks from Week 1. It is not necessarily a punishable mentality, but more of a high standard that the Bulldogs hold themselves to
“Some of our guys will tell you that one guy not doing one thing right or doing their own thing is not the way it’s designed to be,” coach Gravish said.
“There’s a trust that the front guys know the guys behind them have their back and they know our D-ends have a responsibility to not let the ball get outside or our corners not letting someone blow by
them on the first play on a deep ball.”
The returning players from years prior make it known, both in the locker room and on the field during practices and games, what is acceptable and what is not Therefore the accountability is not lost on a single player.
“We’re hard-nosed. It’s just kind of the culture around here,” Herr said when asked what the key is to the team’s success on defense. “Practicing as hard as we can and practicing like we play ”
Jersey Shore’s standards and high-caliber mentality create the success behind Jersey Shore’s decade-plus of an incredible transformation. Before coach Gravish and his staff stepped up to lead the Bulldog program, it was a program that had next to nothing. Even after his arrival in 2012 Gravish’s first season was a process
The Bulldogs were 0-10 that season and his second year Jersey Shore began winning games but it was still not above the .500 mark at 6-7 overall, sitting at home during the late November and early December months.
Now coach Gravish and the Bulldogs are expected to make statements during the postseason, and the community helps to shine a bright light on that Gravish and the Bulldogs’ third season was a complete switch around. Jersey Shore went 11-1 in 2014 and in 2015 finished 9-3 overall. Since then, it has almost been an uphill trend as coach Gravish has led the Bulldogs over the 500 mark each year since that 2013 season
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Jersey Shore defensive players pose for a photo during a practice this summer.
Jersey Shore’s offense plays an integral role in many of those Bulldog wins but the defense deserves a heap of credit as well. In the season where Shore earned its first trip to the Class AAAA state championship game under Gravish, the Bulldogs did not give up more than four touchdowns in a game (only doing that twice) They had 33 sacks and 276 hurries, pairing that with an 11-1 record
Jersey Shore gave up a mere 12 points per game and had three shutouts last season In 2022, the Bulldogs had four shutouts, three coming in weeks 7-9 and the first coming against a solid Selinsgrove squad The Bulldogs totaled four in the year prior as well, accomplishing the feat in the opening week against Bellefonte and in the District 4 title game in a 41-0 rout of Selinsgrove
Jersey Shore has five straight District 4 Class AAAA titles dating back to the 2018-2022 seasons The Bulldogs fell to finalists last year and were named finalists in 2015, 2017 and 2023 while winning the District 4 title in 2016 Part of those high standards that coach Gravish and his staff hold the players to, and the upper-
classmen relay to the team, is that it is easier to win if the guys across from you cannot score
“Our goal is to always work for a shutout. We feel if we can limit the other team to a shutout to only two touchdowns then we can win a lot of games,” Gravish said. “But coach Jackson does a fabulous job being our defensive coordinator Every coach has an important part Every coach here coaches an offense and defensive individual position. Some other staff aren’t set up that way but ours is ”
Jersey Shore implemented a reward for each week’s shutout: a tasty dessert. With a little incentive involved, it is more motivation for the team, particularly the upperclassmen who know the process and the underclassmen who get to know it, to shut a team out
The Bulldogs owned three shutouts last year but gave up just one touchdown to Mifflinburg, Shamokin and Milton The latter of which came in the District 4 Class AAAA semifinal game where some of the upperclassmen were hoping for a tasty treat for a third straight week but gave up a score.
“We have this thing if we shut a team out, it’s ice cream on Monday,” Jordan chuckled “So, that’s always a little motivation to get it.”
Jersey Shore sets the bar high so when they do not achieve a shutout in one particular week, typically when the Bulldogs get close, it makes the team more eager to push for one the following week
Winning is the ultimate goal at the end of the day but the Bulldogs take it up a notch. A defense willing to produce shutouts helps its offense look spectacular for the fans who fill the stadium for the 43 points per game the Bulldogs have averaged over its last four seasons
“There was a game or two last year where the older guys knew they got a shutout and they were waiting for a treat and someone popped a touchdown on us They weren’t happy about giving up a score either. Our team has created a ton of turnovers and it contributes to our success,” Gravish explained. “Because every time you get an extra possession.”
Jersey Shore totaled 43 5 sacks in 2021, 29 in 2022 and 16 in 2023 While the sack numbers have gone down over
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Jersey Shore coach Tom Gravish points and instructs his players during a practice in late July at Jersey Shore.
the past seasons, the interception rate continues to stay at a consistent number as Shore’s secondary continues to stifle opponents.
The Bulldogs had 26 last season, just shy of its 29 from 2021.
One underrated or perhaps just underappreciated area of Jersey Shore’s defense is its line hurrying up opposing QBs in the backfield Returning senior Slate Sechrist led the team with 52 hurries last season, Herr, a returning senior, was third last season (48) and Bo Sechrist, a returning junior, held 41.
The Bulldogs had 338 hurries during the 2021 season and increased that to 361 in 2022 While it dropped to 330 last season, the Bulldogs balanced that with a couple of pick-6 interception plays in the secondary. Jersey Shore’s returning defensive core of juniors and seniors will stabilize the squad and help aid Shore’s possible shutouts and defensive strategies from week-to-week.
“We just keep progressing as a whole and keep trying to do that,” Vandruff said “It’s a mentality thing, you just have to want it, that's all You gotta want that quarterback, you want to get there and you want to get to them hard,” Vandruff said.
Jersey Shore’s roster was filled with just over 10 freshmen and sophomore players one season ago, according to MaxPreps. The experienced Bulldogs filled the weight room this past summer but many freshmen and sophomores eager to make an appearance this season also filled it
They are not only hoping to be on the sidelines as Jersey Shore aims for a seventh consecutive appearance in the District 4 championship game, but they are hoping to see time on the field
“It’s been good. It’s been fun, we have a lot of new guys here,” said Walker during his workout when asked how the summer has been in regards to the team aspect. “We’re trying to build up for depth and stuff like that but other than that it’s been really fun.
Walker added: “We’re just training them everyday, letting them do the same stuff we’re doing or else they are not going to get any better,” Walker said about the key to the young core’s development
Jersey Shore’s winning program not only puts high numbers in the win column, but they are blowing teams out of the water during most regular seasons In 2021, Jersey Shore defeated five teams by at least 40 points or more In 2022, the Bulldogs almost doubled that number with nine blowouts, including four wins by 60 points or more.
This past season the Bulldogs secured three wins by 50 points or more The message for Jersey Shore is clear: go out and dominate your opponent early so the younger guys can get varsity experience that other programs cannot provide given how narrow games can be week-by-week Practicing hard leads to high-caliber game play It helps Shore in the short-term success but it is vital in the long term as Jersey Shore continues to revamp its mighty program year-afteryear
“Just playing hard every practice There are a lot of young kids looking up to us (upperclassmen) and so we got to be leaders not just by talking but how you play,” Bo Sechrist said
That example sets a tone for this season, but altogether it sets the table for the possibility of young, thunderous talent to take over and dominate on both sides of the football in an already established program after veterans have graduated
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 Wyoming Valley West
Williamsport has a new home Old rivalries with teams like Wyoming Valley West, Berwick and Hazleton still exist but the Millionaires are now embracing their District 4 roots and are Heartland Conference-Division I members
Going from the Wyoming Valley Conference to the HAC-I represents a big change in one way but things remain in the same in another way Whatever the league affiliation, the competition remains fierce.
Jersey Shore and Selinsgrove have made a Class AAAA state championship and three Final Four appearances the past four seasons. Shamokin and Shikellamy are programs on the rise and Central Mountain could be poised for a breakout. Add in perennial District 6 title contender Hollidaysburg and Williamsport has a schedule which firmly challenges it each week.
“We watched the Selinsgrove-Jersey Shore film last year just to show the kids the level of toughness that they are going to have to bring to try and raise the bar,” Williamsport coach Mike Pearson said. “It’s like when we played Parkland from the Lehigh Valley in the playoffs last year. Every game is tough down there,
Aug. 30 at Hazleton
Sept. 6 at Central Mountain
Sept. 13 Shikellamy
Sept. 20 Selinsgrove
Sept. 27 at Jersey Shore
Oct 4. at Shamokin
Oct. 11 at Berwick
Oct. 18 at Hollidaysburg
Oct. 25 Wilkes-Barre
and it will feel like a playoff game every week It’s exciting ”
The players share Pearson’s anticipation and hit the offseason hard. There is a blend of returning starters, promising newcomers and momentum generated after rallying to reach the District 2-4-11 Class 6A playoffs last fall. Playing teams closer to home only wets the appetite more
“You have to put everything on the table and that’s a good thing,” Pearson said “You get better from the competition and if you want to win, you have to try and work harder than everyone else.”
Williamsport closed its season a year ago playing one of the state’s best in Parkland. The result was not what they wanted, but the Millionaires saw and elite level of football and it gave them a
barometer for where they were and where they want to go.
Despite losing some fantastic players, Williamsport has a quality foundation to build upon It starts up front where the offensive and defensive lines and young, but also fairly experienced Dallas Brockway is a senior and Jason Love-Ritchey and Brady Neenan juniors who help anchor things up front. But players like sophomores Jaxson Thompson, Owen Newcomer and Cordoza Minor all played and/or started at times last season making the present and future look good
“The biggest thing I learned in recruiting when I was coaching in college was make sure your star players are offensive and defensive linemen,” Pearson said. “You can be as good as you want at the skill positions, but you need a good line to make everything go ”
Kai Payton and Anthony Manley will also be part of the group which tries igniting things up front. Both are players who could make a big impact at tight end. Sam Allison and Caleb Way add depth and also will largely factor into the defensive line mix Put it all together and Williamsport could have a good engine to power the car
The Millionaires featured one of the area’s top passing games a year ago, but running the ball was a struggle at times. Highlighting that point, no player reached 100 yards in 11 games Changing that stat
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
provides an extra sense of motivation
“We’ve been watching these kids grow and I’m excited for them,” Pearson said “They’re not the biggest line, but we have some wonderful kids. Last year we threw the ball a lot because we played some phenomenal teams and weren’t able to match up, but we told these guys that if they work hard enough, even though we’ll see some fantastic lines, that we should be able to run the ball.”
Kahyear Whaley is one of the players who could benefit from improved line play He started for the first time last fall and has grown figuratively and literally since then Whaley put on 20 pounds of muscle and could provide both a downhill and/or big-play threat.
Williamsport potentially could have a thunder-and-lightning package with Jamel Bailey returning after excelling the last few years while playing in Jacksonville. A fantastic linebacker, Bailey also is a 225-pounder who can wear on the opponent and also provide strong blocking
“We looked at the Hudl films and certainly were not disappointed,” Pearson said “Jamel is a great kid He grew up watching Chuck Crews’ great teams make runs, so he remembers Williamsport football well and is glad to be a part of it.”
So is senior Jayden Ransom who could prominently figure into the backfield mix. Lucas Naughton, a standout linebacker, also could see some backfield time.
Who is handing the ball off and throwing it remains to be seen
2023 RESULTS (5-6)
Williamsport 20, State College 49
Williamsport 25, Pittston 2
Williamsport 20, Dallas 28
Williamsport 7, Berwick 21
Williamsport 3, Crestwood 28
Williamsport 47, Central Mountain 13
Williamsport 42, Wyoming Valley West 7
Williamsport 14, Wilkes-Barre 55
Williamsport 24, Hazleton 21
Williamsport 33, Tunkhannock 0
District 2-4-11 Class 6A quarterfinals
Williamsport 0, Parkland 56
with senior Elijah Way and sophomore Zion Hughes competing at quarterback. The bonus there for Williamsport is that both are pushing the other hard Those two bringing out the best in each other likely will help the offense perform its best when opening night comes August 23 against Valley West.
Williamsport receives a boost with senior wide receiver Kyreek Bradshaw returning after suffering a torn ACL in Week 9 a year ago. Bradshaw was among the area’s leading receivers when he was injured and could form a strong unit along with players like senior Aiden Everett and sophomore Trey Damschroder Samir Williams and Umar Starks could be potential playmakers as well.
Pearson also is excited about Giovanni White The junior excelled on special teams last season and could be used in a variety of ways offensively
“He’s a really dynamic kid on special teams, but we expect him to contribute in a lot of areas offensively and defensively,” Pearson said. “He’s a very cool kid. Nothing rattles him. I’m looking forward to seeing him do his thing ”
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kyreek Bradshaw, WR/DB: A player who was among the areaʼs reception leaders throughout the season, Bradshaw enjoyed a big breakout season. Unfortunately, the senior standout tore his ACL in Week 9, but his return bolsters an offense which is replacing several starters Tall, athletic and featuring good hands, Bradshaw caught 42 passes for 406 yards and a team-best six touchdowns Bradshaw was especially effective inside the red zone and gives whoever wins the quarterback job a reliable target He also could see time in the secondary and provide both leadership and stability
Aiden Everett, WR/DB: Another senior two-way threat, Everett showed how dangerous he can, producing a dazzling performance in a 42-7 win at Wyoming Valley West He was a force that night, scoring every time he caught the ball. Everett hauled in three scores on three deep balls from Caleb Williamson, totaling 103 yards on those plays That game highlighted Everettʼs big-play capability and the defending district triple jump champion could be ready to take a big jump forward Everett averaged nearly 22 yards per catch and also provides secondary depth
Elijah Way, QB/DE: Way often found his way into the opponentsʼ backfield and was a tough player to block off the edge The 6-foot senior played a vital role in helping Williamsport limit opponents to one or no offensive touchdowns in four of its victories When Way did not get a sack, he often could disrupt the timing and forced hurries throws A player who chases quarterbacks is in the hunt to be Williamsportʼs starting signal caller as well Way played well in limited action last fall, completing 11 of 15 passes He threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to fellow senior Samir Williams at Valley West.
Kahyear Whaley, RB/DB: Williamsport was one of the areaʼs top passing teams a year ago, but Whaley showed what he can do in the backfield and often provided a spark, whether starting or coming off the bench The senior running back led the Millionaires in rushing, producing 383 yards, while averaging 5.4 yards per carry Whaley was a difference-maker in a Week 2 win at Pittson, having a big second half while running for 65 yards and a touchdown on nine carries He later ran for a career-high 94 yards and a touchdown at Wilkes-Barre and could be poised for a big breakthrough season
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B
By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
ontoursville possesses something critical it lacked a year ago as it entered the season It was something that especially loomed large as Montoursville encountered a meatgrinder of a schedule.
The desire and work were there It was just the experience that was missing. Montoursville was replacing most of its starters as it entered the 2023 season. This time, it has seven starters returning on both sides of the ball And while the schedule remains demanding, it is not set up like the past two seasons when Montoursville had to go through a Murderer’s Row of some of the state’s best teams over the final five weeks
Put it all together and the Warriors are optimistic after being bounced in the District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals the past two seasons
“The turnout was fantastic for the start of the preseason and we have a really good
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23—at Wellsboro
Aug. 30 Milton
Sept. 6—at Danville
Sept. 13 at Mifflinburg
Sept. 20—Mount Carmel
Sept. 27 at Central Columbia
Oct 4—Central Mountain
Oct. 11 at Southern Columbia
Oct 18—Lewisburg
Oct. 25 Loyalsock
mix of younger kids coming up and players coming back,” Montoursville coach Joe Hanna said. “The kids are pushing each other and we’ve seen a step forward with the kids in the program We took a step forward last year in terms of physicality and now we want to take the next step with turning them into some wins.”
Montoursville opened last season 3-1 but its last five regular season games featured a state champion, a state semifinal-
ist, three district champions and two district runners-up who won a combined 19 games It was a tough run for any team, let alone one breaking in so many firsttime starters
The blessing in that could come this year. Now those players are veterans and are as battle-tested as could be.
“That schedule is one we’ve welcomed ever since I’ve been coaching at Montoursville, but when you’re rebuilding a little bit with numbers it’s definitely tough,” Hanna said. “Every school goes through it not named Southern (Columbia), but each week is basically a new challenge Everything is week-to-week in football and we set goals for each week ”
The offensive line is setting a goal of being physical and helping both the running and passing game be consistently productive. While standout Cole Yonkin graduated, four starters are back, including Nicco Desanto, Landon Morehart, Kingston Fisher and Noah Rakestraw. Those players are complemented by some exciting prospects and with those four
starters all being underclassmen, that could be good for both this year and the future.
“Everything starts up front for us,” Hanna said “Hopefully, we’ll open up the passing game by running effectively and then taking shots when get them. We’d like to be a little more explosive.”
Quarterback Jimmy Mussina likely will be lining up under center on opening night and has had a full offseason under his belt. A year ago, Mussina opened the season at wide receiver and took most of his offseason reps there before moving to quarterback in Week 3 and topping 1,000 yards in nine games. Freshman Elijah Eck could be the backup and is one of several incoming freshmen who produced a strong junior high career.
Running back Christian Banks is coming off a strong season in which he went over 700 yards in his first year as the team’s featured ball-carrier. The junior made big strides last season and sophomore Hunter Harvey looks like someone who could follow in his steps A state qualifier in wrestling, Harvey started on defense a year ago and could be a versatile threat in the backfield Owen Kleinman also could figure into the mix at fullback and/or be an H-back type player who makes an impact in both the passing and running games.
While there may be no clearcut dominant receiver in that group, there are reliable options. Those include Todd Crawford, Kane Moore and Michael Reeder among others Crawford and Reeder each caught 14 passes a year ago.
