Jersey Shore PPG–40.1, PPA–18.0; YPG–408.7, YPA–231.1

Jersey Shore notes: Jersey Shore (8-3) is playing in its seventh straight district championship and trying to win its sixth title in seven years after Selinsgrove ended its five-year title reign last November. The Bulldogs exacted a measure of revenge last week, throttling Selinsgrove, 48-7 as the defense played its most disruptive game this season.

Owen Vandruff returned an interception for a touchdown and linebacker Brodie Herr a fumble for another score. The defense also produced seven sacks, including three by Luke Thompson and two by Herr. Slate Sechrist and Talyn Lope also had sacks. Sechrist is among the area leaders in tackles for loss with 24. All-state linebacker Bo Sechrist has gone over 100 tackles and averages 10.2 per game. Thompson and Zeke Sechrist each have 14 tackles for loss and Vandruff nine. Quarterback Elijah Jordan leads the area in touchdown passes (27) and yards (2,225) in his first year starting at that position and also has 3,000 career yards rushing. Wide receiver Evan Snyder went over 1,000 yards last week and also has scored as a punt returner and defensive back. Paul Hale also is having a strong receiving season, catching 54 passes. Jordan, Bo Sechrist and Herr all have more than 500 yards rushing and the offensive line has helped Jersey Shore average more than 400 yards per game for a sixth straight season. Shamokin erased a 13-point second quarter deficit and won at Jersey Shore, 30-28 in Week 4, snapping its 42-game unbeaten streak. That was one of four games Jersey Shore played during the regular season against teams who have been ranked among the state’s top 10.

Jersey Shore player to watch–Slate Sechrist: So much of this game will come down to what happens in the trenches and having a player like Sechrist sure provides Jersey Shore a quality foundation on both sides of the ball. The senior has established himself as one of the district’s premier linemen the past two seasons and has 8 1/2 sacks, along with 38 tackles for loss during that time. He also has returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Shamokin PPG–38.0, PPA–8.7; YPG–404, YPA–178.2

Shamokin notes: Shamokin (11-0) has moved up to fourth in the state rankings and the Jersey Shore win seemed to take it to another level. The Indians also have impressive wins against Lewisburg which entered 7-0 and Mount Carmel, 21-0, defeating the Tornadoes for the first time since 1995. The Indians lead District 4 in points allowed per game and the defense has not allowed a point since Week 9. Za’Kem Clinton has a team-high six sacks and Shamokin has produced four defensive touchdowns. The Indians made quick work of Athens in last week’s 50-7 semifinal win and Jersey Shore is the only team to score more than 13 points against it. Quarterback Logan Steele has returned a fumble and interceptions for touchdowns and also commands a strong offense. The sophomore has gone over 1,400 yards passing, while totaling 28 touchdowns. Swiss Army Knife Chase Pensyl had a big game against Jersey Shore, catching eight passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, while kicking the game-winning 27-yard field goal. He also likely will be used as a runner at times and returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown against Selinsgrove. Clinton and Jayce Ginck form a strong backfield duo with Clinton going over 900 yards and Ginck 1,100. Those two were particularly strong in the first Jersey Shore game when the lines took control in the second half.

Shamokin player to watch–Blake Hockenbroch: Speaking of those lines, Hockenbroch helps solidify both and earned all-state honors last season. A good run stuffer, Hockenbroch also creates opportunities for others and helps the offense go.

Winner plays: Either Bellefonte or Juniata

Outlook: Many felt like after the Week 4 game ended that Jersey Shore and Shamokin would meet again. Now, here we are. It was a tale of two halves the first time. Now it could be a tale of who has made the most progress since that first game. Whatever the case, this will be a physical game played in an electric atmosphere.