Shamokin at Loyalsock preview

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Dolan Harmon of Loyalsock is tackled by Eli Butler of Warrior Run. The Lancers host undefeated and state-ranked Shamokin tonight.

Shamokin PPG–37.4, PPA–10.3; YPG–399.3, YPA–195.1

Shamokin notes: Shamokin (8-0) captured the HAC-I championship a few weeks ago and is the state’s No. 6-ranked 4A team after holding off Lewisburg, 17-12 in last week’s showdown of unbeatens. Jersey Shore is the only team to top 20 points against a stout defense which limited Lewisburg to a season-low 202 yards.

The defense also has returned three turnovers for touchdowns. Chase Pensyl is a threat in all areas and made one of the game’s biggest plays last week, reeling in a leaping interception and taking away a potential go-ahead touchdown. Pensyl is the team’s leading receiver, is a running threat, has returned a kickoff for a touchdown and has kicked three field goals, including the game-winner at Jersey Shore. Sophomore quarterback Logan Steele went over 1,000 yards passing in his first full season as a starter last week and Jayce Ginck and Za’Kem Clinton form a powerful backfield tandem, each collecting multiple 100-yard games. Clinton also has four sacks and Blake Hockenbroch is an all-state lineman. Shamokin has all but secured the top seed for the District 4 Class AAAA playoffs and the homefield advantage that goes with it. The Indians could make it official if they win tonight.

Shamokin player to watch–Jennsyn Shuey: The 6-foot-4 tight end is playing football for the first time after excelling as a three-year starter in basketball. Shuey has caught 13 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns and his height and strength help create opportunities for others. He caught a key touchdown against Jersey Shore and can also be hard to handle coming off the edge defensively.

Loyalsock PPG–21.5, PPA–21.8; YPG–291.1, YPA–255

Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (5-3) is trying to secure its 13th straight district playoff berth. The Lancers are third in the Class AA standings but that is a deep field and the No. 9 team has four wins, so a lot can change over the final two weeks. Loyalsock is facing an undefeated team for a second straight week after hosting Danville, the state’s top-ranked 3A team, last Friday. Loyalsock gave Danville a battle and the defense played especially well. The Lancers, however, turned the ball over five times, and that spelled doom. Loyalsock has proven a resilient team throughout the season, bouncing back to win after its two previous losses and rallying in the fourth quarter to win thrillers against Bloomsburg and Warrior Run. Loyalsock also made a goal line stand to hold off surging Mifflinburg in the season opener. Defensive end Isaiah West had a big game against Danville, producing three tackles for loss and two sacks. He and Jeremiah Johnson can be a handful up front and linebackers Preston Gross, Deryk Kulp and Blake Phillips all average more than six tackles per game. Chase Wright has three interceptions, including a game-clincher against Warrior Run and Jalil Coates has added two picks. Coates came up huge against Warrior Run, making two straight catches for 90 yards, including the game-winning touchdown late, while also running for 52 yards and a score. Dolan Harman is 16 yards from reaching 1,000 and has gone over 90 yards in six straight games and seven of eight. Quarterback Danny Dowell returned from injury last week and threw for 227 yards in a 30-3 win against Hughesville six weeks ago. Kicker Evan Summers has become a weapon and has kicked field goals in consecutive games.

Loyalsock player to watch–Jaydn Wagner: The senior linebacker was a big part of Loyalsock’s strong defensive effort against Danville, making a season-high eight tackles, as well as one for loss. Wagner has a vital interception in the one-point win against Mifflinburg and has at least five tackles in five of his last six games.

Outlook: Loyalsock showed last week that it will not be intimidated against an undefeated state-ranked opponent. Obviously, this is an imposing challenge tonight, but if Loyalsock cleans up the mistakes that hurt it a week ago, it could possibly make things interesting.