2023 RESULTS (3-7)
Montoursville 49, Wellsboro 0
Montoursville 7, Troy 38
Montoursville 21, Lewisburg 14 (2 OT)
Montoursville 20, Central Columbia 13
Montoursville 0, Southern Columbia 21
Montoursville 0, Danville 56
Montoursville 21, Jersey Shore 38
Montoursville 7, Selinsgrove 35
Montoursville 21, Loyalsock 50
District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals
Montoursville 14, Lewisburg 29
All those players also could have key roles in the secondary Moore made a game-clinching breakup in a double overtime win against Lewisburg a year ago, while Reeder intercepted two passes. Kleinman, Banks and Harvey all could excel at linebacker, although Kleinman could be used as a rover on the outside and lineup at linebacker and/or defensive end throughout games. Combine that with some strength and experience up front, as well as the younger players developing and Montoursville could potentially feature quite a powerful blend on both sides of the ball
Those players coming up from a junior high team which rarely lost the past two years also should keep the older players hungry. Nothing will be handed out on this team, so competition could be fierce and that could bring out the best in all the Warriors.
“We don’t want kids being comfortable You want them to earn those positions week in and week out,” Hanna said. “The culture in the weight room and throughout the offseason workouts was fantastic. We have some good depth on both sides of the ball and that’s always good to have ”
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Christian Banks, RB/LB: A starter since Day 1, Banks took a big step forward during a stellar sophomore season and helped fuel both the offense and defense. Banks led Montoursville in rushing, gaining 782 hard-earned yards and scoring seven times, while topping 100 yards twice Banks became the first player to go over 100 yards rushing against Jersey Shore in two seasons before going for a career-high 145 yards against Loyalsock He also is a standout linebacker who averaged six tackles per game Banks has 120 tackles in two seasons, including 10 for loss and gives Montoursville a strong building block on both sides of the ball.
Hunter Harvey, RB/LB: Another player who immediately stepped in and produced as a freshman, Harvey looks like another player Montoursville can count on in all areas Harvey averaged seven yards per carry in a Week 2 contest against state title contender Troy and scored his first varsity touchdown that night He could have an expanded role this season. Harvey also could be an emerging weapon at linebacker after closing his regular season with a career-high nine tackles against Loyalsock He added a key interception in a double overtime win at Lewisburg
Owen Kleinman, LB/FB: One of last yearʼs most improved players, Kleinman burst onto the scene and finished second on the team in tackles A second team HAC-II linebacker, Kleinman is the teamʼs top returning tackler after averaging 6 6 tackles per game and making seven tackles for loss The senior made some big plays, forcing two fumbles and recovering two more Kleinman kept progressing throughout the season and made at least seven tackles in six of his last seven games He added a sack and could figure into the passing game as a tight end or wide receiver after catching seven passes
JImmy Mussina, QB/DB: Mussina likely will be the one throwing those passes after excelling in his first season starting Mussina began the season at wide receiver last fall but moved to quarterback in Week 3 and threw for 1,074 yards and nine touchdowns In his first high school start, Mussina led a game-tying touchdown drive in the final minutes and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the second overtime before leading another fourth quarter game-winning scoring drive the following week against Central Columbia The senior signal caller showcased his toughness in a Week 8 game against Jersey Shore, being hit on nearly every dropback while throwing the ball 39 times.
S E A S O N S N A P
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
enior night was long and emotional last October. Loyalsock coach Justin Van Fleet and his staff had worked with those players since they first started playing football. Some were history makers, too, so one could feel sadness knowing they would not be returning
But the challenge awaiting Loyalsock has only reinvigorated Van Fleet and the coaches. This is not the first time Loyalsock is replacing all-state players and/or seniorladen rosters The Lancers have done it a lot over the last 12 seasons, reaching districts each time.
So, while Loyalsock will be a younger team and has some major voids to fill, excitement remains high.
“For me, this isn’t a brand new process per se, but any time you have this amount of change not just for the program, but for me too, it allows me to find some different energy and move forward with a hopeful mindset with
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 Mifflinburg
Aug. 30 at Southern Columbia
Sept. 6 Hughesville
Sept. 13 at Midd-West
Sept. 20 Bloomsburg
Sept. 27 at Lewisburg
Oct. 4—at Warrior Run
Oct. 11 Danville
Oct. 18—Shamokin
Oct. 25 at Montoursville
what we’re doing with our process and evaluating how we get better,” Van Fleet said. “When you’ve watched a group for so long, you kind of get into a groove with them This is an opportunity to change the way we do a lot of things and become more efficient and know what we want more clearly ”
What Loyalsock wants is to keep winning The Lancers have put together 11 straight winning seasons and reached consecutive District 4 Class AAA champi-
onships. And although area all-time leading passer Tyler Gee, passer Jaylen Andrews and all-state linebacker Logan Bastian are among those who graduated, the players behind them have eagerly been looking forward to their opportunities.
It was the same way for the three previous players mentioned Loyalsock has built a strong program upon having the next group ready to go and the bonus is that several of the returning players already have made quality varsity contributions after injuries have ravaged the team the past two seasons
Others might be overlooking them and that’s fine. These are hungry Lancers and they are ready to do all they can to prove any doubters out there wrong.
“They’re ready to take their next step and are excited for it,” Van Fleet said. “They have a ton of respect for guys who passed through the program and they are guys who are ready to take their roles quite seriously and they have throughout the summer ”
Loyalsock has enjoyed one of its best offseasons and has taken full advantage of its new weight room Strength and conditioning coach Ken Hampe has made a big im-
pact and many players also have attacked spring training. How that translates on the field remains to be seen, but what Van Fleet likes right now is how the team’s leaders have taken hold of the team and helped so many embrace the hard work.
“They have stepped up quite well and I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to step up in terms of leadership,” Van Fleet said. “You rise to the level of your leadership within your students and you fall to the level within your students If we have strong leadership within our players I think we’ll have a great go and they’re excited to live up to those roles and live up to the expectations ”
Although Loyalsock must replace its leading passer, receiver and rusher from last season it retains a strong core up front and that is a huge positive. Jeremiah Johnson is one of the area’s top two-way linemen as is Isaiah West. Hakeem McClain also started last year and played well, while underclassmen Landon Beighey, TJ King and Wyatt Emerick also received quality playing time.
“We have six guys for five positions who are ready to start and who are all incredibly strong-caliber linemen,” Van Fleet said. “We’re happy for that We’re going to rely heavily on them and lean on them in a number of situations where they’ll have to step up and jell and if they do, we can do some really good things ”
Having a reliable line as the foundation could help the players at the skill positions flourish. This might not be the same style of of-
2023 RESULTS (9-4)
Loyalsock 25, Berks Catholic 21
Loyalsock 46, Hughesville 0
Loyalsock 7, Southern Columbia 36
Loyalsock 25, Danville 28
Loyalsock 24, Williams Valley 7
Loyalsock 50, Central Columbia 10
Loyalsock 28, Lewisburg 14
Loyalsock 41, Wyalusing 7
Loyalsock 47, Wyalusing 0
Loyalsock 36, Troy 35
Loyalsock 48, Montoursville 14
District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals
Loyalsock 49, Cowanesque Valley 20 Semifinals
Loyalsock 41, Warrior Run 13
Championship
Loyalsock 7, Danville 40
fense as last year, but it may be more balanced Former wide receiver Danny Dowell likely will move to quarterback and provide Loyalsock a dynamic dual threat
The backfield could possess multiple threats with junior Dolan Harman, a 210-pounder with speed, coming off a breakout season. Kayden Keefer also is a versatile athlete, while Deryk Kulp and Blake Phillips could emerge as reliable fullbacks
Andrews was the latest in a pipeline of Loyalsock explosive receivers, taking the torch from Rian Glunk two years ago. Jalil Coates could be the player to carry it forward this season He showed some burst in the backfield a year ago, averaging 6.6 yards per carry and will be complemented by players like Chase Wright and Jaydn Wagner who likely will see time at tight end Watch out for Preston Gross as well. Gross was off to a good start last year before suffering a season-ending injury and could be a Swiss Army knife for Loyalsock, lining up all over the field
2 20 0 2 24 4 F O OOOTTB B A ALLL
Deryk Kulp, LB/RB: A player who established himself as one of the areaʼs quality linebackers last fall becomes a leader on that unit after leading tackler Logan Bastian graduated Kulp carries on the programʼs reputation for cranking out strong linebackers and made 83 tackles last season, including 60 solos He also recovered a fumble and helped Loyalsock shutdown consecutive opponents in districts with the starters allowing just one touchdowns in those games Kulp made a season-high 11 tackles in a 25-21 win against Berks Catholic and was key in the comeback, producing eight solos
Jeremiah Johnson, DL/OL: One of the areaʼs premier two-way players, Johnson is a three-year starter who has excelled on both lines A first-team offensive lineman and second-team defensive lineman a year ago, Johnson is a big reason Loyalsock has reached consecutive District 4 Class AAA championships His effective blocking has helped the passing game produce consecutive 2,000-yard seasons Johnson is equally effective defensively and anchors that line The junior defensive tackle averaged six tackles per game and made 16 for loss, while adding a sack A 6-foot, 3inch, 265-pounder, Johnson is strong and athletic and made 16 tackles in his last two games.
Blake Phillips, LB/RB: An injury cut his promising season short last year, but Phillips has played well over the past two seasons, first excelling off the bench as a sophomore before producing 5.8 tackles per game last season, as well as a sack and three tackles for loss. A physical player with good range, Phillips had a big game against seven-time defending Class AA champion Southern Columbia, making a career-high 13 tackles with nine solos. Phillips added a sack in that contest and did an excellent job filling in for Bastian during the 2022 postseason after he had suffered a season-ending injury
Isaiah West, DL/OL: A player who surged down the stretch last fall, West gives Loyalsock quite a weapon at defensive end He finished tied for third among area players with seven sacks in his first season starting while averaging 5 8 tackles per game and recovering two fumbles West had offenses going south during the postseason and totaled four sacks in his last two games That included a stellar three-sack performance in the district semifinal win against Warrior Run Also an effective blocker, the two-way starting senior played a key role in Loyalsock averaging more than 30 points and 300 yards per game
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
Jersey Shore loves a good challenge It has proven it over the last 11 seasons, capturing seven district championships, seven league titles and reaching a Class AAAA state championship
And if ever there was a season which highlights how much Jersey Shore embraces the hard, it is this one The Bulldogs face one of the state’s toughest schedules this season. In the first three weeks alone, Jersey Shore plays 2023 Class AAAA finalist Dallas, District 2 Class 5A champion Delaware Valley and reigning District 4 Class AAAA champion Selinsgrove, teams who went a combined 38-4-1 last year And it’s not like things get a lot easier after that.
But that’s OK with the Bulldogs. Each week is a big game and that makes each week a fun one.
“I don’t think anyone in 4A probably has quite that schedule You might have to go to the WPIAL to find one like it,” Jersey Shore coach Tom Gravish said. “We embrace it and we look forward to it. We’re looking forward to playing in some of these new players and playing against a lot of state playoff teams and contenders ”
Jersey Shore carries a 39-game unbeaten streak into the season, going 38-0-1 in those games. And that’s a tremendous achievement, but at the same time, the big picture always has been most important.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 at Dallas
Aug. 30—Delaware Valley
Sept. 6 Selinsgrove
Sept 13—Shamokin
Sept. 20 at Shikellamy
Sept 27—Williamsport
Oct. 4 at Hollidaysburg
Oct 11—at Penn Wood
Oct. 18 Scranton Prep
Oct 25—at Central Mountain
It’s about improving each week, peaking when it matters and trying to make a deep playoff run
That is the hope again in 2024, although Jersey Shore must replace several starters from last year’s team which went 10-1-1 and earned a share of a sixth straight league title So, while the unbeaten streak could end with so many good teams in and out of the league on the schedule, including five defending district champions, playing so many challenging opponents could help the Bulldogs at the perfect time.
It’s something which has boosted teams like Allentown Central Catholic and Bethlehem Catholic, to name two, over the years ACC went 5-5 tackling one of the state’s best schedules two years ago but it helped it reach the state semifinals.
“We look forward to it,” Gravish said. “We want to keep them all healthy as best
we can and we feel like if we all pull that rope in the direction, we can have a successful season.”
Jersey Shore’s motto over the last decade has been, “Tradition Never Graduates.” So, while the team graduated some standouts, it also has many talented and hungry players returning and coming up to the varsity level. It’s about putting all those parts together to get the machine humming.
Jersey Shore will be breaking in a new quarterback and candidates include jack-ofall-trades Elijah Jordan, Carson Watkins, Paul Hale and freshman Nolan Pauling all in the mix Jordan has excelled over the last three seasons as a runner and receiver and if he is in the backfield again, he will be complemented by players like Bo Sechrist, Brodie Herr, Talyn Mauck and Zeke Sechrist Herr has both power and speed and could be poised for a breakout season
Paving the way for all those players will be a strong and experienced offensive line which includes returning full-time starters Slate Sechrist, Mason Larson and Owen Vandruff Kaden Walker and Zach Myers also played well up front last year with Myers surging late in the season Watch out for Dubbs Bloom, a 6-foot, 6-inch, 330pound junior who could make a big impact along both the offensive and defensive lines
While leading receiver Dathan Tyson graduated, Jersey Shore has several enticing targets in the passing game as well For one, Evan Snyder looks dangerous and caught five passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns against Shamokin
If Watkins and/or Hale do not start at quarterback they could make noise at receiver. Mauck also could see time there as could Trent Severino and Luke Ryan. Luke Thompson developed into a weapon defensively last year and should provide a boost at tight end.
“Some guys are interchangeable in what they can do. We may lean on our running backs, too, in the passing game because some of them are too good just to have one in there,” Gravish said. “They are versatile enough to play in the slot or play wide receiver We’re just going to try and do our best to get our best athletes on the field ”
That goes defensively as well Jersey Shore has made dominant defense the foundation upon which its success has been built the last 11 years The players are there to keep that tradition building, especially up front where Slate Sechrist is an allstate candidate, able to play inside or outside. Walker came up big in his first season starting last season. All the offensive linemen mentioned earlier will likely play key roles as well and Talyn Lope could be a player poised for a breakout season. Thompson can play defensive end or linebacker and Herr also could be used in either role after playing defensive tackle last fall.
Bo Sechrist earned all-state honors at linebacker in his first season starting and Jersey Shore has the depth and versatility to mix and match who lines up alongside him there Similarly, the Bulldogs can use a lot of players in the secondary with Jordan, Watkins and Evan Snyder all playing well there last year Hale always could play a key role as could Ryan and Mauck among others
Jersey Shore also traditionally excels on special teams and could
2023 RESULTS (10-1-1)
Jersey Shore 68, Pottsville 13
Jersey Shore 53, Lewisburg 0
Jersey Shore 21, Selinsgrove 21
Jersey Shore 61, Shikellamy 12
Jersey Shore 57, Mifflinburg 6
Jersey Shore 48, Executive Education 14
Jersey Shore 42, Shamokin 7
Jersey Shore 38, Montoursville 21
Jersey Shore 63, Brashear 0
Jersey Shore 62, Central Mountain 0
District 4 Class AAAA semifinals
Jersey Shore 54, Milton 6 Championship
Jersey Shore 19, Selinsgrove 44
again with so many playmakers capable of becoming quality returners. Herr also is back after earning firstteam HAC-I honors as a punter and totaling 71 points as a first-time kicker
All those players and so many more put together a dedicated offseason. Jersey Shore went to 7 and 7 and Big Man camps as Penn State and Pittsburgh, while working out against some excellent high school teams like Gateway and Penn Hills
All that work has been done knowing the challenges that lay ahead this season. Half the opponents won championships and teams like Shamokin and Shikellamy are teams on the rise Add in Williamsport joining the HAC-I and this really is a blockbuster schedule. It will take all these Bulldogs working together to navigate that schedule and help it take them where they want to go But there was a positive sign which came during the summer when Jersey Shore used a mostly freshman lineup during a workout with perennial power Pittsburgh Central Catholic. PCC had its starters in but those young players put together a touchdown drive that could symbolize how this season plays out.
2023 LEADERS
PASSER AT CM IN YDS TD
Jerrin Loomis 245 156 8 2,193 18
R USHER AT YDS TD
Tate Sechrist 168 1,345 25
Elijah Jordan 126 938 15
Brodie Herr 44 291 2
Talyn Mauck 30 225 2
RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Dathan Tyson 71 936 8
Ashton Sweeley 22 317 2
Elijah Jordan 23 312 3
Payton Samar 22 297 3
Evan Snyder 11 179 2
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Elijah Jordan, RB/DB: A true jack of all trades, Jordan has shined since his freshman year and the four-year starter is one of the districtʼs top dualthreat running backs Jordan has run for 2,291 career yards, caught 41 passes for 546 yards and totaled 32 touchdowns, while also excelling on special teams Fast but powerful, Jordan ran for a career-high 934 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding 310 yards and three scores through the air Both yardage totals were career-highs Jordan has helped Jersey Shore win two district championships, three league titles and also is a reliable safety who averaged 3.5 tackles per game
Bo Sechrist, LB/RB: The latest Jersey Shore linebacker to make a statewide impact, Sechrist earned all-state honors as a sophomore in his first year starting He quickly picked up where three-time allstater Hadyn Packer left off, producing a team-high 107 tackles, good for 8 9 per game despite not often playing much in the second half of several blowouts Quick, smart and tough, Sechrist was second among area linebackers, collecting 17 tackles for loss, intercepting two passes, forcing two fumbles and returning a fumble for a touchdown Sechrist also provides valuable backfield depth and ran for 202 yards and six touchdowns on just 28 carries
Slate Sechrist, DL/OL The Sechrist family has produced excellent football players like they come off an assembly line and Slate and Bo have continued the tradition Slate Sechrist developed into one of the districtʼs most formidable two-way linemen during a breakout junior season. Physical and tough to move, Sechrist is a terrific run stuffer who also attacks the passer and collected four sacks Sechrist made 14 tackles for loss and recorded at least one in nine of 12 games played He also is an anchor up front who played a vital role in Jersey Shore again leading the area in points and yards per game
Owen Vandruff, OL/DL: One of the areaʼs top offensive lineman, Vandruff is a three-year starter who has flown under the rader but who has been a critical part of the programʼs success Fighting through injury last season, Vandruff became a team leader on a new-look unit and helped Jersey Shore produce a 2,000-yard passer and a 1,000-yard rusher. Vandruff also helped Jersey Shore pile up 479 yards per game and never tired in Jersey Shoreʼs relentless no-huddle offense. Vandruff could see expanded playing time along the defensive line as well. In minimal action there last year, he still was in on a sack and added three hurries
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
TB
By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E
cmasse@sungazette.com
en years ago, Dominick Bragalone obliterated the South Williamsport and District 4 record books, producing a season we likely will never see again which included 4,717 yards and 63 touchdowns.
