Chris Masse on football: Loyalsock is turning its critics into believers.

Loyalsock coaches and players repeatedly encountered the same criticism. As discussions about the 2024 season circulated, they were largely filled with negativity. The emphasis was on the players that Loyalsock had lost to graduation, rather than those who were coming back or joining the team. Notably, area all-time leading passer Tyler Gee, all-time receiving yard leader Jaylen Andrews, and all-state linebacker Logan Bastian, among other standout players, had graduated, leaving significant gaps to fill.

However, coach Justin Van Fleet, his assistant coaches, and the players had faith. Now, the Lancers are beginning to convince the critics as well.

Loyalsock improved to 5-2 on Friday in Turbotville, executing a remarkable late comeback by overcoming two nine-point deficits to defeat Warrior Run, 24-23. Jalil Coates caught two passes from Nick Avalos for 90 yards and a touchdown during the game-winning drive, while Chase Wright contributed to sealing the victory with an interception.

Many names have changed, and some scores may be closer than in recent years, but the results remain consistent as Loyalsock keeps winning.

“Many of these kids have faced skepticism for a long time. I’ve heard the doubts,” Van Fleet stated. “People said this was going to be the end of various things. I’ve had faith in this group and trusted them from the start.”

Van Fleet’s confidence has inspired the players, and Loyalsock continues to demonstrate its toughness and talent. The Lancers have come back from fourth-quarter deficits in two of the last three weeks and also made critical late stands to narrowly defeat Mifflinburg, 28-27, in their season opener. This win is particularly noteworthy after Mifflinburg triumphed over Southern Columbia last Friday.

Loyalsock coaches have adjusted to their players’ strengths. Instead of sticking to a specific system, the coaching staff has built the strategy around the team’s capabilities, shifting from a high-flying offense last year to a more ground-and-pound approach this season. Dolan Harman (101 yards) rushed for over 100 yards for the fifth consecutive game, and Loyalsock ignited its second-quarter offense with some creative misdirection plays.

This allowed Coates to run for 50 yards on two consecutive scoring drives before catching two passes for 90 yards on the game-winning drive. There are no style points in victories, and Loyalsock continues to do whatever it takes to win.

“We don’t bring each other down. We believe in one another. We know that if we keep playing hard, good things will happen,” said two-way starting lineman Jeremiah Johnson. “We showed that on Friday. There’s nothing better than winning a game like that.”

Indeed, Warrior Run had multiple opportunities to deal Loyalsock a knockout blow. The Defenders took a 23-14 lead late in the third quarter, and when the Lancers found themselves 90 yards from the end zone with just over three minutes left, they had gained a mere minus-11 yards on 12 second-half plays.

But like Rocky Balboa, these new Lancers refused to back down. The defense made three consecutive stops, and the offense capitalized when Coates took two hits to catch Avalos’s 57-yard touchdown pass. It was a collective effort from the entire team, especially from players many doubted, showcasing that the program is still in capable hands.

“We’re definitely the underdogs, especially after losing a lot of key players like Jaylen and Tyler from last year, but we have to make it happen,” Coates said. “We’re getting better every week. Many guys are stepping up when we need them most.”

Avalos stepped in for the injured quarterback Danny Dowell against Warrior Run. Coates cramped up after scoring his game-winning touchdown, and two-way lineman Isaiah West was icing an injured shoulder after the game. It hasn’t been easy, and nothing has come easy this season. Yet, this Loyalsock team is establishing a strong identity.

Every team is unique, especially after losing all of last year’s starters. This team is proving to be resilient, hardworking, and unflappable. Above all, they are showing they can win.

The schedule ahead is tough, with upcoming games against undefeated Danville and Shamokin before the annual rivalry match against Montoursville. While these are challenging contests, the team has already exceeded the expectations many in the community had and has shown it welcomes a good challenge.

“It hasn’t been easy, and it’s not going to get any easier, but that’s okay,” Van Fleet said. “We’ll keep growing, fighting, scrapping, and becoming comfortable in situations where others might feel uneasy.”

QUICK LEARNER: Loyalsock kicker Evan Summers was instrumental against Warrior Run, narrowing the gap to a one-score game late in the third quarter with a successful 22-yard field goal before providing the game-winning point with an extra point after Coates’s touchdown. He finished 4 for 4 on kicks in a game where every point mattered significantly.

This is quite an accomplishment for someone who had never kicked before this season. A talented swimmer, Summers appears to have a promising future in that sport but wanted to try football. To avoid interfering with Summers’ swimming opportunities, Van Fleet discussed the possibility of kicking.

“Evan wanted to play football, but it was kind of late in the process. He has a chance to excel in swimming, which he’s been passionate about since he was five,” Van Fleet said. “We talked in the spring, and I suggested kicking. He said he had never kicked before, so I told him to give it a shot.”

Summers quickly became a quick learner. With guidance from Loyalsock graduate and Lycoming kicker Chris Cooley, he honed his skills and made an immediate impact, going 4 for 4 on extra points in the season-opening 28-27 win against Mifflinburg. A similar story unfolded against Warrior Run, where Summers’ perfect performance made a significant difference in the game’s outcome.

Despite having no prior experience until last spring, Summers is currently 2 for 2 on field goals and 11 of 12 on extra points this season. His late third-quarter field goal provided momentum and reduced the deficit to nine, and he embraced the moment to put Loyalsock ahead after Coates’s touchdown, driving through the winning point.

