RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville’s Christian Banks runs against Milton during a game earlier this season.

Montoursville PPG–26.2, PPA–22.4, YPG–313.8, YPA–269.6

Montoursville notes: Montoursville (3-2) hung tough with Mount Carmel until midway through the third quarter a week ago, trailing 24-17 at that point before the Tornadoes pulled away. Slowing the pass has been a problem in both losses against high-powered Danville and Mount Carmel with those teams throwing for 522 yards and six touchdowns.

The defense started this season strong with the starters not allowing a point in the first two games. Defensive end Kingston Fisher and linebacker Christian Banks have combined for 15 tackles for loss and linebacker Owen Kleinman is averaging a team-high 7.6 tackles per game. Michael Reeder gave Montoursville a big special teams boost last week, returning a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. He also has caught two long touchdowns from Jimmy Mussina. Banks is among the area’s leading rushers, scoring in each game and topping 100 yards in all three victories. Hayden Harvey also is running well during his sophomore season, rushing for 176 yards in his last three contests. Montoursville has spread things out in the passing game and five players have caught touchdowns. The Warriors are fourth in the District 4 Class AAA standings and will host a first-round playoff game if they remain in the top four by season’s end.

Montoursville player to watch–Noah Rakestraw: The two-way starting lineman has enjoyed a breakout season and has six tackles for loss to go along with 1 ½ sacks. He also averages 5.8 tackles per game, an impressive number for a defensive lineman.

Central PPG–16.6, PPA–33.8, YPG–227.2, YPA–365

Central notes: The Blue Jays (1-4) have lost four straight since blanking Midd-West in their season opener. Like Montoursville, they were within striking distance against Mount Carmel until later in the game. Central gave Montoursville a battle last year, leading by seven in the second half before the Warriors rallied for a 20-13 win. Central held an early lead against Southern Columbia last week but struggled defensively and with discipline. The Blue Jays were penalized a whopping 25 times for 207 yards. Central ran the ball well in last year’s game at Montoursville and has a quality running back in Ty Regan who ran for a career-high 179 yards and a touchdown against Mount Carmel. He and Crue Chipleski both ran for scores against Southern. Aidan Huntington is another player to keep an eye on, especially after he ran for 154 yards and a touchdown at Montoursville last fall.

Central player to watch–Kole Hummer: The senior defensive tackle has helped anchor the team’s front since he first reached high school. Hummer collected 11 sacks as a sophomore and recorded 2 ½ through the team’s first three games this season.

Outlook: Central nearly pulled the upset last season, so the last thing Montoursville can afford is to come in overconfident. The Warriors are the pick here but this could be closer than some think.