But while Bragalone was built like the Hulk and ran like the wind, there was something which linked him to all the great South players who came before him and have since Simply put, he never stopped working
Players like Bragalone come around once in a generation, but South adopting a blue-collar mentality and coach Chris Eiswerth and his staff getting every ounce of ability from their players over the years has built South into a perennial title contender Whatever hand South has been dealt, it has found a way to win. That shined through again last year, when a team with few college-bound players captured the district championship and reached the state semifinals.
While the majority of those starters graduated, the foundation set in place by them and other South alumni remains in place. A team which will be mighty young has put together a dedicated offseason and is hoping that work translates to more success.
“That’s a great thing that I can say to
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23—Athens
Aug. 30 Canton
Sept. 6—at Troy
Sept. 13 Milton
Sept. 20—at Wyalusing
Sept. 27 at Cowanesque Valley
Oct. 4—Sayre
Oct. 11 Muncy
Oct 18—at Montgomery
Oct. 25 at Northwest
them. We can be proud of that hard work and know that with hard work, you have a chance,” Eiswerth said. “We might not be biggest or fastest, but there’s something about working hard and developing that grit We try to hang our hat on that ” South has not just hung its hat, but also several championship banners by embracing that mentality Eiswerth became the program’s all-time wins leader last fall and South has won 107 games, along with two district championships and five league titles, during his 13 seasons at his alma mater.
That success was born in the offseason as South developed one of the best strength and speed training programs around. With so many promising freshmen entering the program, South is relying on that tried and true method to try
and keep the winning ways going as it moves up to Class AA. And as in the past, the players are buying in and have little problem embracing what makes the sport hard, but rewarding.
“These guys have stayed pretty consistent The older guys have done a good job,” Eiswerth said. “(Senior) Dylan Schller has become such a good leader. He picks up a couple kids in the morning and brings them When you see those guys come out of the car, you get a big simile because when you get a kid out of bed and have him come to work at a 9 in the morning, that’s big. That’s why we do it like that. There’s a bit of commitment there, so you kind of know who’s serious and who isn’t and who wants to take on that responsibility.”
Scheller and fellow seniors like Tadd Lusk, Evan Barry and Paxton Gephart have enjoyed taking those reins and pushed the younger players throughout the spring and summer. All four are coming off outstanding seasons with Scheller earning all-state honors at cornerback and emerging as one of the area’s leading receivers.
Lusk nearly passed for 1,000 yards despite not becoming the starting quarterback until Week 6 and also helped solidify a strong defense. Barry shined in his first start in the backfield, running for 105 yards against Sayre and looks like yet another hard-charging running back who also could excel at linebacker Gephart
helped anchor one of the state’s premier offensive lines and also likely will make a big defensive impact.
“We have a nice nucleus there,” Eiswerth said. “Those are guys you can build around.”
So are players like defensive tackle Ben Ferris and offensive tackle Max Wilton, both coming off impressive seasons Caleb Johnson flashed his potential at cornerback an also could be a key figure in the secondary, while Jayden Hamm is another player to watch. Cadden Hamm played well up front when called upon and intercepted a pass in addition to helping stuff the run.
Kicker Evan Ogden could be poised for a strong season as well. He excelled in his first year playing football last fall, drilling 41 extra points Ogden attended various kicking camps throughout the offseason and has added some power which could help the defense if he can consistently drive his kickoffs near the goal line.
Then there are the newcomers. Here is where both the present and future could be bright. South brings up several talented players from a junior high team which lost just one game the past two years Obviously, there will be a growing period as they adjust to the varsity level but their arrival is an exciting one, especially because they already appear hungry and eager to make a mark.
“These kids know how to win,” Eiswerth said “There’s some excitement with these guys coming into the program that we’ve built ”
Freshman Eli White ran for
2023 RESULTS (11-3)
South 14, Milton 0
South 49, Montgomery 19
South 58, CMVT 18
South 58, Cowanesque Valley 38
South 21, Canton 27
South 34, Sayre 6
South 28, Muncy 29 (OT)
South 62, Wellsboro 20
South 28, Hughesville 12
South 46, Northwest 22
District 4 Class A semifinals
South 24, Canton 18 Championship
South 57, Muncy 20 PIAA Class A quarterfinals
South 33, Cambria Heights 0 Semifinals
South 21, Steelton-Highspire 48
1,200 yards in junoir high last fall and Cole Gerber (6-foot, 1 inch) could be the quarterback of the future. Kasim Davenport could provide an immediate lift along both lines and already is around 225 pounds. Neeko Bowen and Colton Paulhamus could be in the tight end/defensive end mix and both have good size, as does Camden Bubb who could play a big role up front Kade Lusk is another freshman who could help quickly fill a void.
“We don’t want to give them anything they can’t handle,” Eiswerth said “We’re interested to see how it goes because some kids you tell them they have a chance to play early and you give them some small pieces and they take it run with it and others disappear a week later.”
So far, it appears these players fall into that former category. Offseason workouts are never easy, but they have proven quite beneficial the past 13 seasons as South has become one of the district’s most consistent winners.
2023 LEADERS
PASSER AT CM IN YDS TD
Tadd Lusk 86 47 5 913 16
Radley Knapp 34 20 3 293 5 R USHER AT YDS TD Ryan Casella 232 1,481 24
Kaiser Kistner 148 1,000 12
Amir Kemrer 54 526 5
Landyn Gephart 29 272 1
RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Dylan Scheller 32 603 8
Landyn Gephart 17 404 8
2024 FOOTBALL P LAY ERS TO WATCH
Ben Ferris, DL/OL: Pancake is an offensive linemen stat, but Ferris certainly pancaked some ball-carriers defensively last season, knocking them straight on their backs Ferris played a vital role in the middle of Southʼs defense and was a terrific run stopper who especially surged throughout the postseason The seniorʼs ability to control the interior helped South stuff three straight highly-touted opponents from consistently running the ball as South captured the District 4 Class A championship Ferris could see time on both lines this season and is one of the areaʼs most physical players.
Paxton Gephart, OL/DL: Speaking of physical players, Gephart shined along a bruising offensive line and earned second-team NTL-II all-star honors in his first season starting The senior stepped in as a sophomore when a starter when down and surged and kept doing so last season as South produced two 1,000-yard rushers and 1,301 passing yards Gephart fits the mold of the traditional South lineman and is a punishing blocker who can frequently impose his will on defenders He also could provide depth along the defensive line and again be on of the areaʼs premier all-around linemen
Tadd Lusk, QB/LB: Despite not becoming the starter until Week 6, Lusk still nearly reached 1,000 yards in a run-heavy offense. Showcasing a knack for making the big play, the senior threw for 913 yards and 16 touchdowns, Lusk averaged 19 4 yards per completion and nearly a third of his completions went for touchdowns, a key factor in keeping defenses honest. Lusk also is an outstanding linebacker who was among the teamʼs leading tacklers a year ago Lusk is the teamʼs top returning tackler and made seven tackles for loss, while adding a sack and breaking up three passes
Dylan Scheller, DB/WR: An all-state cornerback last year, Scheller can blanket receivers before switching sides and becoming a dangerous one himself A threeyear starting senior, Scheller intercepted five passes last season after picking off four as a sophomore He made a tone-setting first-quarter interception and subsequent long return in a 33-0 state quarterfinal win against Cambria Heights produced a pick in five different games Scheller also was a playmaker offensively, leading South with 32 catches for 603 yards and eight touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field helped open up the run and Scheller came up big in a district semifinal win at Canton, hauling in five passes for a careerhigh 139 yards and two touchdowns.
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B
By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
Hughesville linemen have been growing older and bigger. That combination could make the Spartans formidable this fall
It also represents the steady climb of a unit which could be poised for a big breakthrough. Russell Dewire is a four-year starter, JD Lunger a three-year starter and sophomore Hunter Whipple and freshman Connor Tallman two-year starters. All four are 250 pounds or larger and all have put in a lot of time since last season Together, they hope to form the foundation which Hughesville hopes to build its success upon.
“We finally have some size this year. That’s something that hurt us in the past,” Hughesville coach Howard Rainey said. “They’re talking a little smack at practice and they haven’t done that before in practice ”
They also have not been as experienced or as strong before, so the growing confidence also is encouraging. Everything starts up front, so having several other promising linemen in the mix, could be the ingredient which helps the offense cook this season
Hughesville threw the ball well the past two seasons, producing multiple 1,000-yard quarterbacks but struggled at times to run the ball.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 at Montgomery
Aug 30—Towanda
Sept. 6 at Loyalsock
Sept 13—at Lewisburg
Sept. 20 Midd-West
Sept 27—at Mount Carmel
Oct. 4 Bloomsburg
Oct 11—Warrior Run
Oct. 18 at Wyalusing
Oct. 25 Muncy
With the horses Hughesville possesses up front, that could change this season. The Spartans could be more balanced and that could make them more dangerous.
“We might be leaning more on that (running) this year,” Rainey said “We’ve had to throw a little more than we might have liked in the past. We’re still going to throw the ball because we want to be balanced but we think we can have success running it, too, this year.”
Luke Stutzman is the team’s returning leading rusher and its most inexperienced but Hughesville also has some exciting prospects in junior Chase Fowler and sophomore Chase
Shrawder, among others Jed Abernatha has excellent speed and also is a player to watch
Senior Conor Knight is coming off a breakout season at wide receiver and solidifies the receiving core with sophomore Connor Anstadt a potential enticing target as well Trent Wetzel also could figure prominently into the passing game Carson Stackhouse is another player to keep on with several coaches and teammates saying he reminds them of a younger Knight
Speaking of the aerial attack, Hughesville will have a new starter Blake Davis has seen some action the past few years but broke his collar bone in his first varsity action last season. Davis, however, has tremendous upside. He has a big arm and can stretch the field, putting together impressive JV campaigns the past two years.
“Blake did awesome at JV and he’s always been a strong-armed kid,” Rainey said. “He can throw the ball a mile. He torched some teams at JV and we’re hoping he carries that up.”
Defensively, Hughesville could be deeper than in years past along the line. While several of those offensive line starters likely will see time, Rainey said the team also features several talented players who can step in and start and/or give those players breathers, hence helping both the offense and defense.
Hughesville should be especially strong at linebacker. Stutzman is one of the area’s pre-
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
mier playmakers there and Fisher was having a terrific year before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 8. Had he not been injured, Fisher likely would have joined Stutzman in the 100-tackle club. Fowler and Shrawder also could be poised for strong seasons with Fowler possessing excellent range and Shrawder averaging 4 4 tackles per game as a freshman
Knight headlines the secondary and has been one of the area’s top defensive backs the past two seasons The eight interceptions he has produced have been impressive, but his reliable support against the run and opponents in space also has stood out.
“He’s probably the best open-field tackler I’ve ever coached,” Rainey said. “Guys try to stay low against him but he’s able to get lower and make the tackle ”
Hadyn Maneval is one of the team’s fastest players and also will play a large role as well So will Wetzel and Anstadt who performed well as a freshman last fall Both he and Wetzel picked off passes last season and Maneval broke up three passes.
Keegan Smith is back on special teams and provides Hughesville a reliable kicker and punter. Splitting time with the graduated Alex Farley, Smith produced four touchbacks on kickoffs and averaged 34.5 yards per punt.
Maybe more important than all the measurables is a growing sense of belief The Spartans have made consecutive District 4 Class AA playoff appearances and were a few plays from potentially turning three losses into wins a year ago They suffered one-score losses against Warrior Run, Towanda and Muncy by a combined 18 points. Wins in those games would have given Hughesville a winning record.
2023 RESULTS (3-8)
Hughesville 20, Montgomery 6
Hughesville 0, Loyalsock 46
Hughesville 26, Bloomsburg 13
Hughesville 7, Warrior Run 14
Hughesville 41, Midd-West 0
Hughesville 6, Milton 28
Hughesville 14, Mount Carmel 54
Hughesville 14, Towanda 19
Hughesville 12, South Williamsport 28
Hughesville 22, Muncy 28
District 4 Class AA quarterfinals
Hughesville 0, Troy 36
But the past is the past and that is where Hughesville is leaving those results Now, it has a new opportunity to make a mark.
The core of this group produced winning seasons at the junior high level and are eager to translate that success to the big stage It will not be easy with a demanding schedule, but Hughesville is eager to show what it can do.
“They have that desire and they are no satisfied with being close. They don’t like that,” Rainey said “They want to beat teams and beat them good ”
Hughesville knows that cannot happen without hard work and it spent the offseason putting in those hours. Hughesville was averaging between 30-40 players in the weight room and Rainey said it’s the best turnout it had in his four years there
The goal now is turning everything positive from the offseason into results on the field. Possessing a blend of experience, size and speed, Hughesville looks like a team which could be poised for a breakthrough
The Spartans came mighty close last season Now they want to take the next step.
“We had quite a turnout this year. They’re pushing each other pretty good,” Rainey said. “They’re hungry.”
2023 LEADERS
AT CM IN YDS TD Tyler Wetzel 248 122 10 1,385 9 R USHER AT YDS TD
Angelo Ferrigno 133 594 5
Luke Stutzman 56 217 2
Tyler Wetzel 55 160 3
Aiden Barlett 25 156 2
RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Aiden Barlett 51 645 9
Conor Knight 44 518 0
Connor Anstadt 7 99 0
John Finnegan 9 81 0
Angelo Ferrigno 8 42 0
2 200224 4 F FOOOOTTBBAALLL L P PLLAAYYEERRS S T TO O W
Russell Dewire, OL/DL: Part of the glue along both the offensive and defensive lines, Dewire is coming off an excellent season in which he earned first team HAC-II all-star honors on offense and second team on defense He is a three-year starter and four-year contributor and his development has played a key role in Hughesville making consecutive district playoff appearances. As a defensive tackle, Dewire helps free up the linebackers to make plays and he averaged 3 5 tackles per game, making six for loss He also forced two fumbles, recovered another and broke up a pass.
Brenden Fisher, LB/FB: Fisher had some big shoes to fill last season after all-state linebacker Mason Hoppes graduated, but he delivered and enjoyed a big breakout campaign The senior linebacker finished second on the team in tackles, averaging 9 1 per game, while leading the team with three sacks Fisher also made 10 tackles for loss and may have reached 100 tackles had an injury not cost him three games Fisher made 11 tackles in his first varsity start and added a career-high 13 against HAC-III co-champion Mount Carmel He also could see an increased offensive role this season
Conor Knight, WR/DB: One of the areaʼs top cornerbacks the past two seasons also established himself as a reliable wide receiver while starting there for the first time a year ago Knight finished second on the team and among the areaʼs top 10 in catches with 44 for 518 yards Knight could see an even bigger role this season after Aiden Barlett graduated Knight is tied with Southʼs Dylan Scheller for the most interceptions during the past two seasons (8) He provided excellent coverage last season, picking off six passes and returning one for a game-clinching touchdown against Montgomery He also has made 149 tackles over the past two seasons.
Luke Stutzman, LB/RB: A four-year starter who can play either outside or inside linebacker, Stutzman has made steady progress each season and earned firstteam HAC-III honors last fall The senior leader was among the areaʼs top tacklers and led Hughesville with 121, including 73 solos and six for loss Stutzman has a nose for the ball and is 24 from reaching 300 career tackles He averaged a career-best 11 tackles per game a season ago Stutzman also could be one of Hughesvilleʼs go-to running backs. A hard-nosed runner, Stutzman gained 217 yards and scored two touchdowns
Hughesville Spartans
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
o ahead and overlook it. Central Mountain prefers it that way.
And, no doubt, many likely will look past the Wildcats entering this season. Central Mountain was a senior-laden team last year and graduated 25 players. There will be new starters all over the field in all three facets
But these kids can play. Coach Travis Thompson and his staff have seen it Now it’s a matter of getting them to believe it. Do that and Central Mountain could give its doubters quite a response
“You look at other programs that have been down before and that have come back and become great like Jersey Shore. We’re trying to get it through their heads that we can compete and we can do this, too,” Central Mountain second-year coach Travis Thompson said “Our guys are big and strong and fast. They can do anything but they have to believe that they can win We have a tough schedule and we’re excited about that. It’s the type of schedule to press forward with toward what our goals are ”
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug 23—Mifflin County
Aug. 30 at Bloomsburg
Sept 6—Williamsport
Sept. 13 at Selinsgrove
Sept. 20 at Shamokin
Sept. 27 Shikellamy
Oct. 4 at Montoursville
Oct. 11 at Mount Carmel
Oct. 18 Troy
Oct. 25 Jersey Shore
Central Mountain’s short-term goals are to make a splash in its first season playing as a Class AAAA team in the sixclassification system after having previously always been Class 5A. Its long-term goals are to make winning the norm and not the exception The program has struggled in recent years and went 3-8 last year despite reaching the District 6 Class 5A final.
But the past is the past and Central Mountain is only focused on the present This is an opportunity to turn the page and get the ball rolling. And with so many first-time starters potentially being under-
classmen it is a chance to lay a foundation for current and future success Every start-up program needs a launching point and maybe it’s this group and this year for Central Mountain
The Wildcats certainly are working toward making that happen That is what Thompson likes most about his team so far. When he gave them the Fourth of July weekend off, the players were unhappy. They wanted to keep working and that’s what they did. Having a foundation built upon that relentless work certainly provides a boost going forward.
“More than anything, they have a genuine love for football. They want to learn and want to get better and they love competing against each other and in football,” Thompson said. “The offseason has been phenomenal. Last year being Year 1, I think there was a lot left to be desired. Three wins is not where we want to be. We want to be a winning program competing against good teams around here and they are all hungry and excited about that.”
