RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville’s Christian Banks runs against Milton during a game this year. The Warriors host Mount Carmel today in Week 5.

Mount Carmel PPA–28.8, PPA–23.3; YPG–361.5, YPA–310.5

Mount Carmel notes: Mount Carmel (3-1) is coming off a thrilling 7-6 win against Southern Columbia and has won its last two games by one point. Each time a field goal made the difference, with Robert Schoppy’s field goal lifting Mount Carmel to a 35-34 win at Mifflinburg before a missed Southern field goal in the closing seconds sealed last week’s victory. The Tornadoes have moved up to the 3A field this season and are fourth in the district standings with Montoursville at No. 3, so these two could see each other again.

The offense was explosive through the first three games but Mount Carmel’s defense made the difference against Southern. The Tornadoes made repeated timely stops and Chase Balichik intercepted a pass. Mount Carmel has some outstanding young players, including sophomore linebacker Max Karycki who averages 10.3 tackles per game and has made six tackles for loss. Freshman Jason Klokis has made an immediate impact as well, averaging 9.5 tackles per game. Mount Carmel’s offense is as balanced as it is explosive. Quarterback Gavin Marshalek is among the district’s leaders in yards, while sophomore Cooper Karycki has done a magnificent job replacing injured Luke Blessing, running for 466 yards in his first three starts. Special teams could play a large role tonight and Michael Kismal has returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns from 87 and 88 yards, respectively.

Mount Carmel player to watch–Jaylen Delaney: Another talented sophomore, Delaney has been catching everything in sight, leading District 4 and averaging nearly 10 per game. He was a force in a Week 2 game against Central Columbia, catching 14 passes for 145 yards. He also can be a defensive difference-maker.

Montoursville PPA–28.5, PPA–17.8; YPG–328, YPA–245.3

Montoursville notes: Like Mount Carmel, Montoursville (3-1) has played some exciting games the past two weeks, trailing 3A top-ranked Danville by just three in the fourth quarter before rallying from a seven-point deficit to beat Mifflinburg, 27-20. Mirroring Mount Carmel, Montoursville also displays excellent balance. Christian Banks has topped 100 yards rushing three times in four games and Hayden Harvey ran for a career-high 86 yards against Danville. Jimmy Mussina threw for 186 yards against Mifflinburg and has three touchdowns with no interceptions the past two weeks. Mussina spreads the ball around and five players have caught touchdowns. Michael Reeder has made big plays on both his touchdown receptions and tight end Owen Kleinman has been a reliable target, while the offensive line has provided quality pass protection. Kleinman, Banks, Harvey and Kingston Fisher all average more than six tackles per game. Banks, Fisher and Noah Rakestraw have made 16 tackles for loss. Five players have intercepted passes, including two-way starting lineman Landon Morehart and freshman defensive back Brayden Burkett. The starting defense did not allow a point the first two weeks and limited Mifflinburg to seven second half points a week ago. The Warriors would host a first round playoff game for the first time since 2021 if they stay among the district’s top four teams by season’s end.

Montoursville player to watch–Hunter Shaffer: The junior lineman plays a key role on both sides of the ball and has helped both those units click through four weeks. Mount Carmel is big and strong up front, so Shaffer and his linemen will play a monster role in how tonight’s game goes.

Outlook: These two teams have great traditions, and have played some memorable games over the years. This one might soon be added to this list.