Jersey Shore’s football team exceeded expectations this season
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After Jersey Shore fell to Thomas Jefferson in last year's PIAA Class AAAA title game and solidified itself as the state's No. 2 team, the Bulldogs were tasked with many shoes to fill as just four two-way starters were set to return to play underneath the bright lights at Thompson St. Stadium the following season.
With the departure of an all-state quarterback, a manhandling defensive line and a plethora of play-makers scattered across the field, the Bulldogs had to rebuild.
Or at least that's what people outside of the program believed. Not Tom Gravish and four devoted players though.
"Tradition never graduates," is the message Gravish, his staff and players thrive on.
It's evident every year, but this season's team brought it to life.
After a monumental run to Hershey and a third straight district title victory, the Bulldogs were in a tough spot personnel wise. No longer did the group have its leaders who carried the tradition. The passionate, well-rounded and devoted group of seniors carried the torch this season for Jersey Shore.
"They set us up for a successful offseason," Gravish said in regard to his team following its, 41-16, loss to Aliquippa in the semifinals Friday night.
The Quips rattled four touchdowns in the span of six minutes to pull away from the Bulldogs and punch their respective ticket to the PIAA finals. "We're really proud of our seniors. They're winners in the classroom, winners in the community and winners on the football field. They helped our guys win four straight district championships," Gravish said.
Following up a state final appearance is challenging. But the Bulldogs--led by a pack of seniors--lived up to the challenge. After going 11-1 and outscoring teams an impressive 439-135, many people counted Jersey Shore out of contention.
Gravish was aware of the outside noise, but he didn't let it bother him. The resilient bunch Gravish mentors knew they had it in them to get back to the final four.
"To be in three straight Final Fours, that's not easy. They (the seniors) should get all the credit for the hard work, dedication, commitment to each other, team unity. It's just been unbelievable. We're proud of everyone and especially our seniors," Gravish said. "We are a young team. For those guys, we've heard the noise and chatter. We heard that from noise from different parts of the valley and we didn't think that all. It motivated us a little bit."
This year's Jersey Shore took the next step as a program even when it seemed impossible. The Bulldogs ended their season with a 14-1 record. Fourteen straight wins and a numbing loss to end told the story.
Beyond the record, the Bulldogs improved in almost every way somehow this season. In total, Jersey Shore had eight games of 40 points scored and four shutouts pitched defensively. Compared to last season, Jersey Shore averaged more points and allowed less.
Despite the loss that brought their season to an end, Gravish is proud of his Bulldogs. He referenced two specific victories--over ACC and Meadville--after the win.
"Something I'll always treasure," Gravish said in regard to Jersey Shore's two monumental playoff victories in the weeks leading up to Friday's game.
Cayden Hess, one of the four honorable returnees for the Bulldogs alongside Karter Peacock, Kooper Peacock and Haydn Packer, expressed his gratitude following his final high school game.
"It's been the most fun of my life," Hess said. "These are the glory days. It's going to be hard to get over."
Hess--who played a key role on both sides of the ball for Jersey Shore--knew this season would have the makings of magical one.
"We knew right away. Once we joined that team and formed that brotherhood, it was over after that. It's unfortunate it ended a game away, but this team is going to be back," Hess said. "We were always together. We were always building momentum in games and having fun in games. We kept our composure and I'm looking forward to watching them here next year."