Central Mountain is excited about its athletes competing for the quarterback job, too. Khye Kissell and Hunter Hoy are pushing each other and both are versatile
threats Whoever does not start at quarterback likely will make a nice impact at wide receiver since both are so athletic.
While 1,000-yard, workhorse running back Rocco Serafini graduated, Central Mountain also has some appealing options in the backfield. While one may not carry the ball as often or run for as many yards, a quality committee could be equally effective. Sophomore Kole Corman impressed in several areas last season, while Cooper Bottorf moves from guard to fullback and provides a strong, physical presence who can provide strong lead blocking and/or be a tough short-yardage back. Jake Weaver, Jacob Nyman and freshman Hayes Donley also will be in the mix and could see some carries.
The receiving group also could be deep with Kissell or Hoy joining players like Isaiah Maldonado, Richy Rohrbach, Keron Yerger, Mason Masorti and tight end Calen Hunter Connor Foltz, the program’s all-time leading receiver, graduated but the depth Central Mountain could help negate that loss and help the quarterback spread the ball around.
Trying to help make everything go will be a new-look offensive line. Alex Coakley and Nick Lose both either started and/or received playing time there and will anchor a unit which likely will be young, but which also could be strong.
Because many of those starting spots are open, a promising set of young players and team
2023 RESULTS (3-8)
Central Mountain 6, Mifflin County 41
Central Mountain 48, Bloomsburg 13
Central Mountain 39, Shikellamy 32 (OT)
Central Mountain 33, Mifflinburg 45
Central Mountain 14, Shamokin 27
Central Mountain 13, Williamsport 47
Central Mountain 14, Selinsgrove 49
Central Mountain 0, Garden Spot 48
Central Mountain 42, Midd-West 0
Central Mountain 0, Jersey Shore 62
District 6 Class 5A championship
Central Mountain 0, Hollidaysburg 37
veterans are constantly pushing each other If that competition brings out each player’s best, Central Mountain could assert itself up front quite well.
“It’s one of those things where last year we had a lot of seniors and they put a lot of things on the wall and the underclassmen let them have it,” Thompson said “There wasn’t much competition, but once they left those holes on the field and in the locker room opened up and they have all been vying for those leadership roles. Those little things breed competition and we’re super excited about that group ”
Many of those players also will play key roles along the defensive front Gage Tressler was injured early last season but has tremendous upside as does freshman Todd Caris who the coaches believe could be a force, either this year or down the road. Tressler is 6-foot, 3inch and 285 pounds, and possesses both power and quickness. Caris is a hardnosed player who has absorbed everything he’s been taught well and could provide another weapon upfront
2023 LEADERS
Thomas Sprague 204 93 9 1,294 12 R USHER AT YDS TD
Rocco Serafini 222 1,098 13
Osten Lindsey 28 105 0
Thomas Sprague 26 78 1
RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Connor Foltz 46 562 5
Dominic Longworth 18 266 2
Rocco Serafini 12 189 2
Xavier Persun 7 111 1
Kevin Grenninger 2 78 1
Kole Corman, LB/RB: His focus is linebacker and running back this season, but Corman can play just about every position … literally. Corman played seven positions at different times last year and proved a quick learner. Able to focus on just two now, Corman could be headed for a big leap forward The sophomore has asserted himself throughout the offseason, gaining strength and speed and will help solidify what could be a particularly strong linebacking unit Corman also figures into the backfield mix and could provide a spark there after the graduation of 1,000-yard rusher Rocco Serafini.
Kai Fravel, RB/LB: Another freshman who slid into the starting lineup before being injured last season, Fravel has similar impressive upside Like Corman, the sophomore has put together a dedicated offseason and is becoming a team leader at a young age He could be another two-way standout and showed his defensive prowess in a Week 4 game against Mifflinburg, making nine tackles Fravel made at least five tackles in three of his seven games and added a fumble recovery against Garden Spot
Khye Kissell, QB/WR/DB: Competing with Hunter Hoy for the starting quarterback job, Kissell will be used either under center or as a receiver. He backed up 1,000-yard passer Tom Sprague a season ago, ripping off a 26-yard run in a win against Midd-West His all-around athletic ability makes Kissell a difference-maker wherever he lines up and he also provides depth in the secondary He broke up a pass against Midd-West and is one of many players who has ability, but who simply was stuck behind a big senior class. This could be his breakthrough season.
Jacob Weaver, RB/LB: Joining Corman, Fravel and Nick Lose, Weaver helps anchor what could be one of the areaʼs premier linebacking groups As a sophomore last season, Weaver led Central Mountain in tackles and added a sack. The three-year starter also was a consistent player who made at least five tackles seven times. Weaver gives Central Mountain experience and savvy, and is an active playmaker who also figures into the backfield mix Weaver broke off a long touchdown as a freshman in a win against Warrior Run and ran for a career-high 70 yards that night, showing some power and burst
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
Lewisburg has featured exciting players at the so-called skill positions the past few years, including a 1,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and reliable receivers.
But while Lewisburg again will have quality players in those spots this fall, it might be the big guys up front who shape this team’s identity The offensive linemen have some impressive skill and a lot of strength and experience as well. A line which has steadily progressed during coach Eric Wicks’ four-year run at Lewisburg could be poised for its best season yet
And that makes a team which flourished late last season while reaching the District 4 Class AAA semifinals especially dangerous.
“That’s a strong suit for the team,” Wicks said. “Having all those guys back, and having them help offensively and defensively is big for us I feel like that’s the strength of the team ”
Andrew Smith, Hayes Schumacher, Nate Malusis, Garrett Glather and Matteo Casale all will be multiple-year starters with Smith, Schumacher and Glather all having at least two years starting experience entering the season That unit helped pave the way for Jeremiah Davis to top 1,000 yards rushing last fall while protecting multiple
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 Line Mountain
Aug. 30 at Shikellamy
Sept. 6 Bloomsburg
Sept. 13 Hughesville
Sept. 20 at Warrior Run
Sept. 27 Loyalsock
Oct. 4 at Midd-West
Oct. 11 at Shamokin
Oct. 18 at Montoursville
Oct. 25—MIfflinburg
quarterbacks who combined for 1,183 yards
Each player has bulked up and Lewisburg has the potential to be a team which can consistently impose its will up front. That is the hope anyway after the line helped fuel the team’s sprint to the finish last season when it scored at least 29 points in those four straight wins en route to the semifinals
“We’ve been building that chemistry the last few years and getting them all on the same page,” Wicks said. “A lot of them have played the last 3-4 years and we have a great mix with some young guys in the mix as well We sent some linemen to the Joe Moore Camp (in Pittsburgh) and it was a great way to get the guys bonding ” Lewisburg bonded well last season, rally-
ing from a 2-5 start to win the program’s first playoff game since 2018 and give fourtime defending champion Danville a battle throughout the first half in the semifinals Not only does it help having several starters back from that team, but also having a taste of playoff success.
Lewisburg had knocked on the door the past few seasons and started kicking it down last fall. The Dragons are not yet all the way in but are getting closer That is creating excitement and the offseason was a productive one as an optimistic team keeps working.
“I feel like it builds confidence for the whole team. We had heard for so long about how it had been a while since we won a playoff game and getting that win made them more comfortable with winning and believing that they are more capable of doing it,” Wicks said. “I feel like it was one of those eye openers to make us feel like we can compete with any team in the field.”
Chase Wenrich opened last season at quarterback and likely will do so again this season In addition to having experience, Wenrich displayed his toughness in some early-season games, especially a Week 3 double overtime contest against Montoursville. Wicks also likes that Wenrich is a quick learner who recognizes mistakes he makes and quickly works to perfect them while displaying a short memory
Davis showed a similar quality behind him last season, making a super comeback
after missing his sophomore campaign with a torn ACL Davis topped 1,000 yards and the wellrounded senior has grown faster and stronger throughout the offseason Sean Field is a four-year starter who will also play a vital role in the backfield as both a strong lead blocker and shortyardage back who can effectively catch the ball.
Speaking of good receivers, Jaylen Walker become quite a weapon down the stretch last season and headlines what looks like a deep group. Walker shined as a freshman and caught three passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns in the playoff win against Montoursville The 6-1 receiver also hauled in three touchdowns over the last three weeks and also caught a 77-yard scoring strike against Loyalsock
Walker kept working after the season and has developed good chemistry with Wenrich Senior Nick Coleman also could give the receivers a boost after moving from the backfield. Coleman has played and/or started during the last four years defensively and provides another quality option. Mateo Cardello and Tyler Kitchens also could become threats, as could some promising younger players.
All those players also will fuel the secondary. Kitchens, Coleman and Cardello all have either started or played a lot. That group will be younger than in recent years, but it still could help set the tone
The linebacking unit will be one experienced and skilled with Field and Quin Michaels both four-year starters Danon Alabakoff also is coming off a strong year and the linebackers will be boosted with the return of Tyler Dowd who missed last season with an injury
2023 RESULTS (6-6)
Lewisburg 16, Shamokin 13 (OT)
Lewisburg 0, Jersey Shore 53
Lewisburg 14, Montoursville 21 (2 OT)
Lewisburg 13, Southern Columbia 69
Lewisburg 20, Central Columbia 3
Lewisburg 3, Danville 35
Lewisburg 14, Loyalsock 28
Lewisburg 45, Midd-West 0
Lewisburg 45, Bloomsburg 7
Lewisburg 35, Mifflinburg 0
District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals
Lewisburg 29, Montoursville 14
Semifinals
Lewisburg 3, Danville 42
“That is the strength on defense. That group is going to be pretty good,” Wicks said “They provide great leadership and are hard workers. Sean leads the weight room in everything and is always making sure guys are getting there. He’s the perfect leader that we need to get guys into development ”
Then there are the guys up front who made a defensive impact similar to the offensive one they made down the stretch. The Dragons have both potential run stuffers and players who can get to the quarterback That is especially encouraging for the Dragons after they held six opponents to 16 or fewer points.
Lewisburg also possesses one of the district’s best special teams weapons Cohen Hoover earned allstate honors as a kicker last season and also is one of the district’s best punters. Hoover drilled a districthigh nine field goals, boomed his kickoffs and averaged 37.3 yards per punt. Hoover totaled all 16 points in a 16-13 overtime win against Shamokin on opening night, kicking three field goals, while rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown on two carries.
LEADERS
RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Jack Blough 19 340 3
Charles Landis 20 325 1
Jaylen Walker 20 305 4
2 200224 4 F FOOOOTTBBAALLL L P PLLAAYYEERRS S T TO O W WAATTCCH H
Jeremiah Davis, RB/DB: One of last yearʼs Comeback Players of the Year, Davis battled back from an ACL injury which wiped out his 2022 season and ran for 1,013 yards and eight touchdowns Davis became Lewisburgʼs first 1,000-yard rusher since 2018 and topped 100 yards in six of his last eight games, going over 70 in all eight Davis has good burst and also hits the hole hard, developing into a reliable every-down back. The senior ran for 98 yards in a playoff win against Montoursville and also is one of the areaʼs best kick returners, taking three for touchdowns in two years of varsity football.
Nate Malusis, OL/DL: A second-team HAC-II offensive and honorable mention defensive lineman, Malsuis is one of several building blocks Lewisburg possesses up front Malusis helped the line surge during the seasonʼs second half as Lewisburg started imposing its will upon opponents. Malusis also helped Lewisburg control things up front defensively and produced a sack, along with three solo tackles in a 20-3 win against Central Columbia. A few weeks later, the senior two-way starter helped set the tone in a shutout against Midd-West, forcing a fumble and blocking a field goal.
Quin Michaels, LB/TE: A four-year starter, Michaels enjoyed his first injury-free season last year and having him all year provided Lewisburg a big boost Michaels had his best year and helped the defense allow 14 or fewer points in each of their last four wins. Michaels combines with Sean Field fellow fouryear starter Sean Field to give Lewisburg quite a wellrounded, experienced tandem Michaels makes plays in all facets and returned a fumble for a touchdown, while making eight tackles for loss, intercepting a pass, collecting two sacks and forcing a key fumble in a 16-13 overtime win at Shamokin
Andrew Smith, OL/DL: The anchor of what could be a stout offensive line, Smith was a first team HACII all-star last season and helped the team flourish down the stretch when it won four straight games to reach the district semifinals The 6-foot, 3-inch, 270pounder gets good leverage and helped clear the way for a 1,000-yard running back and a passing game which produced nearly 1,200 yards Smith has made steady progress each season at Lewisburg and also was part of a defensive line which smothered opponents during their winning streak He produced two sacks and opened up lanes for linebackers as well
B
By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
The kids are growing up. But, comparatively speaking, they are still pretty young Montgomery started mostly freshmen and sophomores last year out of necessity; enduring heavy graduation losses the previous June. A lot of players were starting at times they might not have under different situations But the Raiders had no choice They were thrown to the fire and Montgomery finished 1-9.
But while it was a rough experience at times, positive steps were taken And because so many already have been exposed to significant varsity playing time, Montgomery could take a nice leap forward in 2024.
“It’s tough when you have 13-, 14-yearold kids starting against 18- and 19-yearolds, but they’re growing up fast. They have no choice,” second-year Montgomery coach Cory Tice said “It’s tough because you hate to make the excuse that we’re young A lot of people are sick of hearing that we’re young and we’re sick of talking about it. It’s kind of put up or shut up time ” Montgomery players have shown they are eager to put up, filling up the weight room on a regular basis. For a small Class A school, having 20-30 players arrive each
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 Hughesville
Aug 30—Warrior Run
Sept. 6 at Sayre
Sept 13—Wyalusing
Sept. 20 at Canton
Sept. 27 Muncy
Oct. 4 at Northwest
Oct. 11 at Holy Redeemer
Oct. 18 South Williamsport
Oct. 25 at Cowanesque Valley
time is a positive number and one Tice said he regularly saw throughout the summer
The Raiders have committed themselves to growing stronger physically and the goal is to match that with increased mental strength When teams are trying to reverse the trend, a blocker often can be confidence What Tice and the coaching staff are trying to instill in all the players is that belief that they can excel not down the road, but right now
“The biggest fight is not ability or the willingness to compete. It’s buying into the we belong attitude because we do belong,” Tice said “The baseball and wrestling teams have been super successful not just
as individuals, but as teams. These boys belong and they just have to believe that they belong It’s one of those hurdles you have to jump over.”
Montgomery has some good players to try and make that leap Most of the starters are back, as are some exciting newcomers and/or players who missed last year with injuries or played another sport.
Tice and the staff do not name starters beforehand Everything is earned so competition will be fierce during the preseason. The big winner with Montgomery pushing each other daily at practice could be the whole team because that likely will make the Raiders more complete.
“We don’t have one position that’s guaranteed That’s just how we’re going to treat it,” Tice said. “If you show up and work, then you can find yourself in a starting position If you don’t work, you could find yourself on the bench ”
Montgomery knows that it could have the seeds up front to help the offense bloom this fall Most of those starters return after helping senior running back Coy Bryson go over 1,000 yards. That unit also paved the way for 477 rushing yards in last year’s season finale at CMVT
Bryson ran wild the final two weeks a year ago and could form a three-headed monster with Briar Persing and Trace Furman Persing ran for 247 yards and two scores and he and Furman, both sopho-
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
mores, topped 1,000 yards rushing as eighth graders on a strong junior high team. Furman returned from a torn ACL to enjoy a strong baseball season last spring and could be poised to make an immediate and big impact as both a running back and safety.
Montgomery relied nearly exclusively on the run last year, but the potential is there for improvement in the passing game. Quarterback Parker Persing is a three-year starter and Hayden Wilt returns after taking last year off. Wilt shined during the 2022 season, catching 43 passes for 415 yards. He also displayed good chemistry with Persing
Still, while Montgomery is hoping to have some more balance, it is planning on remaining a run-heavy team. If that line builds off what it did late last season and the backs all make a positive impact, that could pave the way for success with some aerial strikes mixed in to keep defenses honest
“You look at any team that is successful at any level and they run the ball and play defense That’s the goal,” Tice said. “We’re never going to throw the ball 40 times in a game, but we’re making some changes as far as being able to throw the ball better. We were very unsuccessful and stagnant through the air last year, so we have to improve in that aspect, but we’re not throwing away the system ”
The offense provides a potential strong foundation as the defense tries to find its footing. The Raiders struggled at times last year, but also had some super moments like when they blanked Northwest, 6-0 Montgomery surrendered just 76 yards that night and is trying to make strong performances the norm, rather than the exception. And again, there is some exciting talent on that side of the ball working toward that goal
2023 RESULTS (1-9)
Montgomery 6, Hughesville 20
Montgomery 19, South Williamsport 49
Montgomery 24, Cowanesque Valley 44
Montgomery 14, Muncy 40
Montgomery 6, Wyalusing 47
Montgomery 6, Northwest 0
Montgomery 12, Canton 45
Montgomery 6, Warrior Run 49
Montgomery 12, Sayre 14
Montgomery 26, CMVT 46
Most of the line is back, while Bryson and Briar Persing are coming off strong years at linebacker. Wilt could settle in safety along with players like Wilt and Seth McClintock, among others, helping solidify that unit.
McClintock, Briar Persing and sophomores Cam Woltz, Lincoln Miller and Logan Joy all averaged more than five tackles per game. Some were limited by injuries but that many making impacts at a young stage provides another positive for a team loaded with upside.
Also helping is that Tice and his staff are now in their second year In addition to replacing most of the starters from 2022, the staff also had to implement a new system, learn the players and put everything together in a short window Now that the team has been together for a year and had a full offseason together, the learning curve feels much less steep
“It’s night and day from where we at this time last year,” Tice said. “We were kind of behind the eight-ball when we were hired last year but having a whole regular season and a whole offseason under our belts is very helpful.”
