When everyone else stopped, thinking the play was over, Sechrist popped up and sprinted toward the end zone, scoring a touchdown which loomed large as Jersey Shore won, 49-42. The touchdown helped point the way to victory but also epitomized Sechrist.

It was part strength, part speed, part intelligence and a lot of guts. Like the play itself, Sechrist never stopped competing last fall. He was full throttle, all the time, emptying his tank every week, while helping a young, injury-ravaged Jersey Shore squad reach another District 4 Class AAAA championship.

Sechrist ran for 1,490 yards and 24 touchdowns, collected 112 tackles and provided the heart which kept Jersey Shore pounding through all the adversity. Sechrist’s super all-around performance has earned him the Sun-Gazette Player of the Year, overcoming a strong field which included Warrior Run’s Cohen Zechman, Montoursville’s Christian Banks and Montgomery’s Trace Furman.

“To be banging around defensively and playing at our pace offensively, that takes a special kid,” Jersey Shore coach Tom Gravish said. “That’s a kid that people in our system can look to as many in the past have done, like he did with other kids, to say these are examples of what Jersey Shore football is about. He exemplifies all of that.”

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jersey Shore's Bo Sechrist (5) runs against Williamsport during a game this year.

Sechrist likely will soon become a three-time all-state linebacker and ran for the fourth-highest total among Jersey Shore players in the 2000s. He quarterbacked the defense, headlined an explosive offense and did all the little things off the field which helped his teammates grow on the field.

Put it all together and Sechrist helped Jersey Shore finish 8-4 despite eight starters being lost to season-ending injuries. All this while playing four games against three teams who reached the state quarterfinals or better in their respective tournaments.

As the years pass, one thing Sechrist will never have to do is look back and ask, ‘what if?’ He is a player who maximized every ounce of ability he had while pouncing upon every opportunity the sport provided.

“This means a lot. It says a lot about my teammates because they all helped push me and make me the player I am,” Sechrist said. “I know I left it all out there and so did my teammates. We did everything we could every game. We had a lot of challenges, but we got after it and I think we had a really good season.”

Sechrist had a great season. Again.

He burst onto the scene as a sophomore, topping 100 tackles and helping Jersey Shore finish 10-1-1. Sechrist moved into the starting offensive backfield as a junior and became a weapon there, going over 600 yards as the Bulldogs reached another district final.

But those past accomplishments never drove Sechrist. Only the next opportunity did. He attacked each offseason like he did a running back in the open field. Each time, he came back strong and faster.

Opponents learned that first hand last fall as Sechrist led the area in rushing touchdowns while earning first-team HAC-I honors at running back and linebacker. He went over 100 yards six times and 200 yards twice, adding a team-high 9.3 tackles per game defensively. Sechrist ran over, around and past defenders, while rarely letting ball-carriers out of his grasp on other side, adding five forced fumbles.

Sechrist was a player as complete as he was impressive.

“I worked really hard in the offseason. I spent a lot of time in the weight room to prepare my body because I figured I’d be getting the ball a lot, and I had to be ready,” Sechrist said. “I loved being out there all the time. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Neither would his coaches or teammates. Jersey Shore runs its offense at an Indy 500-like speed, but Sechrist never tired despite carrying the ball 20-30 times a game and playing every defensive snap. The field was his sanctuary and Sechrist rarely left it, also playing on all the special teams.

“We haven’t had a lot of vocal guys over the years, but when one of our leaders has spoken, they’ve listened and Bo was one of those leaders,” Gravish said. “I can’t tell you how many times he said, ‘Don’t take me off kickoff.’ He always was looking to help his team.”

Sometimes the most valuable player and most outstanding player can be different. But Sechrist was both. He was the area’s best player and also its most valuable because it’s hard to imagine where Jersey Shore would have been without his contributions.

There were so many moving parts between injuries and inexperience, but Sechrist was a constant. He assumed a heavier offensive load and shined, also catching 15 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns, while providing outstanding blocking. He helped fellow linebacker and running back Kash Herritt develop into a weapon as a sophomore on both sides and brought out the best in an evolving line.

It was not just that Sechrist played well, but how he played and how he led which made such a huge difference.

“With some of the injuries, we had to lean on him and he was very complimentary of the line, and sometimes that line might have had four sophomores in there,” Gravish said. “He had great patience with them, and look at some of the yards he had against good teams, and that says a lot about Bo and his ability to instill confidence in the linemen.”

