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Week 3: Central Mountain at Jersey Shore

Central Mountain PPG–20.0, YPG–287.5; PPA–4.5, YPA–183.5

Central Mountain facts: The area’s biggest surprise thus far, Central Mountain made headlines last week when it defeated perennial District 4 Class AAAA title contender Selinsgrove and now it tries to really shake things up against the two-time defending champion. Central Mountain is 2-0 for the first time since 2008 and its defense has been among the area’s best. The Wildcats held Selinsgrove to just a field goal a week after the Seals opened the season with a 42-point outburst. Experienced and strong up front, Central Mountain is shutting down the run and getting quality play from the secondary with Kaden Falls intercepting a pass last week. Ryan Pentz is among the area’s leading rushers, sparking the offense and going for a career-high 132 yards in the 33-6 season-opening win against Shikellamy. Peyton Johnson is a big-play receiver who went over 100 yards in that game while catching two touchdowns. Quarterback Brett Gerlach has been efficient in his first season starting and five returning starters on the offensive line have helped set the tone. Nick Long complements Johnson in the passing game and has three catches in both games. Central Mountain is seeking its first win against Jersey Shore since 2012.

Central Mountain player to watch–Anton Stratts: A two-way starting lineman, Stratts has excelled on both sides and is among the team’s leading tacklers. He made seven tackles in the opener, adding a sack and was second on the team in sacks a year ago.

Jersey Shore PPG–47.0, YPG–432; PPA–3.5, YPA–71

Jersey Shore facts: A year after repeating as district champions and reaching the state semifinals, Jersey Shore is living up to its No. 2 state ranking, battering Shamokin and Shikellamy the first two weeks. The Bulldogs lead the area in both offense and defense and built a 40-0 halftime lead against Shikellamy. The offense has been as balanced as it’s been explosive. Quarterback Branden Wheary leads the area touchdown passes (7), Cayden Hess is the area’s leading receiver (16 catches, 195 yards) and Cameron Allison is averaging 106 yards per game. Brady Jordan and Hayden Packer also ran well last week, combining for 110 yards and three touchdowns behind an excellent offensive line featuring four returning starters. Owen Anderson is one of the district’s most versatile players and has caught three touchdowns while totaling 220 yards and three touchdowns. The defensive line has been outstanding and Karter Peacock, Colin Samar, Lee Springman all are back on that unit after having strong seasons a year ago. Defensive end Quincey Myers has made a big impact and returned a fumble for a touchdown against Shikellamy after collecting 1 1/2 sacks in the opener. Jersey Shore has forced seven turnovers and standout linebacker Gabe Packer forced the fumble which Myers returned for a score. Packer and Hayden Packer combined for 17 tackles against Shikellamy.

Jersey Shore player to watch–Joe Lorson: One of Jersey Shore’s unsung heroes the last two years, Lorson provides excellent blocking and is one of the linemen who is part of the engine powering an offense which has run like Porsche thus far. The senior guard has helped Jersey Shore mercy rule its last four regular-season opponents.

Outlook: While Central Mountain has some quality offensive weapons it does not want to get into a shootout with the Bulldogs. Look for a much more competitive game than in the past few years with nothing coming easy in this one.

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