The growing continues but Montgomery has the look for a team which could bounce back and be a sleeper in the NTL-II. Believing that could hold the key to the team’s success
PASSER AT CM IN YDS TD
Parker Persing 40 93 80 1
R USHER AT YDS TD
Coy Bryson 189 1,107 8
Caden Finck 66 418 4
Briar Persing 52 247 2
Nevin Beachel 3 94 0
Cam Woltz 25 91 0
RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Seth McClintock 3 28 0
Caden Finck 1 15 0
Eli Tupper 1 11 7
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Coy Bryson, RB/LB: Talk about ending the season with a flourish In last yearʼs finale, Bryson became the only area player not named Dominick Bragalone during the 2000s to reach 400 yards in a game, rushing for 401 yards and three touchdowns at CMVT Bryson had a huge second half of the season and totaled 618 yards in his last two games, finishing with 1,107 The senior workhorse topped 100 yards four times, 200 yards twice and also is a good receiver out of the backfield. Bryson is equally effective at linebacker. There, he made 103 tackles, including 66 solos and 11 for loss.
Connor Jarrett, OL/DL: One of many freshmen who quickly assumed starting roles, Jarrett asserted himself and earned second-team NTL-II defensive honors Jarrett came up especially big in a 6-0 win against Northwest when he forced a fumble which led to the game-winning touchdown. He added a sack in that game and made a career-high nine tackles against Sayre Jarrett produced five tackles for loss and added three fumble recoveries He also was part of an offensive line which surged over the final two weeks and paved way the way for 737 rushing yards.
Logan Joy, LB/RB: Like Jarrett, Joy wasted little time going from junior high to excelling at the varsity level as a freshman One of the teamʼs leading tacklers, Joy settled in at linebacker and averaged 5 6 tackles per game Joy was all over the field against Wyalusing when he piled up 16 tackles, including eight solos before closing out his season with a nine-tackle performance against Sayre. Joy also forced a fumble in that Wyalusing game Joy could see more offensive opportunities and is one of many young players who gives Montgomery excitement not just for this year, but the next few years
Seth McClintock, RB/WR/DB: Stop if you have heard this before: McClintock is another exciting underclassmen who quickly adapted last season. The junior helps anchor the secondary and made 52 tackles, closing his season with a career-high 10 against CMVT McClintock broke up three passes against Wyalusing and also recovered two fumbles He twice reached 10 tackles in a game and should benefit from playing so much last season. McClintock could be a versatile offensive weapon as well. Montgomery featured a nearly exclusive running offense, but he did catch three of the teamʼs six completions, while also carrying the ball six times in the Northwest victory
TB
By
y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
wo years ago, Warrior Run snapped a 19-game losing streak and reached the District 4 Class AAA playoffs. Last year, the Defenders doubled that 2022 win total, reached the district semifinals and won the second playoff game in program history, doing so on the road for the first time.
Many of the current players have played key roles on both teams these past two years. And they certainly are not satisfied with having come a long way They want more, including a first-ever trip to a district final and/or the championship.
The climb continues
“This is a year where we hope to take a big step as a program. We have the personnel to do it,” third-year Warrior Run coach Derrick Zechman said “Getting to the semifinals last year was huge for us and coming back in the second half against Mifflinburg was huge. It gives them that belief and that’s big.”
It certainly is Following a strong 2019 campaign, Warrior Run did not win another game on the field (one came via forfeit) until halfway through the 2022 campaign But like the baseball team Zechman also coaches, the football team has come storming back and has made three-win improve-
2023 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 Muncy
Aug. 30—at Montgomery
Sept. 6 Midd-West
Sept 13—at Bloomsburg
Sept. 20 Lewisburg
Sept 27—at North Penn-Mansfield
Oct. 4 Loyalsock
Oct 11—at Hughesville
Oct. 18 at Central Columbia
Oct 25—Milton
ments in each of the last two seasons.
A team which was among the area’s youngest two years ago is now one of the most experienced, featuring several three and fouryear starters. Excitement is high with roster numbers increasing for a second straight season and Warrior Run now has the winning mindset to go along with its talent
“The belief is finally there. It started three years ago and we’ve made strides each year. I think we’re going to see that jump if we stay healthy,” Zechman said. “The biggest thing they’re seeing is results and it’s feeding off on the other kids. We have had a lot of kids in the weight room and it’s exciting.”
Warrior Run has some exciting skill
players it can get the ball to, but it’s an improving offensive line which could really help this team get to the next level. Payton Snyder, Caleb Nicholas, Jalen Hall and Garrett Williams all have started full-time or occasionally last year and all played well Those linemen and other young players coming up have hit the weights hard and have increased strength, giving this unit its most size and experience in Zechman’s three years.
That provides a strong foundation, especially with leading receiver Sam Hall and leading rusher Colby Lebarron returning Hall already is one of the most decorated receivers in both program and area history, while Lebarron made a big leap forward in the backfield, running for nearly 700 yards and 10 touchdowns Stone Allison also is a dangerous back
Wide receiver Carter Marr graduated after a big year, so teams likely will often be double teaming Hall. The Defenders, however, have multiple receivers who can make that strategy backfire Junior Cohen Zechman is a three-year contributor who has grown stronger and fellow junior Tyler Ulrich is back after taking last year off but excelling as a freshman. Cam Milheim is another player to watch as is tight end Isaiah Betz
Warrior Run will have a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2021 after 4,000-yard passer Ryan Newton grad-
uated Junior James Keifer, though, received some valuable experience at different times last season and is a smart, accurate passer who threw for 206 yards and a touchdown last fall.
“James Keifer can step right in there He’s been looking really good. He’s been working hard and living in the weight room,” Zechman said “We’re excited for him to take the key to the car and lead the offense.”
The offense was dangerous two years ago, but it was a vastly improved defense which really helped Warrior Run come on strong down the stretch. That unit showed massive growth and Warrior Run allowed fewer than 16 points in each victory. Butler’s interception return for a touchdown in the Mifflinburg playoff victory put an exclamation point on the defense’s evolution.
That was one of the biggest plays for the program in the last five years and it was part of a super collective effort The defense did not allow a second-half point and produced a whopping eight sacks.
Betz helps fuel that defense and forms a potent pass rushing duo with Allison. The defensive ends combined for 17 sacks last season and are both four-year starters Many of those offensive linemen can do a good job on the interior and help free up linebackers like Lebarron, Ulrich and Eli Butler to make plays Butler had a strong junior season, finishing second on the team in tackles, making 10 for loss, collecting a sack and intercepting two passes, returning one for a touchdown.
The secondary looks strong with Hall, Milheim and Keifer all have some experience. There are some players waiting in the wings there, like Liam Moore, who also
2023 RESULTS (6-6)
Warrior Run 26, Muncy 33
Warrior Run 27, Hamburg 34
Warrior Run 6, Mount Carmel 41
Warrior Run 14, Hughesville 7
Warrior Run 54, Northwest 8
Warrior Run 42, Bloomsburg 6
Warrior Run 42, Midd-West 7
Warrior Run 49, Montgomery 6
Warrior Run 21, Mifflinburg 28
Warrior Run 14, Milton 33
District 4 Class AAA Quarterfinals
Warrior Run 21, Mifflinburg 14
Semifinals
Warrior Run 13, Loyalsock 41
could make quality impacts.
Warrior Run has rallied from slow starts the past two seasons and is hoping it does not have to do so again this year. The Defenders dropped consecutive heartbreakers against Muncy and Hamburg a year ago by seven points each after overcoming double-digit deficits and have shots at victory late. Three of the team’s losses came by seven points or fewer, so Warrior Run knows it was a few plays from having one of the most successful seasons in program history
But the past is the past and Warrior Run is now focused on this season. The way the season started a year ago seemed to help the team grow throughout the season That could continue paying dividends into this season, especially with an opening-night rematch against Muncy in what likely will be one of District 4’s most first-week games.
“We lost some heartbreakers out of the gate, but that made us better and we’re hoping it makes us better this year,” Zechman said. “We have some kids that have a good taste of playing and who got a lot of time in JV games, too There’s a lot of excitement. The kids are working hard and holding each other accountable That says a lot.”
2024 FOOTBALL P LAY ERS TO WATCH
Stone Allison, DL/RB: Moving from linebacker to defensive end, Allison developed into one of the areaʼs best at that position and formed a dynamic duo with Isaiah Betz. Allison collected eight sacks, good for second in the area, and added 15 tackles for loss. The three-year starting senior also averaged 4.5 tackles per game and registered sacks in six different games, adding two, two-sack contests Also a talented fullback, Allison finished second on the team in rushing, going for 274 yards and averaging 5 6 yards per carry That included a career-high 73 yards in a win against Montgomery
Isaiah Betz, DL/TE: A first-team Sun-Gazette and HAC-III all-star, Betz led the area in sacks, totaling nine and adding a team-best 19 tackles for loss. The four-year starter was a beast in a district quarterfinal win at Mifflinburg, collecting three sacks and his nine sacks last year totaled 71 yards in loss Betz also is the areaʼs active leader in career sacks with 15 and 37 tackles for loss His presence up front has been key to the teamʼs turnaround and he also averaged 5 3 tackles per game, while forcing two fumbles a year ago. Betz is nearing 200 career tackles and also could play a key role at tight end.
Colby Lebarron, RB/LB: Another experienced senior, Lebarron enjoyed a breakout season last fall and helped make the Warrior Run offense more well-rounded A tough runner, Lebarron rushed for a career-high 697 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 119 receiving yards The three-year starter played one of his best games at the perfect time, running for 130 yards and a score on a career-high 22 carries in the playoff win at Mifflinburg. Lebarron generated a career-high 152 yards against Northwest and also is part of a good linebacking unit He has 120 tackles the last two years, along with two interceptions
Sam Hall, WR/B: One of the districtʼs best wide receivers, Hall has made history in consecutive years Two years ago, he became the areaʼs first sophomore to ever generate a 1,000-yard season. Last year he became the first underclassmen in area history to go over 2,000 career yards He finished the year with 61 catches for 937 yards and 12 touchdowns Hall has super hands, runs crisp routes, sees the field well and already is eighth on the areaʼs career reception list during the 2000s with 121 for a Warrior Run record 2,177 yards and a programrecord 20 touchdowns He also is a skilled defensive back who returned an interception for a touchdown in that Mifflinburg playoff win.
S
E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
Canton might not be as experienced or as big as in recent years. But it still believes and that sure means a lot
Canton has gone through this before, replacing strong casts from the previous year. It has done so quite successfully, too, producing six straight winning seasons with winning percentages of .727 of higer each time. Included during that stretch are two district championships, two league titles, two state semifinal appearances and five district final appearances.
True, past success does not guarantee future success but it lets the returning and arriving players what is possible The goal now is learning from what made those teams successful and using it to make 2024 another strong campaign despite graduating most of the starters from last year’s eight-win team.
“It’s a huge motivator for the whole program when you have success,” Canton coach Tyler Sechrist said “It works both ways If you’re struggling, it can hurt you, but it gives you that extra boost when
2023 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 at Northwest
Aug. 30 at South Williamsport
Sept. 7 Athens
Sept. 13 at North Penn-Mansfield
Sept. 20 Montgomery
Sept. 27—at Towanda
Oct. 4 Wyalusing
Oct. 11—Wellsboro
Oct. 18 Sayre
Oct. 25—at Troy
you’ve had success.”
Canton long ago broke down the obstacle that holds some programs back; believing Obviously, replacing some tremendous players in all facets is difficult, but Canton can focus on the Xs and Os and development because the mental aspect already is in place. The younger players have worked with and/or watched the alumni, so they have seen the power of talent, work and unselfishness combining and now have a shot at creating their own legacies
It also helps having foundational players
like Ben Fitch and Holden Ward in place Both have started and/or contributed the past three seasons as Canton has gone 33-6. They are threats on both sides of the ball, but also players who push their teammates to be better each day.
That shined through during the offseason as Canton consistently produced good numbers in the weight room and at 7-on-7s in Waverly and Williamsport.
“Their leadership has been strong,” Sechrist said. “That’s going to be a big key for us this season.”
Sechrist returns at quarterback after flourishing in his first season starting there last fall. Fitch topped 1,000 yards passing and also was among the area’s leading rushers throughout the season Ward also could occasionally line up at quarterback, especially when Canton runs the option.
Ward is a player much like Weston Bellows who earned all-state honors as an athlete in 2021-22. The senior can line up virtually anywhere, seeing time at quarterback, running back and wide receiver That versatility is a Canton staple and Ward helps epitomize it.
“We’ll put Holden all over the place He’s one of our best receivers and running backs,” Sechrist said. “He can do a little bit of everything ”
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Ward likely will factor into a rotation which includes several exciting prospects Top among them could be sophomore Bailey Gardner. As a freshman, Gardner played well the first three weeks before breaking his leg and missing the rest of the season. Dawson Burgess and Aydin Holcomb also could play pivotal roles with Holcomb giving Canton another versatile threat
Holcomb was one of the team’s leading receivers last season as was Zack Colton Both could figure prominently in the passing game and provide Fitch some reliable targets.
The biggest question marks surround the offensive and defensive lines where Canton took its biggest graduation hits. It helps having Michael Beers back Beers is the team’s most experienced linemen and provides some stability. Look for players like Jake Pepper, Isaiah Colton, Leland Pepper and Elijah Kilmer to make impacts up front If that line can jell throughout the season, Canton could again make some noise.
Those same players will also be vital to the defensive line’s success The biggest voids are at defensive ends. Canton has wreaked havoc off the edge the past few seasons and Jake Pepper could help in that capacity. Fitch moved from safety to defensive end occasionally last season and also could see some time there
Although two-time all-state linebacker Hudson Ward graduated, Canton retains a reliable unit there Gardner excelled as a freshman at linebacker, while Burgess also played well and sophomore Monte Whitehead provides a player to watch Holcomb also can provide a boost at outside linebacker
Zack Colton played well at cornerback a year ago, while Ward and Fitch are dependable safeties
2023 RESULTS (8-3)
Canton 42, Sayre 6
Canton 42, North Penn-Mansfield 13
Canton 41, Wellsboro 6
Canton 40, Towanda 0
Canton 27, South Williamsport 21
Canton 47, Wyalusing 14
Canton 45, Montgomery 12
Canton 42, Athens 19
Canton 7, Milton 14
Canton 0, Troy 52
District 4 Class A semifinals
Canton 18, South Williamsport 24
Ward could move to cornerback if necessary as well.
Mastering multiple positions has been a Canton calling card during its impressive six-year run. It often is a necessity there and at so many small public schools where depth always is a major concern Having players who can slide into different positions and play well there was especially vital last season when injuries started ravaging the team after a few weeks
Despite those injuries, Canton still started 8-0 before losing to Class AAAA Milton and Class AA state title contender Troy Despite being so thin up front that Hudson Ward moved from the backfield to center, Canton still gave eventual state semifinalist South Williamsport all it could handle in the district semifinals. There, it rallied from an 18-point halftime deficit before dropping a 24-18 heartbreaker.
“We gave them everything we had,” Sechrist said. “They gave a great effort ”
That is one of the qualities Sechrist has liked most about his teams since becoming the coach in 2016 Whoever has been on the team, they have given the program their best. Along the way, Canton has adopted a singular focus. It’s not about individual glory either It’s all about the team
Fitch 123 705 13 Michael Davis 98 580 13 Hudson Ward 46 335 7
Holden Ward 26 174 4 RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Micahel Davis 16 390 3
Holden Ward 16 339 3
Aydin Holcomb 15 247 1
Zack Colton 10 198 1
Hudson Ward 12 119 1
2024
FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dawson Burgess, LB/RB: Burgess is one of the players who will continue trying to carry the torch for what has been a super linebacking unit the past six seasons. As a sophomore, Burgess showed why he could be ready to do so after starting for the first time and making an immediate mark. Burgess helped the defense allow the second fewest points among area teams during an 8-0 start and returned an interception for a game-changing touchdown in a win at Wellsboro Fast and physical, Burgess has the tools to take the next step this season and also could provide offensive backfield depth
Ben Fitch, QB/DB: A Swiss Army knife offensively and defensively, Fitch played a critical role on both sides while helping Canton win its first eight games a year ago One of the districtʼs top dual threat quarterbacks, Fitch totaled 1,996 yards and 22 touchdowns, going over 1,000 passing yards in his first year starting Fitch also ran for 705 yards and 13 scores, while topping 100 passing and rushing yards in the same game twice Fitch also gave Canton a nice chess piece on defense, moving from the secondary to defensive end in a Week 5 win at South Williamsport and helping control the line and provide a threat off the edge
Aydin Holcomb, DB/RB: Canton players often excel at multiple positions and Holcomb certainly fits that mold, playing well in the secondary while being able to line up in the backfield or as a receiver Holcomb intercepted two passes in his first season starting, adding a sack and helping Canton produce two shutouts Holcomb also finished second on the team in receiving, catching 15 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown The senior caught a pass in all but one game as well He ran for two scores, too, and could be looking at a dual role again this season
Holden Ward, WR/DB: Continuing the theme, Ward is one of Cantonʼs most multi-dimensional players, especially offensively At different times the past two seasons he has lined up at quarterback, running back and wide receiver An early-season injury last season limited Wardʼs time at quarterback, but he developed into another dual-threat option, tying Michael Davis with a team-high 16 catches for 339 yards and three touchdowns. That was on top of running for 175 yards and four touchdowns. Ward is a three-year starter and has plenty of big-game experience, helping solidify the defense the past two seasons intercepting two passes last fall.
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
Yes, many players who helped orchestrate a fabulous turnaround the past three seasons have graduated. But the excitement has not exited with them
Instead, it has been transferred to the younger players at the varsity, JV and junior high levels Milton experienced some dark days after 2013, never winning more than two games through the 2020 campaign But the Black Panthers broke out with a 7-5 record three years ago before winning nine games the past two seasons.
