The high school football season has returned to the region, with 17 teams stepping onto the field for Week 1, each carrying a 0‑0 record and the promise of a fresh start. The opening weekend is already shaping up as a showcase of rivalries, new coaches and storylines that could define the year.
Opening Night Showdowns
The marquee matchup pits Williamsport against Wyoming Valley West, a rivalry that produced a 31‑20 victory for the Warriors last season. This year, Williamsport will be led by new head coach Kevin Brown, who hopes to build on that early success and energize a squad eager to start the campaign with a statement win.
Montgomery arrives with a roster that returns most of its starters from a 10‑2 season and a District 4 Class A championship, positioning it as a favorite to defend its title. Across the field, Jersey Shore, despite a series of injuries, reached an eighth straight District 4 Class AAAA championship game last year and is determined to finally break through. Loyalsock, a program known for its consistency, will count on quarterback Danny Dowell and rusher Jalil Coates, both of whom were instrumental in the team’s 14th consecutive District 4 playoff appearance.
Central Mountain, still searching for its first win in 22 games, is pinning its hopes on senior linebacker Kole Corman and quarterback Kyle Everett, who are expected to bring energy to a unit that has struggled for consistency. Their leadership could be the catalyst that turns a long‑standing drought into a season of breakthroughs.
Milton must replace 2025 area rushing champion Monty Fisher, but the team retains talent such as sophomore quarterback Kamryn Wilson and two‑way starter Luis Santos, who provide a promising foundation for a potential rebound.
Troy, which has posted a 27‑2 record over the past two seasons, will introduce all‑state running back Brendan Gilliland and quarterback Mason Smith into new roles, aiming to keep the program’s recent dominance alive.
Meanwhile, Cowanesque Valley’s dynamic backfield features 1,000‑yard rusher Kegan Lane and senior Dave Hess, while Bucktail hopes to snap a lengthy drought with sophomore quarterback Corbin Pentz and returning starter Teagan Stone, both of whom are looking to make an early impact.
The first chapter of these storylines will be written on opening night, when rivalries such as Williamsport versus Wyoming Valley West and Warrior Run versus Muncy set the tone for a season that promises twists, breakthroughs and the kind of community excitement that only Friday night lights can generate.