JOHN HAEGER/Special to the Sun-Gazette Williamsport Area Elijah Way (15) hands off to Kahyear Whaley during last week’s game against Hazleton.

Williamsport PPG–28.0, PPA–3.0; YPG–370, YPA–153.5

Williamsport notes: Williamsport makes its HAC-I debut tonight and has looked like a team capable of making noise in its new league throughout the first two weeks. The defense has not allowed a point with the lone points surrendered the first two weeks coming on a kickoff return. The Millionaires are playing well at all three levels and linebacker Lucas Naughton has topped 10 tackles in both wins. Sophomore Anthony Manley is an exciting playmaker and has been in on 16 tackles as well as a sack. Fellow linebacker Stanley Tidwell made the play of the game in last week’s 23-6 win at Hazleton, returning an interception for a touchdown right before halftime and giving the Millionaires an 11-point lead. Giovanni White also intercepted a pass and Kai Payton added a sack. The offense also is playing well and quarterback Elijah Way has effectively spread the ball around while throwing five touchdowns. Kyreek Bradshaw is second among area receivers in catches and has scored in both games, while Trey Damschroder is looking like one of the area’s more exciting sophomore breakthrough players this season. Kicker Parker Johnson is flourishing in his first season playing football. In addition to kicking a 32-yard field goal against Hazleton, Johnson also has drilled six of his 11 kickoffs for touchbacks and is averaging 57 yards on his kickoffs.

Williamsport player to watch–Jayden Ransom: The Millionaires graduated four terrific linebackers, but Ransom is one of many players making sure that unit remains strong. The senior has made seven tackles in each victory and has provided excellent run support.

Central Mountain PPG–6.5, PPA–41.0; YPG–173.5, YPA–322

Central Mountain notes: Central Mountain graduated nearly every starter from last year’s District 6-9 Class AAAAA finalist and is one of the area’s youngest teams, starting mostly underclassmen. Obviously, there is a learning curve with so many players starting for the first time but there also is good potential. The run defense has been stingy the first two weeks and both Kole Corman and Khye Kissell are averaging seven tackles per game. The Wildcats also have three sacks. Corman, a sophomore, started at linebacker last season and is settling into the offensive backfield, showing his potential in the opener when he ran for 99 yards against Mifflin County. Junior Dylan McDermott is another running back/linebacker to keep an eye on. He and Corman have received the bulk of the team’s carries and McDermott also averages six tackles per game. Quarterbakck Hunter Hoy made a nice play at Bloomsburg last week, finding Jace Seitzer for a 24-yard touchdown. Central Mountain is trying to earn its first win against Williamsport since 2014.

Central Mountain player to watch–Khye Kissell: The senior made his presence felt against Mifflin County in the opener, producing a career-high eight tackles, as well as 1 ½ sacks. He is a versatile athlete who can line up in different spots and Kissell made five solo tackles against Bloomsburg.

Outlook: Williamsport is hoping to make its first HAC-I experience a positive one and appears in good shape to do so. Central Mountain would love to win the game, obviously, but if they play better than a week ago and keep progressing that will be an encouraging sign.

By CHRIS MASSE