NTL FOOTBALL: TROY TO FACE SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AGAIN IN DISTRICT OPENER (2024-11-01)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Top seeded Troy (10-0) will open the playoffs Friday at 7 p.m. as they host South Williamsport (5-5), a team they defeated 43-7 in week three this season.

“We are excited for post season play,” said Troy coach Jim Smith. “We have been preparing all year for this.”

The Mounties won the Class A District IV title a year ago, and made the state semifinals, but went just 1-2 over the final three games of the season.

“We play a great South Williamsport program,” Smith said. “They have had some struggles with players getting banged up over the last several weeks, however, they are a team that was a play or two away from being 7-3 with arguably the youngest group in District IV. They certainly have a lot of growth of potential, and are coached by an elite staff. We cannot look at the records and take this program lightly, they are always physical and we are excited for the test.”

They feature a pair of hard nosed running backs, and a big receiving target in Dylan Scheller. 

Since playing Wyalusing to a 14-6 halftime score in week six Troy has out scored opponents 257-63 over the final four and a half games.

“Trojan faithful, let’s pack the Park,” Smith said.

KEYS TO THE GAME

South Williamsport — Play keep away. The best chance any team around here has had against Troy has been keeping their offense off the field. Easier said than done, but with a power game like theirs it gives the Mounties a fighting chance.

Troy — Keep going big. Troy may want to get a little more conservative with the colder weather but the big play ball is what’s gotten Troy here, no reason not uncork a few home run swings this week to try to break the game open.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tad Lusk, South Williamsport, QB — Lusk threw for 212-yards and ran for another 141 in last week’s 21-14 win over Northwest. They’ll need another Herculean performance like that this week to pull off the upset.

Evan Woodward, Troy, QB, S — Woodward has rarely made a mistake under center this season as he sports a 142.9 QB rating. He’a also second on the team in rushing touchdowns with seven. 

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