NTL FOOTBALL: WYALUSING HOSTS HUGHESVILLE IN CRITICAL MATCH-UP THAT HAS PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS (2024-10-17)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Wyalusing (4-4) will be hosting Hughesville (4-4) on Friday with a 7 p.m. kick-off with big playoff implications for both teams.

Coming in Hughesville is sixth in the District IV, Class AA rankings while Wyalusing is just on the outside at ninth. A win by the Rams could easily flip the two, or any combination in between, but a loss would be a big blow.

But after last week’s home loss to Athens playoffs are probably furthest from the mind of the Wyalusing coaching staff as they look to tighten up all facets of their game.

“Hughesville will be a tough opponent, they just beat number two seed Warrior Run in District IV, Class AA,” said Wyalusing coach Rich Rogers. “They have a solid passing attack and play physical. We will need to play mistake free, and give our best effort.”

KEYS TO THE GAME

Hughesville — Bend but don’t break on defense. Athens’ defense did that well last week, and it was a difference maker. Giving up yards but not points could be the difference in the game.

Wyalusing — Get some more out of the passing game. Despite Athens putting nearly every defender within three yards of the line of scrimmage the Rams still ran for over 200 yards. However, it wasn’t enough as they were only able to catch Athens off guard with the pass once, and it turned into a touchdown. They’ll need to find away to complete a throws downfield in order to loosen up the box.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Blake Davis, Hughesville, QB — Davis has thrown for 1,307 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season with a .429 completion percentage, and nine interceptions. How he goes is how the Spartans will go, at least offensively.

Isaac Shaffer, Wyalusing, DB — All of Wyalusing’s defensive backs will be tested, but they did have two interceptions last week against Athens, including one by Shaffer. They’ll need to be at their best to give their team a chance to win.

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