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Lewisburg PPG--26.2, PPA--19.8; YPG--267, YPA--248
Lewisburg facts: The Green Dragons have made quite a turnaround, winning five of their last six games after starting 0-3. Jersey Shore defeated Lewisburg, 47-8 for their third loss but the Dragons trailed just 13-8 at halftime. Lewisburg (5-4) earned its spot by edging rival Mifflinburg, 12-6, snapping the Wildcats' three-game winning streak and vaulting it in the playoff standings. Lewisburg is competing in the postseason for a 13th time in 14 years and is seeking its first playoff win since 2018. Lewisburg played three games in eight nights to close the season. It won four straight games before losing a Monday night game at Loyalsock but thundered back against Mifflinburg, holding a potent offense to just 124 yards. Lewisburg has allowed just 22 points in its five victories and all-state defensive end Owen Ordonez frequently wreaks havoc in the backfield. Cam Michaels intercepted three passes against Mifflinburg and linebackers Shane Farmer and Michael Casale have enjoyed strong seasons. Freshman linebacker Quentin Michaels also has made a big impact. Dylan Cromer has helped the offensive line surge late this season and Ethan Dominick topped 100 yards four straight times late in the season. Dominick has played running back, quarterback and wide receiver during his scholastic career and has produced touchdowns in all three fashions this year. Quarterback Wade Young went over 1,000 yards last week and Michaels caught 10 passes for 121 yards against Loyalsock. Ordonez has been a consistent big-play threat at tight end and all four of his touchdowns have covered more than 40 yards, including a 41-yarder last week.
Lewisburg player to watch--Jeremiah Davis: Dominick was injured last week and if he cannot play, Davis likely will see a lot of carries. The freshman is an exciting playmaker who returned a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown against Milton before breaking an 89-return three nights later at Loyalsock. He also has caught a 62-yard touchdown and ran for 38 yards last week.
Jersey Shore PPG--40.8, PPA--8.8; YPG--411.2, YPA--185.9
Jersey Shore facts: A year after reaching the state championship, Jersey Shore (10-0) is hoping to embark on another extended postseason journey. The Bulldogs have captured three straight district titles and five championships since 2013. The Bulldogs completed a second straight undefeated regular season last week, blanking rival Central Mountain, 24-0. Jersey Shore also came out strong in a big win against Bald Eagle Area the previous week, scoring 35 second-half points. The Bulldogs have shutout three opponents and let just two reach double digits. Playing the team game well, Jersey Shore has flourished at all three levels of defense. The line frequently has harassed quarterbacks, producing 20 sacks, and stuffed the run. Linebackers Haydn Packer and Karter Peacock are two of the area's premier playmakers and the secondary has covered well. Dathan Tyson and Connor Griffin intercepted passes last week while Zach Rooney and Peacock had sacks. Kooper Peacock helped cap a brilliant first-quarter goal line stand, deflecting a fourth-down pass from the 2-yard line and Jersey Shore has forced eight turnovers the past two weeks. Packer, Elijah Jordan and quarterback Brady Jordan have all run for more than 500 yards behind a strong offensive line. Jordan also is among the area's passing leaders and threw touchdowns to Griffin and Cayden Hess a week ago. Hess broke the area receiving touchdown record against Central Mountain and also is the area's all-time leader in catches and yards. Griffin has developed into a quality big-play threat and Kooper Peacock is a versatile weapon who hauled in a 55-yard touchdown
Jersey Shore player to watch--Donald Steinbacher: The senior tackle is part of a line which has meshed well throughout the season and helped the offense be both balanced and explosive. Steinbacher provides quality play and leadership and played a large role in the first Lewisburg game, helping Jersey Shore produce 527 yards.
Winner plays: No. 2 Selinsgrove or No. 3 Shamokin
Outlook: Lewisburg is a different team than the one Jersey Shore played seven weeks ago. The Dragons have surged at the right time, but Jersey Shore also has progressed throughout the season. Jersey Shore is the favorite here but the way the first half played out in Round 1 shows how this game could become interesting.