The Sechrist name basically is football royalty in Jersey Shore. His cousins and older brother Tate have all been decorated players there over the decade. Bo and Tate played together two years ago when Tate put together a monster senior season on both sides of the ball.

Bo watched, listened and learned from both Tate and his cousins. Then he took the baton and shined an even brighter light upon the family tradition.

“I was so nervous when I started playing because so many in my family had played so well and made names for themselves,” Sechrist said. “I learned so much from being around Tate and working out with him. He would take me under his wing and work out with me and help mentor me and that’s what I tried to do for the younger players.”

Jersey Shore’s motto since 2013 has been “Tradition never graduates.” Players like the Sechrist’s live those words and Bo set a powerful example last fall. In his final game at Thompson Street Stadium, Sechrist also played a game like no one had ever seen there before. Literally.

Sechrist ran for 286 yards and a program six touchdowns as Jersey Shore pummeled nine-win Athens, 73-14. Jersey Shore football has existed for more than 100 years, so Sechrist breaking new ground especially stood out and provided a Hollywood-like send off in his final home game.

Sechrist’s name now stands alone in the record books, but he did not need that milestone to be remembered. Like the great Jersey Shore players who came before him, Sechrist has added another layer to the program’s foundation, set another powerful example for those who have looked up at him.

“I think there is a good foundation in place for the team to be really good the next few years,” Sechrist said. “I won’t be here for it, but it’ll be exciting to see what they do.”

Whatever success Jersey Shore has, Sechrist will be a part of that despite no longer wearing the uniform. The numbers are gaudy but it the way Sechrist achieved them which will motivate future Jersey Shore teams.

He has become everything Jersey Shore football aspires to be.

“Bo is extra special and we’re going to miss him,” Gravish said. “He just works hard. Everything he’s achieved, he deserves. He has a great attitude, a great work ethic and is a great person. We try to push our kids to be champions in the class room, the community and the football field and he does all that.”

SUN-GAZETTE OFFENSIVE ALL-STARS

James Keifer, Warrior Run, QB

Keifer closed the curtain on a fantastic high school career by producing, possibly, the greatest passing season in program history. A first-team HAC-III all-star, Keifer threw a record 24 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 178 attempts. The senior leader threw 20 touchdown passes and no interceptions over his last nine games, added 1,742 yards and completed 62.9% of his passes. He went 122 passes without being intercepted as well. Keifer also broke Warrior Run’s career touchdown pass record (49) and became the third to reach 4,000 yards, closing with 4,057 yards. Almost all those numbers were compiled the last two years when Warrior Run went 18-7, reached its first district final and produced its first 10-win season.

Denyn Beachel, Warrior Run, RB

A first-time starter in the backfield, Beachel enjoyed the second-most productive season by a Defender running back this century. The hard-nosed junior ran for 1,335 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per carry for one of the district’s most balanced offenses. The HAC-III first teamer fit a new-look offense like a glove and gained at least 90 yards in each of his first nine games and 11 of the team’s 12. He went over 100 yards eight times, including against Troy, and also was a strong blocker who helped Tyler Ulrich go over 600 yards. Beachel became just the program’s third 1,000-yard rusher in the 2000s and also excelled at linebacker for a stingy defense.

Jalil Coates, Loyalsock, RB

He spent his offseason working hard at wide receiver where he flourished as a junior, but Coates stepped up in a massive way after injuries landed him in the backfield early in Week 3. From there, the senior ran wild, producing 1,301 yards and 12 touchdowns and helping Loyaslock reach districts for a 14th straight year. Coates, a first-team HAC-III selection, also caught 21 passes for 303 yards and four scores, totaling 1,604 yards and 16 touchdowns. Displaying excellent vision, burst and endurance, Coates went over 100 yards in his first six games at running back and seven total, including the playoffs. Coates never tired and carried the ball 47 times, the fourth-highest total among area players in the 2000s for 205 yards in a win at Danville. Coates went over 2,000 total yards for his career as well.

Christian Banks, Montoursville, RB

Despite playing hurt most of the year, the Sun-Gazette Running back of the Year still put together the most productive season of his terrific high school career. The senior workhorse ran for 1,316 yards and 19 touchdowns, while averaging 7.5 yards per carry. As consistent as he was powerful, Banks topped 100 yards an area-best nine times, including in seven straight games at one point. The four-year starter earned first-team HAC-II honors, going over both 3,500 career yards and 250 tackles, while helping Montoursville reach its first district final since 2021. Banks topped 100 yards twice against Mount Carmel and against Southern Columbia and will graduate at No. 17 on the area’s career rushing list in the 21st century with 3,532 yards and 41 touchdowns. He also caught two scores this year.