When trying to change the culture, reversing the mental aspect often is harder than the physical one But Milton has fixed that, so even while some super players graduated, it believes the winning ways can continue
“There’s a lot of excitement and a lot of hunger of wanting to get over that
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug 23—at Shikellamy
Aug. 30 at Montoursville
Sept 6—Southern Columbia
Sept. 14 at South Williamsport
Sept 20—Danville
Sept. 27 Mifflinburg
Oct. 4 at Central Columbia
Oct. 11 Midd-West
Oct. 18 Mount Carmel
Oct. 25 at Warrior Run
hump of losing in the playoffs,” first-year coach Matt Wilson said “When I moved to the area (three years ago) it seemed like there was no life in the kids and no excitement It took a good group of guys to come through the program and they it around and their leadership qualities
trickled down to those young levels ”
So really, the baton has been passed more than abandoned. The returning and incoming players know how to win, have been a part of a winner and have learned along the way. There are a lot of starting positions to fill but the coaching staff can focus on them without having to build up the team psyche as well
Having that winning mindset in place certainly provides a launching pad for everything that could come after it. Milton lost in the District 4 Class AAAA semifinals the past two seasons, but returns to Class AAA where it won a playoff game and nearly reached the final in 2021, so excitement levels continue running high
“The kids look at things like it’s not one year and it’s over. They feel like they can compete with everyone,” Wilson said. “They just have to work and believe and buy into the system. The kids look at it like they are going to come in and compete ”
Before competing at Shikellamy opening night, Milton has some good intra-squad battles going on. That starts at quarterback where Milton is replacing 1,000-yard passer Cale Bastian. Izayah Minium, Chase Lytle and Monty Fisher are among those who could start Whoever does not will likely be used in another ways offensively, especially Fisher who is a dynamic versatile threat, doing damage as a runner and receiver.
Senior running back Chris Doyle returns following a strong season returning from a torn ACL suffered in the 2022 preseason. Doyle is strong and tough and also a fantastic linebacker who could make an equally big impact on defense.
Fisher also ran well when called upon last season, while leading the team in receiving
“Monty’s work ethic is unmatched by anyone,” Wilson said “He works out all day every day, and he eats, sleeps and breathes football and weights. He is going to be a focal point.”
Lucas Ditty, Cole Rhodes and Luis Santos all are threats in the passing game Santos is a freshman to watch, possessing speed, height and strength Doyle also can make things happen out of the backfield.
The biggest question marks surround the offensive line which is replacing four starters. It sure helps, however, having center Alex Krall returning. Krall, Talen Strous and Nate Lopez will anchor a new-look unit Wilson said there is strong competition going on up front and that is making everyone better, an encouraging sign if translates onto the field when Milton is playing together
Those players also will likely be featured prominently along the defensive line where Milton is young. The
2023 RESULTS (9-2)
Milton 0, South Williamsport 14
Milton 27, Towanda 0
Milton 57, Midd-West 13
Milton 12, Mount Carmel 7
Milton 66, Holy Redeemer 0
Milton 28, Hughesville 6
Milton 38, Bloomsburg 19
Milton 48, Mifflinburg 28
Milton 14, Canton 7
Milton 33, Warrior Run 14
District 4 Class AAAA semifinals
Milton 6, Jersey Shore 54
Panthers counter that youth with some nice experience at linebacker
Leading tackler Dom Lytle is back after an outstanding junior season and Doyle playing there for the first time since his freshman season could help solidify the unit Brady Wolfe also put together a strong season last fall and Jaeden Canelo is an athletic player who could excel from the outside position.
Wolfe showed off his play-making ability throughout a breakout sophomore season. Wolfe collected four sacks, intercepted a pass and had a big day in a regular season finale win against rival Warrior Run.
Cornerback Lucas Ditty developed into one of the HAC-III’s top defensive backs last year and returns to help bolster the secondary Fisher likely will play strong safety but also can be used in various roles as he is offensively Rhodes will move from safety to corner and Santos also could play a key role.
“Everyone’s walking in with a clean slate. Nobody is walking in with a position locked up You have to earn it,” Wilson said. “And you earn it by putting hard work in and doing the stuff when no one is around You do stuff on your own time and you try whatever you can to perfect your craft We preach to these guys that that is how you earn a spot.”
2023 LEADERS
Cale Bastian 144 68 7
R USHER AT YDS TD
Chris Doyle 108 883 11
Monty Fisher 46 423 3
Cale Bastian 76 395 12
Jaeden Canelo 19 199 3
RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Monty Fisher 27 579 5
Peyton Rearick 20 271 2
Luke Goodwin 10 209 2
Chris Doyle 7 119 2
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chris Doyle, RB/LB: Making a super recovery from a torn ACL which took away his sophomore season, Doyle resumed his role as workhorse running back and ran for 883 yards and 11 touchdowns A tough runner with some explosiveness, Doyle added 119 receiving yards, going over 1,000 total yards for a second time. As a freshman, Doyle burst onto the scene and broke the area record for freshmen, running for 1,174 yards and 18 touchdowns Doyle also could see increased time at linebacker and showed he had come all the way back from his injury with a dazzling 216-yard performance against Mifflinburg Doyle also ran for 159 yards against Mount Carmel in Miltonʼs season-defining win.
Monty Fisher, RB/DB: One of the areaʼs most versatile players, Fisher can line up at wide receiver or in the backfield and excel in both spots. He showed it throughout an excellent sophomore season, running for 423 yards, while catching a team-high 27 passes for 579 yards and five touchdowns, topping 1,000 total yards in the process. Fisher came up big in a 14-7 win against undefeated Canton, catching six passes for 104 yards He also ran for 149 yards against Holy Redeemer Fisher provides a special teams weapon as well and returned a kickoff 75 yards for a score. Fisher could form a quality cornerback tandem with Lucas Ditty
Dom Lytle, LB/RB: A first-team HAC-III all-star linebacker last year, Lytle helped fuel a strong defense which was ranked among the areaʼs best He averaged more than eight tackles per game and helped Milton close the regular season on a ninegame winning streak. Lytle developed into a leader on the defense and played a major role in Milton holding nine of 11 opponents to 19 points or fewer His range, experience and speed are excellent assets for a linebacking unit which could be the defenseʼs strong point
11
Alex Krall, OL/DL: Playing well throughout his sophomore year, Krall will now be one of the anchors up front after some stalwarts graduated Krall was a big part of Miltonʼs success along the offensive line and earned HAC-III honorable mention honors. Krall helped the Panthers top 2,000 yards rushing, 1,200 yards passing and average more than 300 yards per game during the regular season The 6-foot, 250-pounder is athletic and strong and had a big game against Mount Carmel when the Milton controlled the action up front. Krall also could play a prominent defensive role, helping a defense which held nine regular season opponents to fewer than 20 points
G o o d L u c k i n 2 0 2 4 ! G o o d L u c k i n 2 0 2 4 !
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
uffering so many costly injuries last season was an awful experience. That went double as several seniors lost most of their final campaigns.
Through the adversity, though, Muncy kept winning Nobody wanted to or wants to experience something like that again. But while it was a gut-wrenching situation, several young players who were not expected to contribute a lot last year became starters who helped Muncy go 10-2, reach a sixth straight District 4 Class A championship and win a third straight NTL-II title
And because so many of those youngsters gained experience last season, Muncy is not rebuilding in a lot of areas where it thought it might be a year ago. In fact, the Indians appear mighty strong For a team eager to win its first district championship since 2020, last year’s negatives could produce continued positives this fall
“It’s one of those things where we were nervous last year, knowing four out of the five starters on the offensive line were seniors, so we knew we’d be losing a lot and it just so happened that all those guys got hurt and guys got experience we never thought they would get,” Muncy coach Sean Tetreault said. “They’re hungry to improve on what they did last year ”
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 at Warrior Run
Aug 30—Wellsboro
Sept. 6 Cowanesque Valley
Sept. 13 Northwest
Sept. 21 at Sayre
Sept. 27 at Montgomery
Oct. 4 North Penn-Mansfield
Oct. 11 at South Williamsport
Oct. 18 Athens
Oct. 25 at Hughesville
They and all the returning Indians did quite a lot. Despite all those injuries, Muncy reached 10 wins for a third straight year and won nine straight contests entering the district final The new-look line surged, Austin Johnson topped 1,000 yards rushing and Stiles Eyer 1,000-yard passing, while Landyn Wommer nearly totaled 1,000 yards of offense
All those players are back as is a healthy Ken Hampe, a four-year starting lineman who earned all-state honors two years ago and who is receiving Division I interest Those players and other players eager to make a mark hit the weight room and offseason activities hard. The Indians have come close to winning district titles the past
three years and are doing whatever they can to get over the top after taking three straight titles from 2018-2020.
“The kids ended last year with kind of a bad taste in their mouths. They’re excited to get back to work and grind,” Tetreault said “The kids are already stepping up and telling the coaches they will play whatever position they have to for us to be successful. They’re jelling as one group already which is great to see.”
Muncy has done so quite well over the years with the torch being passed from one group to the other Eyer ran with it last year, excelling in his first year starting at quarterback. Johnson and Wommer are also excellent leaders and Johnson is closing in on the Muncy career rushing record, while Wommer is one of the area’s most versatile threats.
Paxton Derr is another excellent leader and also will give Muncy different options in the backfield Kase Snyder and Dom Guardini also return from last year and add depth Nate Rogers and Carter Feigles shined in the secondary and also could play big roles as wide receivers. Gavin Barrows could flourish at tight end and also returns as punter after earning NTL-II first-team honors last season
Helping making everything go will be that offensive line which suddenly is experienced after so many underclassmen wound up starting last year. Hampe anchors that physical unit and has received college inter-
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
est from schools like Brown, Maine and Rhode Island, among others
“He’s a great lineman to have. He’s a 4 0 student and he’s very intelligent,” Tetreault said. “He and Landyn are cousins and he’s the same way He’s like a sponge and there’s no one smarter on the football field than Landyn He’s excited to play any position and make the team better as a whole and it’s great to have those two who are like coaches on the field ”
Complementing Hampe up front are linemen like Tyler Humphrey, Trent Fogelman, Evan Trostle and Nixon Lamper. All those players started last year, including Lamper as a freshman. The experience gained last year has farther along than the coaches thought it would be at this time last year And with the weapons Muncy possesses in the backfield, that line building off what it did last year could help this offense become mighty dangerous.
“Our kids have taken an onus on it this year. They’ve been in the weight room and at field days and doing everything they can to get ready,” Tetreault said. “Guys are getting in there and getting hungry and I think we’re further ahead at this point than in the last two years.”
Several of those linemen also will play a defensive role, but Muncy is hoping to rotate players in and out up front there so they can stay fresh on both sides of the ball.
Players like Nasir Miller and Logan Merrifield are among those who could make quality impacts along the defensive line. Those linemen are hoping to create opportunities for a strong set
2023 RESULTS (10-2)
Muncy 33, Warrior Run 26
Muncy 13, Wellsboro 14
Muncy 49, Sayre 0
Muncy 40, Montgomery 14
Muncy 40, North Penn-Mansfield 19
Muncy 56, CMVT 18
Muncy 29, South Williamsport 28 (OT)
Muncy 48, Cowanesque Valley 14
Muncy 40, Northwest 8
Muncy 28, Hughesville 22
District 4 Class A semifinals
Muncy 29, Northwest 6
Championship
Muncy 20, South Williamsport 57
of linebackers which includes Johnson, Wommer and Nick Delany among others Johnson and Wommer were among the team’s leading tacklers last season and Delany was having a strong year before breaking his leg. Wes Somits also could be a big factor at linebacker after making the most of his playing time last year and putting together a strong offseason.
The secondary returns every starter and could be one of the team’s strongest units on either side of the ball Rogers excelled as a freshman starter and Feigles as a sophomore last season, both making big plays in key moments. Feigles also led the team with four interceptions Eyer and Derr are outstanding safeties and helped Muncy pick off 16 passes
The kicking game returns everyone as well While Barrows became one of the NTL’s top punters, Austin Hartzel and Lucas McCahan split time last year with McCahan handling field goals and both extra points and kickoffs. Like many on this team, both performed well while starting for the first time
58 687 10
Dominic Guardini 13 98 2
Stiles Eyer 11 74 1 RECEIVER REC YDS TD
Landyn Wommer 16 301 6
Austin Johnson 15 233 2
Carter Feigles 8 136 3
Jacob Fowler 7 110 1
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stiles Eyer, QB/DB: A first-team NTL-II all-star at quarterback and defensive back, Eyer developed into one of Muncyʼs MVPs last season Starting at quarterback for the first time, Eyer made rapid progress and his arm made a big difference down the stretch, especially in a thrilling overtime win against South Williamsport Eyerʼs passing kept defenses off-balance at times and he threw for 1,079 yards 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions Eyer is equally valuable in the secondary where he helped anchor a young unit which forced 24 turnovers The senior leader intercepted two passes and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Ken Hampe, OL/DL: An all-state offensive lineman as a sophomore, Hampe likely would have repeated last season if an injury on opening night had not forced him to miss most of seven games. Hampeʼs return helped Muncy flourish down the stretch and the powerful blocker helped his team produce three runners who went over 600 yards as well as a 1,000-yard passer A four-year starter, Hampe can flatten defenders and has received significant college interest. The 6-foot, 3-inch, 300-pound guard has helped Muncy win three straight league titles and also can make a big defensive impact.
Nate Rogers, WR/DB: Making a smooth transition from junior high to varsity, Rogers made an immediate impact and helped Muncy continue thriving despite several costly early-season injuries. Stepping into the secondary, Rogers intercepted three passes and also provided consistent special team play on kick and punt returns A freshman starter in football and basketball, Rogers is a poised athlete who excelled in some big moments, highlighting that by catching the game-winning 2-point conversion in the overtime win against South Rogers could make a big step offensively as well after showing his field stretching ability with a 60-yard touchdown catch against Sayre.
Landyn Wommer,
RB/LB: Wommer provides Muncy a versatile offensive threat and big-play threat, nearly totaling 1,000 yards last season The senior has breakaway speed and averaged a whopping 11.4 yards per carry while running for 687 yards He also was excellent coming out of the backfield, leading Muncy with 301 receiving yards and six touchdown catches Wommer was having a monster game in the district final against South, catching four passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns before suffering an injury midway through the second quarter He also is a standout linebacker who topped 100 tackles as a sophomore and who is tough against the run and pass
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
ucktail made a three-win improvement, enjoyed its first non-losing season since 2012 and hosted a District 4 playoff playoff game for the first time last fall.
BIt was quite a year for the state’s smallest public school which does not co-op for football. Now, the goal is to make sure what happened there was not a one-year wonder Bucktail wants last year’s success not to be an end point, but a launching pad. Some super players graduated, but the Bucks have spent the offseason working hard and are eager to see if they can produce a sequel which is even better than the original
2023 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23—Sheffield
Aug. 30 Coudersport
Sept. 13—Otto-Eldred
Sept. 20 at Smethport
Sept 27—at Union/AC Valley
Oct. 11 at Cameron County
Oct 19—at Sheffield
Oct. 26 at CMVT
“What I’m hoping to do is sort of create a new norm The norm used to be that Bucktail was a team just trying to get enough player to field a team to survive and to win a game or two," firstyear coach Kevin Ransom said “Last year we went 5-4 and hosted a playoff game and I want that to be the new norm. Anything less than a .500 record
would be considered a disappointment That’s where I want the bar to be set.”
Dynamic three-way threat Braylon Fantaski, workhorse fullback Tanner Pettingill and dominant two-way linemen are among the stellar players who graduated Still, Bucktail has three returning linemen to build around up front, one of the area’s most dynamic two-way threat quarterbacks and a bunch of players eager to show what they can do They believe they can raise that bar
Put it all together and a foundation for more success could be in place. The Bucks were a play or two from reaching the district semifinals last season and getting a taste of success might have wet this team’s appetite enough to try and take a bigger bite this season.
“I like this team a great deal,” said Ransom, the team’s defensive coordina-
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
tor last year “We’re going into this year with a good deal of optimism I’m not saying that is going to equate to wins, but the optimism is on playing more of a team approached game. We want to have a more balanced game and that’s going to be a lot of fun to coach and a lot of fun for the players to experience.”
Where as quarterback Brody Pentz, Pettingill and Fantaski handled the ball most of the time last year, Bucktail is hoping to spread the wealth this season and use just about every skill player at different times Ransom said there could be games where as many as 10 players touch the football An offense which was run-heavy also could be more balanced this season with Pentz spreading the ball to all those different players.
Colton Fleisher and Gavin Yachymiak are the most experienced backs returning and likely will be used in the passing game as well. Jaden Intallura also is a player to watch and Steve Heyser could flouish at fullbck. Ransom is especially exciited about freshman Teagan Stone. Time will tell how quickly Stone makes an impact, but Ransom believes he could be a standout over the years as he gains more experience
Using all the players could make Bucktail more diverse while also keeping players fresher since most will again be playing in all three facets each game. The offense will run
2023 RESULTS (5-5)
Bucktail 46, Sheffield 26
Bucktail 28, West Branch 27
Bucktail 42, Elk County Catholic 16
Bucktail 48, Otto-Eldred 57
Bucktail 74, Sheffield 42
Bucktail 28, Cameron County 30
Bucktail 36, Elk County Catholic 7
Bucktail 14, Otto-Eldred 20
Bucktail 20, Coudersport 48
District 4 Class A quarterfinals
Bucktail 30, Northwest 36
through Pentz who totaled nearly 2,000 yards last season but he will have a lot of teammates complementing him which also could keep opposing defenses guessing more.
“That’s going to be the fun part as a coach and for the players,” Ransom said “Last year when you looked at the stats, you would see usually three or four guys most of the time This year were hoping to get between six and eight players or more guys getting carries. We might go with the hot hand or we might work the ball around. We’re still waiting to see how that goes ”
Either way, Bucktail has some quality linemen to help make the offense go. Talan Ditty and Martin Lewis heped the offense often overwhelm opponents as Bucktail ran for 337 yards per game. Bucktail also receives a big lift as Evan Ransom returns after missing his sophomore year with an injury
Ransom started as a freshman two years ago and is a big, strong player who should help set the tone up front along with Ditty and Martin.
