Muncy at Sayre preview

Muncy PPA–44.0, PPA–13.3; YPG–332.5, YPA–219.5

Muncy notes: Muncy (3-1) has won three straight games in dominant fashion and heads to Sayre for its first Saturday night game of the year trying to build on the momentum. The starting defense has not allowed a point since the opener and Muncy has started strong the past two weeks, scoring 106 first half points. A strong offensive line has been driving defenders back and Austin Johnson and Landyn Wommer both went over 100 yards in last week’s shutout against Northwest.

Both players also are averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Muncy has not had to throw the ball often but Stiles Eyer was a 1,000-yard passer last year and Wommer, Paxton Derr, Gavin Barrows and Ben Robinson all have caught passes of 31 or more yards this season. Johnson and Carter Feigles have returned interceptions for touchdowns and the defense held Northwest to just 81 yards. Nate Rogers helped the special teams excel as well, returning the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Muncy moved up to second in the District 4 Class A playoff standings and would be guaranteed a home semifinal if it stays among the top two. It, top-ranked Line Mountain and Canton all have three wins. Following Saturday’s game, Muncy will embark on a tougher second half schedule, so there is a possibility for upward movement in the standings.

Muncy player to watch–Jaxson Thomas: Thomas is one of several reserves who likely will see increased playing time Saturday. The sophomore likely will be a player Muncy leans on next season and ran well against Northwest, producing 33 yards on six carries and scoring a touchdown. He also could make an impact at linebacker.

Sayre PPA–13.5, PPA–56.0; YPG–165, YPA–515.8

Sayre notes: Sayre held a 12-7 lead against the state’s top-ranked Class AA team Troy in its season opener and has showed some explosiveness. That goes mostly with Nick Pellicano who has been a dynamic weapon at wide receiver and on special teams. Pellicano has returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, all covering 78 or more yards, including against Troy. He also caught three touchdowns a week ago against Cowanesque Valley, totaling 149 yards. Sayre led that game by eight at halftime and Pellicano’s second touchdown gave it a 21-20 lead before CV scored the game’s final 30 points. The defense has struggled these first four weeks and CV gained 491 yards, going over both 200 passing and rushing yards.

Sayre player to watch–Karter Green: After taking over early last season, Green has shown some nice flashes. He threw for a career-high 221 yards and three touchdowns against Troy. His 108 yards passing against Troy are the most against the Trojans thus far in 2024.

Outlook: Muncy should get a nice tune-up game Saturday as it heads into the Old Shoe Game against Montgomery. Look for the Indians to win big.