MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock’s Dolan Harman (3) sheds a tackle from Bloomsburg’s Bryce Moore (66) in the second quarter of last week’s game.

Loyalsock PPG–26.4, PPA–19.2, YPG–328, YPA–260.8

Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (4-1) has won three straight games and rallied from a seven-point second half deficit to defeat Bloomsburg, 20-13, last Friday. And experienced offensive line has asserted itself in all four wins, helping workhorse running back Dolan Harman top 100 yards each time. Harman has gone over 150 yards in three of those games, including against Bloomsburg and is third among area rushers.

Jalil Coates made a leaping touchdown catch against Bloomsburg and quarterback Danny Dowell is a mobile threat who threw for a career-high 227 yards against Hughesville. Tight end Deryk Kulp had a big game that night, hauling in seven passes for 123 yards. Three-year starter Jeremiah Johnson helps anchor both lines and is among area leaders with four sacks. Isaiah West also is a strong playmaker off the edge and linebacker Preston Gross seemed to be everywhere against Bloomsburg, making a career-high 18 tackles. The starting defense has surrendered just two offensive touchdowns during its winning streak and forced six turnovers in a season-opening win against Mifflinburg. Loyalsock is fourth in the District 4 Class AA playoff standings and will host a quarterfinal if it stays among the top four. The Lancers have reached district for 12 straight years and are two wins from clinching their 12th straight winning season a year graduating the bulk of their starters.

Loyalsock player to watch — Josh Meacham: The junior linebacker is one of several players who have made strong contributions in their first seasons receiving significant varsity time. Meacham has made three tackles for loss and recovered a key fumble in a one-point win against Mifflinburg. Two of his tackles for loss came in an impressive 30-3 win against Hughesville.

Lewisburg PPG–32.8, PPA–10.6, YPG–329.8, YPA–264.4

Lewisburg notes: Lewisburg (5-0) is the state’s No. 9-ranked Class AAA team and is 5-0 for the first time since 2010. The Green Dragons are seeking their first win against Loyalsock since 2012, although the teams have not played every season during that time. Lewisburg is coming off an impressive 24-0 win at previously undefeated Warrior Run and produced its second road shutout. The Dragons also are the only team which has defeated Line Mountain this season, overcoming an eight-point deficit in the season opener to do so. Linebacker Quin Michaels helps spark the defense which has allowed one or no touchdowns three times and is averaging 8.6 tackles per game, while intercepting three passes. Fellow linebacker Danan Alabakoff is having a strong season as well, producing two sacks and adding an interception. Tyler Downs is second on the team, averaging seven tackles per game. The defensive and offensive lines both have excelled and Hayes Schumacher averages 5.8 tackles per game, making four for loss. The veteran line has been vital to helping dynamic running back Jeremiah Davis tie for the area rushing lead and go over 100 yards in nine consecutive games since last season. The passing game also is clicking with Chase Wenrich going over 100 yards in three straight games. Sophomore Jaylen Walker has caught five touchdowns in those contests and Nick Coleman has seven receptions in the past two games. Lewisburg is perched atop the District 4 Class AAA standings, holding off four-time defending champion Danville for that spot.

Lewisburg player to watch–Tyler Kitchens: The senior cornerback provides excellent coverage and played a crucial role in Lewisburg containing Warrior Run’s passing game last week. Kitchens had an interception, helped slow Sam Hall and continues building on a breakout 2023 campaign.

Outlook: This is one of the most intriguing District 4 games tonight. Loyalsock is the last team to beat Lewisburg in the regular season, doing so in Week 7 last year. Both teams are eager to prove something and are playing well, so expect an exciting game which may be decided late.