Jersey Shore at Shamokin, District 4 Class AAAA championship
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Background: Shamokin is playing in its first district final since reaching the 2011 state quarterfinals and ended Selinsgrove's run of eight straight district final appearances with a 15-0 road win last week. Jersey Shore is chasing its third straight district title and is ranked No. 1 in the Class AAAA state rankings. The Bulldogs defeated Shamokin, 41-7 in the season opener, but Shamokin has made massive strides since then. Jersey Shore is playing in its seventh district final since 2013 and downed Mifflinburg, 48-7, in the semifinals.
Shamokin PPG--25.5, PPA--17.8; YPG--317.3, YPA--226.6
Shamokin facts: Southern Columbia legend and Super Bowl winner Henry Hynoski is building something good at Shamokin and this season might just be the start. Shamokin has a good young foundation to build upon, has won five of its last seven games and features an offense with several playmakers. Hard-nosed Max Madden ran for 204 yards on 36 carries against Selinsgrove and is up to 811 yards and seven touchdowns. This offense has been look a chameleon and Shamokin changed its colors again in that third game against Selinsgrove after having aired it out the previous four weeks. And early this year, Shamokin was a run-heavy team before unleashing sophomore quarterback Brett Nye who topped 200 yards in three consecutive games, going over 300 twice. Nye has thrown for 1,196 yards and 14 touchdowns and has a dynamic receiver in fellow sophomore Billy Delbaugh who is tied for the district lead in touchdown catches (9). Delbaugh topped 100 yards and scored three touchdowns in three consecutive games and averages 24 yards per catch. Thirty-nine % of Delbaugh's nine touchdowns have resulted in touchdowns. The defense was outstanding last week and Shamokin bounced back from a Week 7 loss to Selinsgrove by allowing just 121 yards. Shamokin also blanked Selinsgrove in Week 4 and forced three turnovers in the semifinals.
Shamokin player to watch--Ryder Zulkowski: A playmaker on both sides of the ball, Zulkowski made a critical interception last week and is a dangerous wide receiver who has 20 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns. Zulkowski caught six passes for 129 yards against Central Mountain last month.
Jersey Shore PPG--38.1, PPA--4.3; YPG--394.4, YPA--105
Jersey Shore facts: Following two hard-fought wins against Shikellamy and Central Mountain that were not decided until late, Jersey Shore scored 28 second-quarter points and landed an early knockout blow against Mifflinburg, opening a 35-0 halftime lead. The starting defense did not allow a point or first down, holding Mifflinburg to 10 yards on 28 plays. The Bulldogs have held five opponents to fewer than 100 yards and lead District 4 in both yards and points allowed per game. The defense's strength is in the unit playing the team concept so well and effectively carrying out their roles. The run defense has been stout and both Cayden Hess and Kooper Peacock have covered well. Eleven players have collected sacks and defensive ends Dalton Dugan and Quincey Myers have combined for 12. Linebackers Gabe and Hayden Packer lead the team in tackles and each has made six tackles for loss. Ben Webb, Colin Samar and Lee Springman have done a nice job slowing the run and freeing up the linebackers to make plays. The offensive line bounced back after struggling in consecutive games and paved the way for 289 rushing yards against Mifflinburg. Sophomore Brady Jordan ran for four touchdowns and quarterback Branden Wheary (area-leading 18 touchdown passes) threw for 165 yards. Owen Anderson continued doing damage in all three phases and caught his sixth touchdown. Hess has caught an area-high seven touchdowns and also leads the area with 42 catches. Dugan caught his fourth touchdown and Jersey Shore scored on five of six possessions between the second and fourth quarters last Saturday.
Jersey Shore player to watch--Cameron Allison: A talented safety as well, Allison recorded his fifth 100-yard rushing game last week, going for 157 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Like Josh Malicky a year ago, Allison is not the biggest player, but he runs hard and has some nice agility. In addition to running for 689 yards, Allison also has made 17 tackles and kicked 22 extra points.
Winner plays: District 2's champion, Crestwood or Dallas
Outlook: Rematches can always be tricking when trying to make a pick. Shikellamy and Central Mountain gave Jersey Shore battles in their rematches and with Shamokin having come so far this season, here is thinking this one will be quite a game as well.