Cade Lusk, South Williamsport, FB

Building off his strong freshman season, Lusk was one of many sophomores who put together big seasons for a young team which made its 14th straight playoff appearance. A player who never goes down easy, Lusk ran for 1,274 yards and 16 touchdowns, generating 7.3 yards per carry. One of three Mounties to rush for at least 470 yards and a NTL-II first teamer, Lusk was a tough inside runner who also showed more speed than a year ago. He collected seven 100-yard games, topped 200 in another and scored touchdowns nine of 11 games, also blocking well for Garrett Lorson and Eli White. In his first two years, Lusk has 1,894 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also excelling at linebacker.

Levi Butler,

South Williamsport, WR

South, however, was anything but a run-heavy offense last fall. Butler provided an added dimension and put together about a good a debut season as one can. That goes double considering the junior had never before played football. Butler, the NTL-II co-Offensive Player of the Year, took to the field like a fish in water and caught a South record 63 passes for 728 yards and nine touchdowns. Butler finished the regular season tied for the district lead in catches and had 17 more at that point than No. 2 in the area. Butler also set a program single-game record with 13 catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns against Northwest. He caught at least five passes eight times and helped sophomore quarterback Cole Gerber break South single-season records for yards and completions.

Jaylen Walker, Lewisburg, WR

Despite many teams game planning to slow him, Walker still continued racing up the Lewisburg career receiving list. The dynamic junior caught 36 passes for 583 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 16.6 yards per catch. Walker finished the regular season second among area receivers in touchdowns, fourth in yards and fifth in catches. He caught multiple touchdowns four times in 10 games and is one of only three Lewisburg receivers in the 2000s to reach 80 catches. Walker has totaled 1,467 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first three years. He already is third all-time in catches there and second in yards and forms a strong returning tandem with quarterback Xavier Carter.

Cohen Zechman, Warrior Run, WR

Zechman was a slam dunk as Sun-Gazette Receiver of the Year. At a school which has cranked out super receivers over the years, Zechman became the latest. The senior caught 64 passes for an area-best 1,110 yards and a Warrior Run record 14 touchdowns. His touchdowns are the fourth highest by an area receiver in the 2000s, his yards 11th and his catches 12th. Zechman went off in the last seven games, topping 100 yards five times and finished the season with six 100-yard games. He closed his career with a 10-catch, 193-yard performance against Troy. Zechman could earn all-state honors at either wide receiver or athlete because he produced everywhere. A first-team HAC-III all-star at multiple positions, Zechman returned three punts for touchdowns, a kickoff for a score and a fumble for a touchdown. He went over 2,000 all-purpose yards, averaged 5.1 tackles per game and intercepted three passes.

Kingston Fisher, Montoursville, TE

An outstanding blocker up front last year, Fisher moved to tight end and provided Montoursville another weapon. His blocking remained constant and played a big role in the Warriors having one of the area’s most productive offenses. But it was with Fisher did when he caught the ball which really stood out. Five of Fisher’s eight catches went for touchdowns and he generated 217 yards, good for a whopping 27.1 yards per reception. Fisher scored in both playoff games and kept Montoursville’s season alive when he reeled in an 8-yard fourth-and-goal touchdown in the first overtime of a triple overtime semifinal win against Mount Carmel. Fisher also stood out defensively, leading the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.

Jackson Albright, Warrior Run, OL

A difference-maker on both sides of the ball, Albright built off his breakout sophomore campaign and helped Warrior Run win 10 games for the first time. The 6-foot-5, 295-pounder helped anchor one of the district’s premier lines as Warrior Run averaged nearly 40 points and 360 yards per game. Strong and quick, Albright helped the team generate a 1,000-yard passer, rusher and receiver and score at least 31 points in each of its final six games. Albright stood out again defensively as well, collecting four sacks, 11 tackles for loss and making a game-saving tackle at the goal line in the final seconds of a 29-24 win at Lewisburg,

Mason Larson, Jersey Shore, OL

Larson helped one of area’s most new-look lines go and the offense again was the top yardage producer. The senior often drove defenders back and helped Jersey Shore average more than 400 yards and nearly 40 points. Larson provided a strong foundation for a young line which was hit hard by injuries. His presence up front helped Jersey Shore top 40 points seven times in 12 games. A first-team HAC-I all-star, Larson also was a big reason the Bulldogs reached an eighth straight district championship despite heavy graduation losses and season-ending injuries to multiple starters.