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Talon Ditty, OL/DL: One of three returning offensive linemen, Ditty played a key role in Bucktail featuring one of the areaʼs top offenses last year His strong play helped the Bucks average 337 rushing yards per game and produce three players who gained more 600 yards Ditty provides Bucktail some muscle as well as experience on both lines. He helped Bucktail do an effective job against the run throughout the 2024 campaign and combines with players like Evan Ransom and Martin Lewis to give Bucktail a nice foundation to build upon
Colton Fleisher, RB/LB: Fleisher started on both sides of the ball last year and could fill a big void in the backfield after workhorse Tanner Pettingill graduated The junior is built similar to Pettingill who was 5-foot, 11-inch, 215 pounds, but is still learning. Still, there is a strong foundation to build upon and Fleisher could be one of the primary ball-handlers in an offense focusing on utilizing all its weapons His size and speed also makes Fleisher valuable defensively and he played a key role in the Bucks winning five games last fall
Brody Pentz, QB/LB: One of the areaʼs most versatile players, Pentz is coming off a super junior year in which he made a run at the area rushing title, while also throwing for 650 yards and six touchdowns Pentz ran for 1,366 yards and 17 touchdowns, finishing as the second-leading rusher during the regular season, while twice going over 200 yards. A 1,000-point scorer in basketball, Pentz provides versatility, experience and poise “Brody is one of the best athletes, if not the best athlete, to come through Bucktail in the last 10 years,” Bucktail coach Kevin Ransom said. “He has few limits. He can do anything I ask him to do.”
Gavin Yachymiak, RB/WR/DB: Yachymiak has had to wait his turn behind some decorated players but the senior could be poised for a big breakout season. Yachymiak is another multi-dimensional threat who can be used as a runner and receiver He finished second on the team in catches last year with six for 122 yards and a touchdown He also gives Bucktail and experienced player to help anchor the secondary. “Gavin is a young man who full understands what heʼs capable of,” Ransom said “Heʼs a young man who deserves any success he finds ”
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
Wellsboro found itself cramming last summer as opening night approached. With good reason, too
The Hornets featured just one senior and were breaking in new starters all over the field It was immediate on the job training as so many players adjusted to new roles.
But this year represents a 180-degree turn Wellsboro studied up throughout the season and is now ready for whatever tests come their way this fall. Decorated twoway starter Hayes Campbell is the only player who graduated from last year's 2-8 team, so while from a grade perspective this team might still be young, Wellsboro is fairly long on experience.
Time will tell how that translates on the field but it certainly has helped throughout the offseason. Instead of wondering about what is coming, most of the current players know what to expect and that makes a big difference.
“A lot of our players have had a lot of football experience under them, especially our seniors and juniors Scheme-wise and
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23—Montoursville
Aug. 30 at Muncy
Sept. 5—Wyalusing
Sept. 13 at Towanda
Sept. 20—Cowanesque Valley
Sept. 27 at Athens
Oct 4—Troy
Oct. 11 at Canton
Oct 18—at Northwest
Oct. 25 North Penn-Mansfield
with assignments, hopefully that means we don't make as many mistakes as last year because of times played at those positions,” Wellsboro coach Matt Hildebrand said. “Our numbers are a lot better. Last year we ended with 26 players and right now we have 35-40 and a good freshman class, so the outlook is a lot better ”
A year ago, Wellsboro's youth and limited numbers prevented it from participating in a lot of offseason activities, including 7 on 7s. That is not the case this year with Wellsboro performing well at multiple 7 on 7s. That also has increased competitiveness within the team
With so many players back that could create not only depth, but multiple players fighting for a few spots And having players pushing each other at practices is exactly what Wellsboro wants since it could bring ou the best in all the players
“When we went to 7 on 7s at Loyalsock the progression from beginning to end was great. It's one of those things we weren't able to do last year,” Hildebrand said “We were limited at practice last year, just trying to field a full team. With what we've been able to do this summer, it's helped the whole team jell ”
Despite its limited numbers and youth last year, Wellsboro played well early in the season, shocking Muncy on its home field, 14-13 and snapping its 19-game regular season winning streak. The Hornets then beat Athens two weeks later and were a play or two from improving to 3-2 before losing to Towanda in overtime in Week 5.
Injuries then started mounting, the most costly coming to standout running back/linebacker Ryder Bowen, and Wellsboro struggled down the stretch. Still, the way Wellsboro played during the season's first half was an encouraging first step and gave many of the returning starters a taste of success. That
could help provide a springboard as Wellsboro tries breaking into the District 4 Class AA playoff field this season.
Bowen developed into one of the area's premier linebackers as well as a workhorse running back and the offense likely will run through him again after he was making a run at a potential 1,000-yard season before his injury. Wellsboro also has developed some young threats who could complement Bowen in the backfield
Marek Mascho at quarterback throughout the season's second half last year and is competing with freshman Griffin Morral for that job Both are versatile athletes, so whoever does not start at quarterback likely will play a key role as a receiver. Speaking of receivers, Wellsboro could be deep there with Max Mascho and Aiden Carson all having experience and potential. Tight end Jayden Dumm also is a player to watch. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, the hard worker who has had a good offseason could make for an enticing target, especially on third down and in the red zone.
“He's come into his own throughout the summer,” Hildebrand said. “He's done a lot of work with the quarterbacks throwing to him ”
Evan Ingerick, Lincoln Decoursey, Hayden Stevens and Isaiah Campbell all started along the offensive line last season and could help put all the wheels into motion for Wellsboro Wellsboro was as young as any area team
2023 RESULTS (2-8)
Wellsboro 0, Montoursville 49
Wellsboro 14, Muncy 13
Wellsboro 6, Canton 41
Wellsboro 26, Athens 12
Wellsboro 17, Towanda 20 (OT)
Wellsboro 7, Troy 51
Wellsboro 6, Wyalusing 21
Wellsboro 20, South Williamsport 62
Wellsboro 0, Cowanesque Valley 12
Wellsboro 6, North Penn-Mansfield 21
up front a year ago, so having that experience now could be a blessing. The Hornets also possess some exciting freshmen who can not only add depth, but also see time along the defensive line, allowing Wellsboro to rotate linemen in and out and keep them fresh throughout the games.
Bowen headlines a strong linebacking unit which includes Cole Knapp and Dylan Kopp who both started last year, helping the Hornets hold Muncy and Athens to 25 combined points in Wellsboro's victories Both Marek and Max Mascho started in the secondary and will provide a boost there as well.
Jonathan Carl could help both offensively and defensively and also is a skilled kicker and punter, providing the special teams a boost
Wellsboro opens its season in identical fashion to last year, hosting Montoursville before heading to Muncy. It's a tough opening act before league play but Wellsboro embraced it a year ago and offered a glimpse into what it is capable of when it handed Muncy its only regular season loss in the past two years.
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ryder Bowen, LB/RB: Only an injury kept Bowen from likely reaching 100 tackles during his sophomore season a year ago Bowen developed into one of the area's top linebackers, averaging 10 3 per game and finishing with 82 He also forced two fumbles and recovered another A quick, physical player, Bowen has good range and topped 10 tackles in nearly every game. He also is an effective workhorse running back who led Wellsboro 597 yards and seven touchdowns Bowen topped 100 yards twice, going for a career-high 172 yards against North Penn-Mansfield He also ran for 99 yards in a huge win at Muncy which snapped the Indians 19-game regular season winning streak.
Jonathan Carl, WR/DB: Rarely coming off the field, Carl helped Wellsboro in all facets and showed why his future could be bright The junior wide receiver came up big in a Week 4 win against Athens, catching a 40-yard touchdown and averaged 21.2 yards per catch. Carl also could help in the secondary for a team which returns nearly all of last year's players He also emerged as one of the NTL's top special teams weapons Carl kicked a clutch 24-yard field goal against Towanda and also had a strong punting season Carl averaged 36 5 yards per punt and averaged 15 9 yards as a kick returner
Marek Mascho, WR/QB/DB: Like many on this team, Mascho is a jack of all trades The junior began his season as a wide receiver before starting Wellsboro's last three games at quarterback Mascho showed potential there, completing 10 of 18 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown against Class A state semifinalist South Williamsport. Mascho also ran for two touchdowns and caught six passes He is valuable in the secondary as well, finishing fourth on the team by averaging 4 1 tackles per game Like Carl, Mascho is on the field most of the game and provided a special teams spark, handling the majority of the kickoffs.
Marek
Hayden Stevens, OL/DL/LB: Stevens is one of many two-way starters Wellsboro returns and could provide a significant boost along both lines and/or help at linebacker The junior has a lot of experience gained these past two seasons and is one of four starting offensive linemen back, eager to build off last year's success when they helped Wellsboro move the ball will in victories against Muncy and Athens Stevens can play either linebacker or along the defensive line and made 40 tackles last season He also collected a sack, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette com
orth Penn-Mansfield featured several moving parts entering last season Jed Wright had just become the team’s head coach, injuries took two of the team’s top two-way players away until Week 9 and several Panthers were starting for the first time.
Through it all, though, North Penn-Mansfield kept progressing and all those parts came together Following an 0-3 start, the Panthers won four of their next seven games and reached the district playoffs for the 11th time in 12 seasons. The only time North PennMansfield has not advanced to districts during that run was in the 2020 COVID-19 abbreviated season when only four teams qualified.
So, although North Penn-Mansfield graduated some stellar players from last year’s team, it still is ahead of where it was at this point last season. And the expectations remain high as this group tries building on the program’s tradition.
“It’s not easy getting a new head coach, so the familiarity between me and the kids and
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug 23—at Wyalusing
Aug. 30 Sayre
Sept. 6 at Towanda
Sept. 13 Canton
Sept. 20 at Athens
Sept. 27 Warrior Run
Oct. 4 at Muncy
Oct. 11 Troy
Oct. 18 Cowanesque Valley
Oct. 25—at Wellsboro
what we expect from each other going into Year 2 helps a lot,” Wright said “That’s especially helped with the offseason. The attendance at lifts and open practices has been pretty good. It’s about twice as many as last year.”
North Penn-Mansfield showing the growth it did last season also likely has helped those numbers grow The Panthers defeated rival Wellsboro, 21-6, in the season finale to earn a playoff berth. The final 4-7 record might not
jump off the page, but considering the team’s youth and injuries accumulated during the season, it was a quality run
It also could serve as a springboard since it gave those first-time starters a taste of the playoffs There, North Penn-Mansfield played Southern Columbia which went on to capture a seventh straight state championship. Although the Tigers won big, North Penn-Mansfield scored 20 second-half points and that experience, combined with an extra week of practice, could prove quite beneficial this season.
“Any time you can be around a program like Southern, competing against not just one of the best small-school teams in the state, but in the country, there is some value you you can pull from it to help your program,” Wright said. “There’s been a good majority of players on the team, who even though a lot play other sports, they always seem to keep football on their minds and I think the end of last year has something to do with that.”
Cooper Shaw is one of those players who gained valuable time starting both ways. Shaw can do a bit of everything and was a good receiver last season, but likely will play quarterback this season A versatile athlete
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
backed up Karson Dominick last season and can do damage with both his arm and legs. He also could line up at other positions at times to give opponents a different look.
Although leading rusher Cale Wagner graduated, North PennMansfield still has quality options in the backfield, including George Perry, Luke Kreger and Riley Oakes, who is returning to football after taking last year off Perry did not know he would be playing fullback until the day of the season opener but still flourished in that role and produced a 100-yard game Kreger is an excellent receiver, but North Penn-Mansfield will try and maximize his athletic ability and use him as both a rusher and receiver last season.
Kreger led the team in receiving last year and is a big-play threat. Wagner was used well as a receiver last season out of the backfield and Perry and Oakes will likely play similar roles
Helping lead the way for those players will be returning linemen Bryce Route and Luke Sexauer, both coming off strong seasons North Penn-Mansfield has some versatile weapons so if some promising young players jell well with Route and Sexauer, the Panthers could form a dangerous offense.
“Any offense can be dangerous if the line really has it figured it out,” Wright said. “It makes life easier for me calling plays and Cooper at quarterback and for the group of receivers and running backs It takes stress off of everything ”
Those same linemen will be trying to create stress for opposing offenses Sexauer and Route both started along the defensive line, while several other players competed in backup roles and are poised to take the next step forward. Watch out for two-way lineman Ian Snyder as well. He has impressed the coaches with his work ethic and
2023 RESULTS (4-7)
North Penn-Mansfield 6, Towanda 26
North Penn-Mansfield 13, Canton 42
North Penn-Mansfield 13, Troy 52
North Penn-Mansfield 39, Northwest 15
North Penn-Mansfield 19, Muncy 40
North Penn-Mansfield 20, Cowanesque 14
North Penn-Mansfield 6, Athens 7
North Penn-Mansfield 38, Sayre 8
North Penn-Mansfield 16, Wyalusing 37
North Penn-Mansfield 21, Wellsboro 6 District 4 Class AA quarterfinals
North Penn-Mansfield 20, Southern 62
could provide a major boost.
“Ian has completely bought into this offseason and improved himself a ton,” Wright said “He can really do some nice things for us ”
North Penn-Mansfield also is bolstered by a strong linebacking unit which includes Perry and George Valentine. Valentine was the team’s leading tackler two years ago as a sophomore but missed the first eight games last season because of an injury. Perry did not play two years ago, so both will together now on a regular basis and that should help the defense a lot.
Shaw is as versatile defensively as he is offensively and could play at any of the three levels Kreger excelled as a cornerback in his first year starting and will help anchor the secondary.
North Penn-Mansfield opens the season against Wyalusing, another NTL team which surged down the stretch last season, giving Mount Carmel a battle in the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals The Rams are one of several challenging opponents on the schedule.
Really, though, North Penn-Mansfield is not looking deep at what Wyalusing can do The Panthers are keeping the focus upon themselves The opponents matter, but each day North Penn-Mansfield keeps its attention on improvement, doing all it can to put itself in the right position come game night.
2023 LEADERS
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Luke Kreger, WR/DB: Kreger burst onto the scene as a sophomore last fall and became one of the NTLʼs top receivers Catching a pass in every game, Kreger turned short catches into long ones and/or stretched the field on a consistent basis. He led the team with 28 catches for 539 yards and seven touchdowns Kregerʼs first catch of the year resulted in a 72-yard touchdown and he finished strong in the district quarterfinals with five catches for 117 yards and a touchdown against seven-time defending state champion Southern Columbia Kreger also is a good cornerback and intercepted two passes
George Perry, LB/RB: After not playing football as a sophomore, Perry came storming back his junior year and grew into on of the teamʼs most valuable players. Moving to fullback early in the season, Perry finished second on the team, 262 yards and two touchdowns, producing 133 yards in a victory at Northwest He also was a good lead blocker and one of the teamʼs top tacklers. The senior linebacker averaged six tackles per game and helped North PennMansfield going 4-3 over its last seven regular season games Perry stormed out to a strong start in 2024, collecting 13 tackles against Towanda, adding a sack.
Luke Sexauer, DL/OL: A stalwart along the offensive and the defensive lines, Sexauer gives North Penn-Mansfield a player to build around up front. The senior is coming off his best season and helped the Panthers score 20 or more points in three of their last four games Sexauer was one of the teamʼs leading tacklers and averaged 5.7 tackles per game. He came up especially big in a playoff-clinching win against rival Wellsboro, producing a career-high 10 tackles Sexauer also made a lot of plays at or near the line of scrimmage, forcing a fumble and recovering three fumbles, including one for a touchdown.
George Valentine, LB/OL: Injuries limited him to two games last year, so Valentine should provide a huge boost if he returns full-time. The senior has started since his freshman year and shined as a sophomore, leading North Penn-Mansfield with 95 tackles, including 69 solos The two-way starter also returned two fumbles for 48 yards last year. Valentine helped North Penn-Mansfield shut down Wellsboro upon his return last year and intercepted a pass that night Valentine also played well at center as a sophomore, helping the Panthers produce a 1,000yard passer and 800-yard rusher.
S E A S O N S N A P S H O T
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
owanesque Valley reaching the district playoffs once felt like some far-fetched dream. Now, it feels like it is becoming a norm And that speaks volumes about how far this program has come.
CAfter never winning more than three games in a season during the 2000s prior to 2021, CV has reached the District 4 Class AAA playoffs in two of the last three seasons, tying the program record with six wins in 2021 before winning five games a year ago.
Where once CV players felt like they will facing an uphill climb every season,
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 at Towanda
Aug. 30 Wyalusing
Sept. 6 at Muncy
Sept. 13 at Sayre
Sept. 20—at Wellsboro
Sept. 27 South Williamsport
Oct. 4—CMVT
Oct. 11 Northwest
Oct. 18—at North Penn-Mansfield
Oct. 25 Montgomery
they know enter the seasons optimistic A new standard is being set and this 2024 team has both the talent and just as im-
portant, the confidence, to keep raising it.
“There is a sense of excitement. The young kids have gotten to see through the experience of having competitive seasons what is possible That is a driving factor for the number of kids showing up to the weight room. It’s an exciting time for these young kids.”
CV added to the excitement last year, starting 5-3 and reaching the district quarterfinals where it scored 21 second half points against eventual finalist Loyalsock While versatile Fletcher Good transferred to Waverly and leading tackler Joel Hultz graduated, CV retains a quality core from that team. The biggest questions are up front but CV certainly has good players to build around as it tries taking the next step as it moves to
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
the Class AA field
“It takes a special kid to want to play football and the success has helped us in the aspect of young kids wanting to play and the older kids helping lead the way,” Lane said. “This is our biggest ninth grade class in years and the offseason has been great with a lot of kids showing up and working hard.”
Senior Graham Hess is one of the returning starters setting the tone. The quarterback made major strides a year ago in his second season starting, eclipsing 1,000 yards and adding a mobile dimension to his game.
While Good transferred, sophomore Dave Hess is a similar Swiss Army knife type of player, and shined in all facets during his debut season Having a year under his belt can only help Hess going forward as he becomes one of the top focal points in the offense Fellow sophomore Kegan Lane also likely will see a lot of action in the backfield and is a hard-nosed player who can provide quality lead blocking and/or gain hard-earned yards.
