DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Luke Stutzman (30) of Hughesville runs for a touchdown against Lewisburg at Milton on Friday.

Hughesville PPG–27.2, PPA–16.4, YPG–280.2, YPA–266.2

Hughesville notes: Hughesville (3-2) is coming off a dominant win against Midd-West, holding the Mustangs without a first down and to minus-20 yards. Hughesville has surrendered seven points or fewer in all three wins and is fifth in the District 4 Class AA playoff standings. The top eight teams advance and top four will host first-round games.

Linebackers Chase Fowler, Brenden Fisher and Luke Stutzman all average more than 10 tackles per game and Stutzman is over 300 career tackles. Fisher has added three sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Jerry Barton collected a sack for a second straight game last week. The offensive and defensive lines played their best games last week and the defensive line was a major reason Midd-West was held to minus-26 rushing yards. Both lines are experienced and that helps against a team like Mount Carmel. Quarterback Blake Davis tied an area record last week, throwing six touchdown passes. He has topped 200 yards three times in his last four games and leads the area in touchdown passes. Wide receiver Conor Knight leads the area in catches (34), yards (552) and touchdowns (9). Carson Stackhouse went over 100 yards against Lewisburg two weeks ago and he and Jace Gray caught touchdowns against Midd-West, as did Fisher. Hughesville also had its most effective running game last week with Jed Abernatha running for 77 yards and Luke Stutzman adding 74, while scoring for a second straight game.

Hughesville player to watch–Hayden Maneval: The senior cornerback could be lined up opposite Jaylen Delaney who is having a monster season, so containing him will be key. Maneval has broken up four passes and averaged six tackles per game. He also caught a 40-yard touchdown against Towanda.

Mount Carmel PPG–31.2, PPA–22.0, YPG–362.6, YPA–290.4

Mount Carmel notes: Mount Carmel (4-1) has won four straight games, including consecutive one-point thrillers against Mifflinburg and Southern Columbia. The Tornadoes looked impressive a week ago, going to Montoursville, scoring the final 21 points and winning, 41-17. After struggling during the first three weeks, the defense has come alive and allowed just one touchdown in two straight games. Linebacker Ben Miller averages 10.6 tackles per game, while freshman Jason Klokis and sophomore Max Karycki produce more than nine per game, highlighting the team’s bright future as well. Karycki has eight tackles for loss and two sacks. The offense is explosive, topping 30 points against everyone except Southern. Quarterback Gavin Marshalek reached 1,000 yards this season faster than any Mount Carmel quarterback in its history other than former Boston College signal caller Dave Shinskie. He also has gone 72 passes without throwing an interception. Delaney shined defensively as a freshman last season and is now doing so offensively. The sophomore receiver has caught a district-best 44 passes and also leads in yards with 610. He torched Montoursville for 182 yards and three touchdowns a week ago. Mount Carmel also runs well and sophomore Cooper Karycki averages 104 yards per game. He gashed Mifflinburg three weeks ago for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Robert Schoppy hit a late field goal to help the Tornadoes win that game, 35-34. Mount Carmel has moved up to Class AAA this season and is third in the district standings.

Mount Carmel player to watch–Chase Balichik: A three-year starting cornerback, Balichik has eight career interceptions, including one this season. He also provides receiving depth and caught 23 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns a year ago.

Outlook: Hughesville will have to find a way to neutralize a dynamic offense. Finishing drives will be crucial as will be protecting Davis. This is a game where the Spartans really have no margin for error if they w