SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO Muncy won the Old Shoe Trophy last year and Montgomery is hoping to win it for just the second time since the 2010s.

Muncy PPG–47.4, PPA–14.6, YPG–332.2, YPA–227.6

Muncy notes: Muncy (4-1) has won four straight games and has dominated the Old Shoe series over the years, winning the last five games and all but one since 2004. This, however, will be one of Muncy’s toughest challenges during that stretch with Montgomery surging and looking like a fellow District 4 Class A title contender.

This will be Muncy’s first test since its opener against Warrior Run. The Indians have lambasted their last four opponents with the starting defense surrendering just one touchdown. All three phases have clicked and Muncy has five kick and punt return touchdowns during that stretch. Landyn Wommer has kick and punt return scores, Nate Rogers two kick return scores and Gavin Barrows a kick return touchdown. Stiles Eyer, Austin Johnson and Carter Feigles also have returned interceptions for touchdowns. Eyer threw two long touchdowns to Paxton Derr and Dominic Guardini in last Saturday’s 61-20 win at Sayre. Austin Johnson went over 100 yards for a fourth straight game and Wommer scored on a 59-yard touchdown run. The offensive line has controlled the action during the winning streak, helping Muncy inflict the mercy rule by halftime in each contest. The Indians are tied for first with Montgomery and South Williamsport in the NTL-II and have won a league and/or district championship seven straight years.

Muncy player to watch–Nixon Lamper: The sophomore was thrust into the starting lineup along the offensive line a year ago and played well. Both teams use their strength up as the foundation for their success, so Lamper is one of several linemen who will play a critical role tonight.

Montgomery PPG–23.2, PPA–17.8, YPG–316.2, YPA–192.8

Montgomery notes: Montgomery (3-2) has produced three straight impressive wins and has been District 4’s most improved team halfway through the season after winning two combined games the previous two years. The defense has been outstanding, holding four teams to two or fewer offensive touchdowns four times. Montgomery slowed down a Canton offense which had produced 93 points in last week’s 19-16 road win, defeating the Warriors for the first time since 2017. The Red Raiders also hammered Wyalusing, 28-3, handing the Rams their first loss in four games. Sophomore linebackers Cam Woltz and Trace Furman have had monster games the past two weeks, Woltz going for 20 tackles against Wyalusing and Furman 19 at Canton. Connor Jarrett produced two sacks in a win at Sayre and Montgomery averages two per game. The offensive line has been outstanding, paving the way for a strong running game. Coy Bryson is tied with Lewisburg’s Jeremiah Davis for the area rushing lead and has gone over 100 yards in six of his last seven games going back to last year. Furman and Lincoln Miller also have run well when called upon and the passing game has come a long way from last year. Parker Persing has efficiently run the offense with Hayden Wilt making a big impact at wide receiver after not playing last fall. Montgomery has moved to No. 3 in the district standings and Muncy is at No. 2. The winner of this game will have the inside track to the No. 2 spot and stay in the hunt for the top seed.

Montgomery player to watch–Ethan Tupper: Injuries limited him to five games last season, but Tupper has come back strong and helped solidify a stingy defense. The junior totaled three sacks in consecutive wins against Sayre and Wyalusing and made a season-high seven tackles at Canton.

Outlook: Expect a physical, fiercely fought game between teams who resemble each other in a lot of ways. Both are eager to make a statement and they could cross paths again down the road. This likely will be the best game in this series since a thrilling district semifinal three years ago.