By BRETT R. CROSSLEY
Hughesville hits the road for the first time all season with a trip to South Williamsport for a Heartland Athletic Conference showdown.
The Spartans defeated Lewisburg (26-23 OT) and Central Mountain (35-21) to open the season with consecutive wins.
South Williamsport opened with a 54-6 win over Montogmery, but dropped its’ home-opener, 29-13, to Danville.
South Williamsport will welcome the Spartans in later tonight with the hopes of getting one game over .500 with a win. It would also be the first home win of the season for the Mounties if they could find a way to knock off the Spartans, who are 2-0 through the first two weeks of the season.
This is not going to be a game for fans of passing offenses.
If the yards are there both have looked to gain them on the ground in the early goings of the season. Both teams, whether home or away, have shown the ability to run the ball.
The Spartans have rushed for 436 yards on 92 carries in two games. The Mounties have looked just as anxious to go with the run, carrying the ball 71 times for 502 yards in two games.
Leading the way for the Spartans is Ryan McClain, who has rushed for 187 yards on 37 carries. McClain carried the ball 13 times against Lewisburg in Hughesville’s Week 1 win, finishing with 57 yards and one touchdown. He followed that up with 130 yards against Central Mountain. He also scored another touchdown to help Hughesville to its second win of the season.
Jase Wright (sophomore) has also looked strong for the Spartans, carrying the ball 28 times for 129 yards and one touchdown.
Gideon Green has led the way for the Mounties, gaining 136 yards on 13 carries against Montgomery. Green carried the ball for 78 yards against Danville.
The Spartans hold the edge when it comes to the passing game.
Landon Henry has completed 22 of his 31 attempts with four going for touchdowns and just one being picked off.
For the Mounties it’s going to be A.J. Flick under center. Flick hasn’t throw the ball much in two games, completing six of 16 passes for 95 yards and just one touchdown.
This should be a good test for both teams as they look to put a mark on the first portion of the season.
South Williamsport has proved it can handle the lower competition in the HAC, but Hughesville will be a difficult test.
For Hughesville, South Williamsport represents the first league road test of the season.
