Athens at Muncy Preview | News, sports, jobs

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Muncy quarterback Stiles Eyer drops back to pass during this year’s Old Shoe Game against Montgomery.

Athens PPG-22.9, PPA-27.4; YPG-278.8, YPA-276.3

Athens Notes: Athens (4-4) is coming off an impressive 29-13 win over Athens and features one of the district’s best dual-threat quarterbacks in Connor Davidson. The sophomore passed over 1,000 rushing yards and 900 passing yards a week ago, totaling 274 yards and four touchdowns.

This included 200 yards rushing. Lucas Persun and Eli Chapman are also threats on the ground, and Athens spreads his prowess in the passing game with six players catching touchdowns. Athens is 4-1 as Davidson reached 100 rushing yards and totaled 395 yards and six touchdowns in a 48-42 Week 3 win at Canton. Athens forced four turnovers at Wyalusing and Sean Peters and Caleb Nason intercepted passes. Linebacker Karson Sipley helps pace the defense, averaging 9.6 tackles per game. He has at least 10 tackles in four straight games, including 15 at Canton. It looks like Athens will be the No. 4 seed in the AAAA District 4 playoffs. If the current seeds hold, the Wildcats would travel to Shamokin for the semifinals.

Athens Player to Watch – Sean Peters: An opportunistic defensive back, Peters has four interceptions. Two of them were crucial in Athens’ 22-14 win over Wellsboro. Peters is also a vertical threat offensively and is tied for the lead on the team in catches.

Muncy PPG-48.3, PPA-15.1; YPG-382.5, YPA-224.5

Muncy Notes: Muncy (7-1) won its fourth straight NTL-II championship last week, defeating South Williamsport. This means Muncy has won eight district or league championships eight years in a row. The Indians have won seven straight games and are battling Line Mountain for the top Class A seed in District 4 and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Line Mountain has a razor-thin lead. A win over a Class AAAA team could help Muncy’s cause, and it will likely need to win its final two games to have a shot at that top spot. A physical offensive line helped Muncy rack up yards and points in the first half at South, with Muncy gaining 363 yards and scoring five times in 11 plays. Landyn Wommer had a 97-yard touchdown run on Muncy’s first play and has scored two touchdowns of more than 80 yards in his last three games. Austin Johnson leads the field in rushing, running for 213 yards and four touchdowns, while Stiles Eyer found Wommer for a 58-yard touchdown. Eyer also got the defense going by intercepting two passes and returning one for his second touchdown of the season. Johnson and Carter Feigles also had two turnovers. Austin Hartzel and Lucas McCahan both kick well and are part of a strong special teams unit that also produced five kick and punt return touchdowns. Regardless of whether it receives the No. 1 or No. 2 seed at districts, this will be Muncy’s last home game until the semifinals. All seven Class A teams are qualified for districts, but with Bucktail opting out, there will be a six-team field, meaning the top two finishers will receive free berths in the quarterfinals.

Muncy player to watch – Dominic Guardini: South announcer Scott Lowery called out Guardini’s name early and often last week as the linebacker seemed to be on every play. Guardini made seven tackles in the first quarter and the junior is thriving in his first season.

Outlook: Muncy was unhappy with its second-half performance last week. The Indians know they have to play four strong quarters in the playoffs. They have to do the same tonight as Athens is a dangerous opponent.