While Muncy (9-5 last year) finished the season as District 4 Class A champions and reached the state quarterfinals for the first time, South secured rivalry bragging rights when it beat it, 40-13, in Week 4. Expect Friday’s game to be closer, regardless of who wins. These are league rivals again, too, with South rejoining the Northern Tier League.

Muncy has several starters back from last year’s team which surged down the stretch and won a third district title in four seasons. The only area in which the Indians are young is up front and if that unit quickly jells the offense could be potent. All-state running back Ethan Gush went over 1,200 yards last season and is joined by three other players who went over 500 yards. Ty Nixon also returns to give Muncy one of the area’s deepest backfields.

Quarterback Branson Eyer went over 1,000 passing yards as a freshman and is an outstanding dual threat and has a pair of dangerous 6-foot receiving weapons in Ross Eyer and Gage Wertz. Ross Eyer caught nine touchdowns last season.

South (5-6) has a nice blend of productive, experienced leaders and promising youth. Lane Lusk, Zack Miller and Clayton Swarthout could form a three-headed backfield monster and quarterback Landon Lorson is coming off a solid sophomore season. Linemen like Sam Hostrander, Ryan Rischoff, Lucas Long and Jake Casella could really help the offense go.

Cornerback Grant Bachman intercepted six passes last season and the Mounties appear solid in all three defensive areas. South just missed meeting Muncy in last year’s district final and will try making a Class AA impact this season.