Josh Knoebel of Montgomery runs in opposition to Muncy at Muncy High School Friday night time. Montgomery received, 27-7.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Montgomery (10-1) is having its finest yr since 1987, profitable 10 video games for the primary time since that season and this system’s first league title since 2001. The Red Raiders are attempting to win their first district championship and are enjoying in it for the primary time in eight years, coming into on a nine-game profitable streak.
The winner of the District 4 Class A championship tonight will face both Lackwanna Trail or Tri-Valley subsequent week in the state event.
The Red Raiders blanked defending champion Muncy, 33-0 every week in the past, permitting simply 110 yards and lead the district in each factors and yards allowed. Montgomery has held all however two opponents to single digits and picked up its fourth shutout final week. All three ranges have excelled defensively and linebacker Cam Woltz is three tackles from his second straight 100-tackle season. Safety Trace Furman (112) has reached a career-high in tackles, going over 100 for a second consecutive yr and each are juniors.
Connor Jarrett has persistently made large performs up entrance and Logan Joy has three interceptions in his final two video games. Austin Luckenbill and Seth McClintock had robust video games in the secondary in opposition to Muncy and Luckenbill compelled a fumble which led to a landing. Furman and Josh Knoebel each went over 1,000 yards this season in opposition to Muncy and 4 gamers have gone over 400 yards.
Quarterback Parker Persing accomplished all three of his passes final week, discovering Ethan Tupper for a nine-yard landing. Briar Persing is averaging 28.6 yards per catch and mixed with Mason Bryson for two ½ sacks in opposition to Muncy. An skilled offensive line has surged all through the season and helped Montgomery rating its most factors in the 2000s.
A tough-hitting linebacker, Lincoln Miller leads the group with 5 sacks and averages 5 tackles per game, whereas making 10 for loss. He is also one in all 4 backs who has produced a 100-yard game and averages 7.1 yards per carry.
The Eagles (10-0) are ranked third in the state and in addition are pursuing their first district championship after dropping to Muncy in final yr’s ultimate. Line Mountain returned nearly all of its starters from that squad and pummeled all however one opponent through the common season earlier than receiving a bye into the finals. That bye got here at a very good time and will assist two-time all-state defensive finish Max Johnson return. Line Mountain pulled away from Montgomery in the second half of final yr’s semifinals, gaining 483 yards.
Quarterback Kaiden Maurer is a four-year starter who’s third all-time in District 4 with 82 landing passes. He led the district with 29 touchdowns through the common season and is a cellular menace who additionally leads the group in speeding. Four Eagles have run for greater than 300 yards and Kaden Dunkleberger stepped up when Johnson was injured, operating for 137 yards in a 36-34 win in opposition to Steel-High.
Wide receiver Dalton Schadel led the district with 13 touchdowns through the common season and is searching for a 1,000-yard season. He has 1,538 yards and 23 touchdowns the previous two years. Senior lineman Jackson Kauwell has 5 ½ sacks and 12 ½ tackles for loss. Despite lacking 4 video games, Johnson has 17 tackles for loss and Preston Derk has 4 interceptions, returning one for a landing.
Senior linebacker Bryce Smeltz has 10 1/2 tackles for loss to go together with 2 1/2 sacks and is a beneficial receiver as nicely. He is second on the group in landing catches and averages 19.1 yards per reception.
Both groups have longed for this chance and it’s power in opposition to power with Montgomery’s stifling protection going through Line Mountain’s explosive offense.
For all of the firepower each groups possess, this finally will come all the way down to who wins the battle between two standout strains.