MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Loyalsock’s Dolan Harman finds a gap behind the block of Jeremiah Johnson to pick a few yards in the first quarter during a game this year against Southern Columbia.
Background: Although separated by nearly 40 miles, Loyalsock and Danville have built quite a rivalry since 2012. Tonight will be the seventh time during that span Loyalsock and Danville are meeting in the playoffs with all seven matchups being either in the semifinals or finals. Danville defeated Loyalsock in the semifinals two years ago and in last year’s championship, capturing its third straight title. The Ironmen are 5-1 against Loyalsock in the playoffs since 2012, but it is 1-1 in the finals with Loyalsock winning at Danville for the 2017 championship. These teams played a thriller in Week 4 with Loyalsock rallying from 14 down to take a late four-point lead before the Ironmen won in the closing two minutes, 28-25. Since that Week 4 game, each team has gone 7-1.
Loyalsock PPG–32.8, PPA–18.4; YPG–364.3, YPA–275.3
Loyalsock notes: Loyalsock (9-3) is making its fourth championship appearance since 2017 and seeking its first title since that year. The Lancers won their first two playoff games via the mercy rule, outscoring Cowanesque Valley and Warrior Run, 76-0, during the first half. Loyalsock played a demanding regular season schedule with its three losses coming against Danville and Class AA finalists Southern Columbia and Troy. The Lancers also defeated District 4 Class AA finalist Williams Valley (10-2), 24-7, in Week 5 and rallied to defeat Berks Catholic on opening night. Loyalsock has produced defensive touchdowns in consecutive games with Logan Bastian and Jaylen Andrews returning interceptions for touchdowns. Andrews also has returned a punt for a touchdown this postseason. He broke the area receving yards record (2,850) in the 41-13 semifinal win against Warrior Run and has six interceptions this year. Quarterback Tyler Gee has shattered area records for yards and touchdown passes, throwing 12 over the last three games. He has totaled 103 touchdowns throughout his three years starting as well. Ethan French, Hakeem McClain, Jeremiah Johnson, Isaiah West and Josh Bomboy have come together throughout the season and helped the Lancers average five yards per carry last week. Bastian and Dolan Harman each ran for touchdowns. Bastian helps ignite the defense and has made 118 tackles, including an area-best 26 for loss. West was a force up front against Warrior Run, producing three sacks and four tackles for loss. Kayden Keefer also had a sack and linebacker Deryk Kulp made some big plays early to help set the tone. Defensive end Braden Vincenzes set the tone in an early-season shutout at Hughesville and intercepted a pass against Warrior Run.
Loyalsock player to watch–Will Burdett: An outstanding safety, Burdett also is a versatile receiver who can play tight end, in the slot or on the outside. He caught three first-half passes for 53 yards against Warrior Run and set up a touchdown right before halftime with two first down catches. Burdett also scored against CV and his two catches went for 75 yards and two scores in a win at Central Columbia.
Danville PPG–43.4, PPA–12.1; YPG–386.8; YPA–209.9
Danville notes: Danville has defeated Montoursville (twice) and Loyalsock in three consecutive finals. After playing back and forth regular season games against Loyalsock the past two seasons, Danville pulled away in the second half to win both playoff games. The Ironmen have won seven straight games since losing their only game against Southern. Despite missing that game, quarterback Madden Patrick already has set the District 4 record for touchdown passes in a season with 45. He has thrown multiple touchdowns in all 11 games, including nine in two playoff games. Patrick also is just 20 yards from becoming Danville’s first 3,000-yard passer. Aaron Johnson has been a force at wide receiver, already tying the state record for touchdowns in a season with 27, while breaking the program’s yardage record for a season. He has been utterly ridiculous the past six games, catching 21 passes for 668 yards and 16 touchdowns, including four more in a 42-3 semifinal win against Lewisburg. That game was 14-3 at halftime, but Danville heated up after halftime and put the game away in the third quarter. Carter Raup, Cameron Kiersch and Cole Duffy all have caught at least 30 passes and combined for 16 touchdowns. Berwick transfer Bo Sheptock ignites the running game and keeps defenses honest, going over 1,000 yards last week. He also is a dangerous receiver coming out of the backfield. The defense has held six opponents to seven points or fewer and forced 27 turnovers. The defense also has produced four touchdowns with Johnson taking an interception and fumble for scores. Eli Welliver returned an interception for a touchdown in a 55-7 quarterfinal win against Athens. Lincoln Diehl has 6 1/2 sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Danville player to watch–Chase Miller: The junior two-way lineman has been outstanding on both sides of the ball. He has played a key role in giving Patrick the time to put up huge numbers and Sheptock holes to burst through. Miller is just as important defensively. Coming hard off the edge, the defensive end is tied with Diehl for a team-high 6 1/2 sacks, and has added 11 tackles for loss.
Winner plays: District 3’s champion, Wyomissing or West Perry
Outlook: It’s easy to look at all the offensive firepower these teams possess and think that tonight’s game will be a shootout. However, both teams possess defenses which have been mighty stingy this postseason. It’s cliche, but the big difference will come up front. Who can give their quarterbacks the most time to operate and/or generate balance and keep the other offense off the field? Whichever team answers that question, likely hoists the trophy.
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