MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jersey Shore's Bo Sechrist (5) dives for the goal line in the third quarter.

Previous result: Athens defeated Jersey Shore, 12-7 in Week 4 of 2009

Athens PPG–48.4, PPA–19.9; YPG–412.6, YPA–199.8

Athens notes: Athens (9-1) has made a four-win improvement this year and is back in the playoffs after losing at Shamokin in last year’s semifinals. The Wildcats, though, will be without dynamic quarterback Connor Davidson who is serving the second game of a two-game suspension after being ejected in Week 9. At that point he was on his way to a second straight 1,000-yard rushing/passing season and on pace for more than 2,000 passing yards. Shea Davidson has played well when called upon this year and threw for 157 yards with a touchdown two weeks ago against Muncy. Athens is second to only Troy among District 4 teams in points per game and held a fourth quarter lead against the Trojans in Week 4 before losing, 51-35. Six players have caught multiple touchdowns and Karson Sipley has gone over 100 rushing yards three times, including a week ago when he ran for 117 yards and three touchdowns on five carries at Sayre. Athens is undefeated on the road this season and its defense has turned offensive at times, producing five touchdowns. Connor Garrison has returned two interceptions for touchdowns and Lucas Persun and Dominic Robbins did so last week.

Athens Player to watch–James Friend: The Davidson’s have had a friend in their big-play receiver who has caught 10 touchdowns. He forms a potent tandem with Gage Marmor and nearly a third of his catches have resulted in scores. Friend averages nearly 20 yards per catch as well.

Jersey Shore PPG–40.9, PPA–30.1; YPG–414.4, YPA–324.3

Jersey Shore notes: Jersey Shore (7-3) is seeking its eighth straight district final appearance and edged out Athens for the No. 2 seed following last week’s 63-26 win against Central Mountain. Jersey Shore stormed out to a 56-0 halftime lead and most of the points scored against it came when the starters exited. It felt like a “get right,” game for a team which navigated a demanding schedule and dealt with some costly injuries throughout the season. The Bulldogs lead the area in yards per game and running back Bo Sechrist went over 1,000 yards last week, finishing second among area rushers during the regular season. Nolen Pauling leads the area in passing yards and threw touchdowns to Carter Rhinehart and Carson Watkins. Watkins and Luke Ryan both have more than 40 catches and Rhinehart has returned a punt for a touchdown. Kash Herritt has enjoyed a breakout sophomore year at running back and linebacker, going over 100 yards three times. Defensive end Luke Thompson dominated against Central Mountain, returning an interception for a touchdown, collecting three sacks and making four tackles for loss. He, Conner Yingling and Talyn Lope all have six sacks. Watkins is among the state’s leaders with seven interceptions and Rhinehart picked off a pass last week. Jersey Shore has won seven or more games in each of the last eight seasons and has the area’s highest winning percentage since 2014.

Jersey Shore Player to watch–Chase Ellison: Injuries have made Ellison the next man up at defensive end and he delivered sacks in his first two starts. Ellison has tackles for loss in four straight games and blocked a punt against Central Mountain. He also provides backfield depth and scored his first varsity touchdown at Williamsport.

Winner plays: Shikellamy or Shamokin

Outlook: Jersey Shore certainly has played the tougher schedule, but it also cannot underestimate Athens which can put up points in a hurry. If one likes offense, this might be your game tonight.