MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jersey Shore quarterback Nolan Pauling runs the ball on a keeper in the second quarter.

Jersey Shore PPG–41.7, PPA–18.3; YPG–436.7, YPA–298

Jersey Shore notes: It’s a District 4 Class AAAA championship rematch as well as a showdown between two of the state’s top-ranked teams at Kemp Memorial Stadium. Shamokin which edged Jersey Shore 28-21 in overtime for the championship last year, as well as 30-28 in the regular season, is No. 6. Jersey Shore enters No. 7 and is playing its third straight road game. The Bulldogs (3-0) held late fourth quarter leads in both games last season and both enter tonight 3-0 for a second straight time. After struggling at Delaware Valley, the defense stormed back and did not allow a point over the final three quarters at Selinsgrove. Carson Rhinehart and Carson Watkins intercepted passes, while Connor Yingling and Talyn Lope produced sacks. Luke Thompson made nine tackles and linebackers Bo Sechrist and Kash Herritt have reached 30 tackles through three games. Sechrist leads the area in rushing and Herritt has emerged as a big-play threat in his sophomore season, running for 236 yards the last two weeks. Nolen Pauling leads the area in passing yards and Watkins is second in receptions, while leading in yards. Luke Ryan caught five passes against Selinsgrove and Jersey Shore generated 579 yards at Delaware Valley. Jersey Shore is trying to make up some ground in the playoff standings, trailing Shamokin and Athens.

Jersey Shore Player to Watch–Conner Yingling: One of many exciting Jersey Shore underclassmen, Yingling has sacks in consecutive games and has tackles for loss in all three. The sophomore defensive end has to be both tenacious but disciplined against Shamokin’s strong line and dynamic quarterback Logan Steele. Steele repeatedly made plays with his legs in last year’s games, so keeping containment, while staying aggressive, will be key.

Shamokin PPG–45.0, PPA–14.0; YPG–363.7, YPA–198

Shamokin notes: The Indians (3-0) have won 13 straight regular season games and return most of their starters from last year’s champion. The starting defense stifled a potent Shikellamy offense last week, allowing just seven points. That unit also has allowed just one touchdown the past two weeks. The defense has been both stingy and opportunistic with Steele returning two interceptions for touchdowns and Colin Steinhart another. The Indians intercepted four passes against Shikellamy and have forced eight turnovers in three games. Steele showcased his explosiveness against Lake-Lehman when he ran for 156 yards and three touchdowns on three attempts. The junior helped will Shamokin back in last year’s final, throwing for 273 yards and four touchdowns. In two victories against Jersey Shore, Steele threw for 509 yards and six touchdowns. The Indians have done a lot of damage on the ground thus far and Zakem Clinton is a bruising back who topped 1,000 yards a year ago. He is the thunder to Jayce Ginck’s lightning with Ginck gaining a team-high 1,227 yards last fall. Paving the way is an experienced, strong and big offensive line.

Shamokin Player to Watch–Colin Steinhart: The versatile junior is filling the role which all-stater Chase Pensyl did a year ago, contributing in all three facets. Steinhart averages nearly 20 yards per catch and caught four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown against Shikellamy. He also excels in the secondary and has converted 14 of 15 extra-point kicks.

Outlook: Shamokin has gone from the hunter to the hunted. The defending champions have shown early that they are up for the challenge. Both teams are explosive but also tough defensively, so it’s hard figuring if this will be a high or low scoring game. We’ll say it’s somewhere in the middle as these rivals play another exciting contest.