Although he is just a sophomore, Lane also has emerged as a team leader He does so not so much through words, but through actions.
“Kegan has been a huge leader in the weight room. He has not missed a day there,” Jacob Lane said. “He’s a huge factor in pushing his teammates He doesn’t say a lot but he pushes them throughout the offseason ”
Hess also has taken a leadership role and both he and Lane
2023 RESULTS (6-5)
Cowanesque 32, Northwest 12
Cowanesque 22, Athens 28
Cowanesque 44, Montgomery 24
Cowanesque 30, South Wmspt 58
Cowanesque 28, Sayre 6
Cowanesque 14, N P -Mansfield 20
Cowanesque 34, CMVT 26
Cowanesque 14, Muncy 48
Cowanesque 12, Wellsboro 0
Cowanesque 6, Coudersport 20
District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals
Cowanesque 20, Loyalsock 49
likely will figure prominently in the passing game as well exciting junior Jeavon Eick who finished third at last spring’s District 4 combine, running a 4.57 in the 40-meter dash At 6-foot-1, Eick has height and speed and could help CV stretch the defense as he gains more experience
Sottolano will anchor a newlook line which Lane is hoping can quickly jell. The weapons are there, so if the line makes steady progress, CV could be dangerous again after producing a 1,000yard passer and rusher last season Sottolano was key in making that happen and also will play a big role along the defensive line.
“We have a couple of young players who are athletic and strong,” Lane said. “They’ve established themselves with their strength and we’re looking forward to seeing what they do in the fall and how they adjust to the program as well ”
Kegan Lane returns at linebacker after making a run at 100 tackles next season. Replacing Hultz alongside Lane will be vital.
LEADERS
2024 FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dave Hess, RB/DB: Hess could be following in Fletcher Goodʼs footsteps, immediately stepping into a starting role as a freshman last year and playing well in all areas. Hess was second to good in rushing and receiving, going over 500 and 300 yards, respectively, in those categories Hess topped 70 yards four times and caught two touchdowns against Class A state semifinalist South Williamsport. The cornerback also made some game-changing plays in a comeback win at CMVT, recovering two fumbles and breaking up two passes. Like Good, he could play a key role on special teams as well
Graham Hess, QB/DB: The senior quarterback took a huge step forward last season and gave CV a much more balanced offense than the previous year Hess threw for 1,094 yards and 13 touchdowns and created some big plays, averaging 21 4 yards per completion. A mobile threat, Hess also ran for 481 yards and three scores He went over 100 passing yards in five straight games to open last season, while also topping 50 yards rushing six times. Hess also is strong in the secondary and intercepted two passes, while forcing a fumble and recovering another He also averaged nearly four tackles per game
Kegan Lane, LB/RB: Like Dave Hess, Lane made a big impact as a freshman last season, starting every game and finishing second on the team with 89 tackles. Lane helped the defense make dramatic improvement from 2022 and topped 10 tackles in six of 11 games, including in the district quarterfinals at Loyalsock. There, Lane highlighted his impressive debut season by returning an interception for a touchdown. He also forced fumbles in wins against Northwest and Montgomery and made eight solo tackles in a win at CMVT. Lane adds backfield depth, too, running for 83 yards and a touchdown
Luke Sottolano, OL/DL: The lone starter returning along the offensive line, Sottolano gives that unit a good player to build around Strong and physical, Sottolano played a major role in CV producing a 1,000yard passer and rusher last year, while finishing among the areaʼs top half in total yards and points. Sottolano spent a lot of time throughout the offseason working with former CV standout Mikey Sipps, one of its all-time leading tacklers. Combine that with his added bulk and experience and Sottolano looks like a player who gives both the offensive and defensive lines a strong foundation
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Austin Johnson and Muncy travel to Warrior Run for a must-see Week 1 opener in the area.
B By y C CHHRRIIS S M MAASSSSE E cmasse@sungazette.com
Football is that rare sport where success is more often measured in weeks than days. Yes, progress can be made each day at practice, but unlike the other major sports, football is played just once a week.
That makes every week special. That is why, whether high school, college or the NFL, each week carries a number, highlighting how important each one is as teams pursue playoffs, high seeds and their ultimate goals.
And with high school football lasting just 10 weeks, each week takes on added significance With that in mind, the following is a look at the top Sun-Gazette area games to watch each week during the regular season. Opening night is Friday, Aug. 23, so that action will be fast and furious with the season already more than halfway over by the team we reach October
WEEK 1
G Gaamme e o of f t thhe e W Weeeek k M Muunnccy y a at t W Waarrrriioor r R Ruunn: : This one holds off a big challenger, based on the proximity of the schools, the rivalry, last year's success and this season's expectations. Muncy has played in six consecutive District 4 Class A championships and returns a strong core from last year's 10-win squad. Warrior Run has made a huge climb the past two seasons and also has a
Plumbing Masters
PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Jersey Shore heads to Dallas in what should be an exciting game in Week 1 action.
strong core back from a squad which reached the District 4 Class AAA semifinals A year ago, these rivals, separated by just a few miles, played one of the best opening-night games as Muncy won a 3326 thriller. Expect another close one here with the winner receiving a big boost going forward
A rematch of the 2019 Class AAAA Eastern Region championship should be quite a battle between two tradition-laden programs. Jersey Shore won five straight district titles before last season and has topped 10 wins in each of the past five seasons. Dallas reached last year's state championship, losing to Aliquippa. This is a game, which win or lose, should help both teams grow fast. S
ckk: : These Class AAA teams played one of the more memorable semifinals in recent memory two years ago when the Lancers won a shootout, 69-42, in a game which featured 1,226 yards. While many of the players who produced those numbers have graduated, Mifflinburg still has quarterback Chad Martin who averaged more than 300 yards per game last fall. Both teams are replacing some standout players, so this will be a barometer for where each one is at early in the year
SUN-GAZETTE
South Williamsport hosts Canton in Week 2ʼs Game of the Week, a showdown between the last three District 4 Class A champions.
WEEK 2
G Gaamme e o of f t thhe e W Weeeek k C Caannttoon n a at t S Soouutth h W Wiilllliiaammssppoorrtt: : It's hard to beat a showdown between the last three District 4 Class A champions, teams which reached the state Final Four following those championships. South ended Canton's two-year run last November, winning 24-18 after holding off a ferocious second-half Warrior comeback. South will not have a shot at defending the crown this season since it moves up to Class A but these two programs are built in a similar fashion and have developed a good rivalry. They split close games last season with the road team winning each team in contests decided by six points.
R Ruunnnneerr--uup p W Wiilllliiaammssppoorrt t a at t H Haazzlleettoonn: Speaking of close games, Williamsport and its long-time rival have made them the norm. Two of the last three in this series have been decided by 10 combined points. Williamsport rallied from 14 down a year ago and won 24-21 on Connor Poole's field goal After a brief two-year hiatus playing through District 6, Williamsport returned to District 2-4 in 2022, adding playoff ramifications to its annual grudge match against its longest-standing rival
S Seeccoonnd d r ruunnnneerr--uup p D Deellaawwaarre e V Vaalllleey y a at t J Jeerrsseey y S Shhoorree: : The Bulldogs continue their demanding schedule by hosting the perennial District 2 power at 6 p m , a game
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Hughesville will travelt o Lewisburg in Week 4ʼs Game of the Week.
moved up since Delaware Valley is more than three hours away Delaware Valley has won seven straight District 2 crowns at the Class 6A and Class 5A levels and Jersey Shore has won seven since 2013. This will be a clash of two titans.
WEEK 3
G Gaamme e o of f t thhe e W Weeeek k S Seelliinnssggrroovve e a at t
J Jeerrsseey y S Shhoorree: If you have not figured it out yet, Jersey Shore faces a ridiculously tough schedule this season It's third straight game against a reigning district champions comes here. Selinsgrove ended Jersey Shore's five-year district championship run last November and reached the state's Final Four. These two have played more games against each other than any other district combination since 2013, meeting twice a season in all but one year Both are replacing tremendous senior groups, but both also likely will remain in the mix in what looks like a more open Class AAAA field this season. This may just be Round 1 once again between these heavyweights.
R Ruunnnneerr--uup p M Moonnttoouurrssvviilllle e a at t D Daannvviillllee: : As far as common match-ups go, Montoursville and Danville certainly can relate. They met in the District 4 Class AAA final four times from 2016-21, each team winning the crown twice Mon-
toursville won two straight championships before Danville took the last four The Warriors will be hungry for redemption after Danville won last year's game big.
S Seeccoonnd d
One could see Troy has been the South of the NTL the last 13 years or vice-versa. Both perennial title contenders have built their success along super line play, strong running and defense South coach Chris Eiswerth teaches with Troy coach Jim Smith, so there is a great sense of familiarity Troy will be a big favorite, possessing a Class AA state title contender, but never underestimate a South program which has reached six district finals since 2012.
WEEK 4
G
L Leewwiis
: Lewisburg broke through last season, winning four of its final five games and winning its first playoff game since 2017. The Green Dragons are hungry for more this season as is Hughesville which has made consecutive District 4 Class AAA playoff appearances. Lewisburg returns a good foundation to build upon up front as does Hughesville. The skill position groups could be bigger questions, but both teams have a lot of upside
rematch of the last two District 4 Class A semifinals, Northwest pushed Muncy hard last November. The Indians pulled away late, but Northwest gave it a battle and this will be a key game in the District 4 Class A race. This will be the fifth time these two have played in the last three seasons.
S Seecco
The last two years have featured shutouts with Milton winning 28-0 two years ago and South exacting revenge and launching its district title run with a 14-0 win on opening night last season. Milton has made a huge turnaround the past three years and South was the only team to beat it during last year's regular season. This game continues South's daunting early-season schedule.
WEEK 5
: The Millionaires are making their debut in the HAC-I this fall. After competing through District 2's Wyoming Valley Football Conference for so long, Williamsport finally gets a regular taste of District 4 football. Selinsgrove shared the league crown with Jersey Shore last season and finished 13-1-1 Williamsport is young, but if it performs
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Circle Williamsport at Jersey Shore for Week 6 on the calendar for a game that is a must see.
well here, that would be a great sign of where it stands during its debut HAC-I season.
R Ruunnnneer r u up p J Jeerrsseey y S Shhoorre e a at t S Shhiikkeell-l laammyy: : Shikellamy's record might not have shown it last fall, but the Braves look like a team on the rise with an exciting young group. Most of their starters are returning, including three-year starting quarterback Brody Rebuck and sophomore receiver Thomas Pollack who went for 973 yards last fall This could be a potential playoff preview
S Seeccoonnd d r ruunnnneerr--uup p L Leewwiissbbuurrg g a at t W Waarr-r riioor r R Ruunn: : Both teams doubled their previous win totals last season and have their eyes on more progress in 2024. Lewisburg rallied from 2-5 and Warrior Run from 03 to each win six games a year ago. This will be the first time these former rivals have played since the 2019 District 4 Class AAA semifinals when Warrior Run won, 28-7
WEEK 6
G Gaamme e o of f t thhe e W Weeeek k W Wiilllliiaammssppoorrt t a at t
J Jeerrsseey y S Shhoorree: : One week after hosting one defending co-HAC-I champion, Williamsport goes on the road and faces the other perennial power. Fans have long wondered what would happen if Williamsport and Jersey Shore played,
especially in 2020 when the Millionaires reached a district final and Jersey Shore advanced to the state championship. Finally, this game will exist on the field instead of just in fans' minds. Jersey Shore coach Tom Gravish having coached at Williamsport before taking over at Jersey Shore in 2012 only adds intrigue.
R
The Old Shoe Game always features an electric atmosphere Muncy has had its way with its rival over the last two decades, winning all but one game in the series since 2004 Still, Montgomery was one of the district's youngest teams last fall and returns most of its starters. This could be an interesting one, especially if the line builds off the success it had in last year's season finale when it paved the way for 477 rushing yards at CMVT.
: Like Warrior Run, North Penn-Mansfield made steady progress last season and again reached districts North Penn-Mansfield has quietly enjoyed a winning tradition throughout the 21st century, so don't be surprised if the Panthers give Warrior Run quite a battle.
WEEK 7
r riioor r
: The Defenders pop up again, highlighting the rapid progress they have made the past two seasons Last year's run, though, ended at Loyalsock when the Lancers defeated them, 41-13. The difference this season is that Warrior Run will be the far more experienced team this time around. Still, Loyalsock has been one of the district's most consistent winners since 2012, so it is no stranger to turning new-look teams into winning ones. On paper in the preseason, this one feels like a toss-up as both teams hold district championship aspirations
lllee: : Although they are just 35 miles away, Central Mountain and Montoursville have never played each other That makes this game that much more exciting A win also could benefit Montoursville in the Class AAA playoff standings with Central Mountain being Class 5A. Victory, though, is far from certain. The Wildcats will be one of the area's youngest teams but if they grow up fast, they could dangerous. The unknown is what makes this one feel interesting.
lllee: : This will be the fourth time these HAC-III rivals have played in three seasons The three previous games have been exciting ones with Hughesville win-
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
ning the last two. The road team has won each time with Bloomsburg scoring late to win a Week 3 thriller two years ago before Hughesville exacted revenge in the district quarterfinals. Aiden Barlett dropped the hammer on Bloomsburg last season, returning a punt 81 yards for the clinching touchdown in a 26-13 victory.
WEEK 8
G Gaamme e o of f t thhe e W Weeeek k M Muunnccy y a at t
S Soouutth h W Wiilllliiaammssppoorrtt: : Long one of the area's best small school rivalries, Muncy and South enhanced that status a year ago, splitting two games. Muncy won the area's most exciting regular season, edging South 29-28 in overtime during the regular season before South exacted revenge on the same field and captured the district championship The last three regular season contests have been riveting with Muncy winning each time, scoring the winning and/or clinching touchdown in the final minute.
R Ruunnnneerr--uup p D Daannvviilllle e a at t L Looyyaallssoocckk: : It's a district final rematch kind of week here with Danville and Loyalsock renewing their rivalry after squaring off in the last two Class AAA championships Danville made key red-zone stops each time before pulling away in the second halves of those finals. Danville and Loyalsock have played each other seven times in districts since 2013 and this will be their seventh meeting since 2021. The Ironmen have won five straight since Loyalsock defeated them 26-21 in Week 4 of the 2022 season and the last three regular season games have been decided by 11 combined points.
SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO Not many rivalries beat Loyalsock/Montoursville as the Warriors host the Lancers in Week 10 for the annual “Battle for the Bridge.”
term goals. It also will be a good test for the defensive line with Shamokin running for 383 yards in the Eastern Conference final against Fleetwood.
S Seeccoonnd d r ruunnnneerr--uup p M Moouunnt t C Caarrmmeel l a at t M Miillttoonn: : Milton produced shockwaves throughout District 4 last September when it defeated the Tornadoes 12-7. Milton defeated Mount Carmel for the first time in program history, bottling up a potent offense which averaged nearly 40 points per game. Obviously, Mount Carmel will be eager to try and exact revenge The Tornadoes are moving up to Class AAA this season and return most of the starters from a team which went 11-2
WEEK 10
G Gaamme e o of f t
M Moonnttoouurrssvviillllee: : It's hard to go against the Battle for the Bridge. Montoursville had controlled this series for a while, but Loyalsock has seized the momentum, winning the last two. Loyalsock set area passing and receiving records in last year's 50-21 win at Memorial Stadium and, no doubt, Montoursville has been itching for another opportunity. Even though the score was lopsided in the last two games, both have been exciting with Loyalsock breaking away in the second half each time. Before those last two contests, Montoursville had won six straight in the series. R Ruunnn
S Seeccoonnd d r ruunnnneerr--uup p J Jeerrsseey y S Shhoorre e a at t P Peennn n W Woooodd: : Garnet Valley's Chris Masse once pitched three perfect innings of junior high baseball at Penn Wood … Wait, wrong subject Anyway, Jersey Shore plays Penn Wood for the first time, making a three-hour trip to play the District 1 opponent. Penn Wood has struggled the last few years after going 11-2 in 2021, but District 1 often is a meat grinder, so those records could be deceiving. Making this long trip also could get Jersey Shore acclimated if it were to make a playoff run and have to hit the road as it did during the 2020-21 postseasons.
WEEK 9
G Gaamme e o of f t thhe e W Weeeek k L Leewwiissbbuurrg g a at t M Moonnttoouurrssvviillllee: : One of this reporter's favorite series over the years has been this one Lewisburg and Montoursville have lined their series with fantastic games
since 2012, meeting in the playoffs five times during that time. Lewisburg defeated Montoursville, 29-14, in last year's quarterfinals after Montoursville won one of the year's most exciting regular season games in Week 3. That night, the Warriors rallied in the final minutes to score a last minute touchdown and force overtime before answering a Lewisburg score in the first overtime and making a stand in the second to win, 21-14 It was the sixth time a Montoursville-Lewisburg game was decided by seven or fewer points since 2012, with the winning score in the last two coming in the final seconds and in overtime.
R Ruunnnneerr--uup p S Shhaammookkiin n a at t L Looyyaallssoocckk: : Shamokin is a team to watch in the District 4 Class AAAA field, returning a strong core from a team which went 5-6 and nearly captured an Eastern Conference championship That makes this a tough game for Loyalsock, but also one which could help it as it pursues its long-
”The
This is another rivalry game where the one controlling things has dramatically changed. From 2001-2017, Hughesville went 16-1 against Muncy. Since that run ended, Muncy has won the last five games Last year's was a great one, going back and forth before Muncy erased an eight-point fourth quarter deficit and won, 28-22 Look for a similar type of game in this yearly grudge match.
S Seeccoonnd
: While Week 10 is Rivalry Week, this really is not a rivalry game. Still, CV and Montgomery are familiar with each other and have played some exciting games over the years That included Montgomery mounting a dramatic, game-winning last-minute drive three years ago in a 21-20 victory. CV won last year's contest 44-24 in a game closer than that score indicates with the teams topping 300 yards rushing. CV went 5-6 last season, reaching the District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals and brings a lot of its starters back as does Montgomery.