“Chris Cooley did a fantastic job mentoring him. Chris had a similar experience of learning and growing,” Van Fleet said. “Evan stepped in as time was running out and kicked it through. That kick, along with his field goal, were crucial.”

EXTRA POINTS: South Williamsport (4-3) had its best game of the season, winning its third straight by defeating Sayre, 55-7. The starting defense held their opponents scoreless, and Isaiah Snyder returned a fumble for a touchdown. Quarterback Tadd Lusk topped 100 passing and rushing yards, finishing with 256 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman running backs Cade Lusk and Eli White each went over 70 yards and scored for the third consecutive game, while Dylan Scheller caught three passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Standout lineman Paxton Gephart had his first high school touchdown after rushing for 18 yards … Montgomery (4-3) continued its strong season, imposing the mercy rule by halftime with a 45-8 victory over Northwest. Sophomore Trace Furman scored on both a rushing touchdown and an interception return, helping the Red Raiders score the first 42 points. Coy Bryson rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns, Parker Persing had a rushing touchdown and threw another to Hayden Wilt, and Abe Childs kicked a 38-yard field goal as Montgomery improved to 3-0 on the road … Cowanesque Valley executed a late 11-play, 55-yard scoring drive, scoring in the final two minutes to narrowly defeat CMVT, 29-24. Graham Hess rushed for three touchdowns, including the game-winner from two yards out with 82 seconds remaining. Dave Hess added 109 rushing yards and a touchdown, while the defense contained a strong running game as CV made positive strides … Samir Williams intercepted two passes, and Williamsport fought hard against state-ranked/undefeated Shamokin, ultimately losing 28-16. Tevin Williams connected with Kyreek Bradshaw for a touchdown, and Parker Johnson kicked his district-best ninth field goal … Hughesville receiver Conor Knight exceeded 100 yards for the third consecutive game, catching nine passes for 108 yards in a 39-7 loss to Bloomsburg. Knight also intercepted his fourth pass and leads District 4 with 53 catches. Blake Davis threw for 159 yards and added his 18th touchdown pass … Izayah Minium passed for 188 yards, connecting three times with Lucas Ditty (127 yards) for touchdowns in Milton’s 42-36 double overtime loss to Central Columbia. Milton (2-5) rallied from a 14-point first-quarter deficit to take an eight-point lead in the first overtime … Ben Fitch rushed for 112 yards, threw for 97, and accounted for three touchdowns in Canton’s 54-28 loss to Wyalusing … Wellsboro became the first team to score 20 points against the state’s top-ranked 2A team, Troy, in a 50-20 loss, with Ryder Bowen rushing for 167 yards.

Chris Masse covers high school football and can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @docmasse.

DR. MASSE’S TOP 5 RANKINGS

1. Lewisburg (7-0): Lewisburg swiftly defeated Midd-West, building a 41-point halftime lead to win 41-7 and capture the outright HAC-III championship, the program’s first league title since 2010. Most starters played just the first quarter, but that was enough to establish a 35-0 lead. Jeremiah Davis rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 yards for a second consecutive season. He also returned a punt for a 58-yard score, giving him six punt or kick return touchdowns in his high school career. The starting defense held Midd-West scoreless, limiting them to minus-23 yards until an 85-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass. That dominant defense also intercepted five passes, with linebacker Danon Alabakoff recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown.
2. Jersey Shore (5-2): A fumble at the 1-yard line in the closing seconds thwarted a great comeback effort as Hollidaysburg edged Jersey Shore, 27-25. Still, the Bulldogs fought back from an eight-point deficit and moved from their own 8-yard line to the 1, showcasing their grit. Jersey Shore has lost two games by a combined four points, with small details proving crucial, including the loss of a safety against the Golden Tigers.
3. Troy (6-0): The Trojans took down Wellsboro 50-20, using a punishing rushing attack that relied on offensive linemen who have excelled this season. They displayed a balanced offense that yielded multiple options to rely on, and Troy is on track for another deep playoff run.
4. Montoursville (5-1): The Warriors survived a crucial game against the Danville Ironmen. After being down 7-0, they responded with 41 unanswered points, sealing a 41-7 victory and clinching the Heartland Conference Division III championship. Montoursville utilized a solid rushing attack that showcased their determination and strength.
5. Southern Columbia (6-0): The Tigers made a powerful statement in a 42-0 rout of Benton. After holding a 35-0 lead at halftime, Southern Columbia showcased its depth and experience, proving why they remain a perennial force.

READ MORE:

• Loyalsock survives late charge from Warrior Run
• Montoursville rallies past Danville
• South Williamsport tops Sayre
• Hughesville struggles against Bloomsburg
• Samir Williams intercepts two passes for Williamsport
• Cowanesque Valley edges CMVT

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Loyalsock (5-2) vs. Danville (6-1) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Southern Columbia (6-0) vs. Mifflinburg (3-4) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Jersey Shore (5-2) at Shikellamy (3-4) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Montoursville (5-1) at Lewisburg (7-0) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• South Williamsport (4-3) vs. Montgomery (4-3) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Wellsboro (3-4) at Sayre (1-6) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Hughesville (1-6) at Towanda (2-5) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Canton (3-4) at Wyalusing (3-4) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Milton (2-5) vs. Central Columbia (5-2) at 7 p.m. on Friday
• Troy (6-0) vs. Athens (5-2) at 7 p.m. on Friday.