Garrett Williams, Warrior Run, OL

Like Albright, Williams was a first-team HAC-III selection both sides of the ball. He has made massive strides the past two seasons and become a major reason Warrior Run has developed into one of the area’s best offensive teams. Warrior Run ran the ball at will multiple times this season and Williams often was helping lead the convoy on those long, time-consuming drives. Warrior Run put up big offensive numbers and it was the work of linemen like Williams who made it possible. He also stood out defensively averaging 4.1 tackles per game, making 40 solo stops and 10 tackles for loss.

Hunter Shaffer, Montoursville, OL

An experienced leader, Shaffer helped Montoursville surge throughout the season, while also bringing out the best in two sophomore starters. Shaffer combined with seniors Noah Rakestraw and Gabe Vanderwall to help the line play its best a the season progressed and was instrumental to the team having a 1,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 700-yard rusher. Montoursville scored 33 or more points eight times and put up 43 in a dramatic triple overtime district semifinal win against Mount Carmel. In three straight wins entering the district final, Shaffer, a first-team HAC-II all-star helped Montoursville average 374 yards.

Layne Gingery, Montgomery, OL

A powerful presence up front, the Sun-Gazette Lineman of the Year was a pancake maker all season, frequently knocking defenders on their backs as Montgomery piled up yards and points. Strong, physical and experienced, Gingery was vital in the Red Raiders having one of their best seasons ever and reaching their first district final since 2017. The NTL-II Lineman of the Year was a punishing blocker who paved the way for two 1,000-yard rusher and four who topped 400 yards. Montgomery led the area in rushing yards and Gingery made a smooth transition to the Wing-T offense as the Raiders frequently imposed its will. A four-year starter, Gingery helped Montgomery go 17-4 in his last 21 games.

Monty Fisher, Milton, athlete

Fisher shined as a running back and wide receiver the past three seasons, Fisher added another element to his arsenal last fall, moving to quarterback in Week 3. Fisher threw for 429 yards and seven touchdowns, but was most potent running the ball. The senior led District 4 during the regular season with 1,484 yards. He also ran for 18 touchdowns and totaled 1,937 yards with 25 scores. Fisher was a force as the season continued, topping 100 yards seven times and 200 yards three times, all during the season’s second half. An outstanding defensive back and returner, Fisher also averaged 40.3 yards as a punter, placing 13 of his 36 kicks inside the 20-yard line. He averaged 30.8 yards per kick return. Fisher’s 1,484 yards are the most gained by a Milton player in a season during the 2000s and he is the team’s leading receiver and second-highest career rusher in the 21st century. He totaled 2,513 yards during his high school career with 88 catches for 1,449 yards, while also taking two punts for touchdowns.

SECOND TEAM

QB―Nolen Pauling, Jersey Shore; Tevin Williams, Williamsport; RB―Josh Knoebel, Montgomery; Kegan Lane, Cowanesque Valley; Tyler Ulrich, Warrior Run; WR―Nate Rogers, Muncy; Trey Damschroder, Williamsport; Nahmir Thomas, Loyalsock; TE―Kason Ulmer, Williamsport; Ethan Tupper, Montgomery; OL―Alex Krall, Milton; Noah Rakestraw, Montoursville; Kamdyn Bubb, South Williamsport; Luke Sottalano, Cowanesque Valley; Caleb Parkyn, Montgomery; Nixon Lamper, Muncy; Cadden Smith, South

SUN-GAZETTE DEFENSIVE ALL-STARS

Jerry Barton, Hughesville, DL

A difference-maker up front since he earned a starting job as a sophomore, Barton built off that success and helped the Hughesville defense remain strong, finishing tied for the area sack lead for a second straight year. The junior defensive end was a HAC-III first teamer who collected nine sacks in 10 games and averaged 5.9 tackles per game, making 43 solo spots. Barton consistently wreaked havoc with opposing passing games, generating sacks in eight of 10 games, as well as at least one tackle for loss in every one. Barton also forced three fumbles and has 118 tackles in two years starting. That includes 29 tackles for loss and 18 sacks.

Jeremiah Johnson, Loyalsock, DL

The heart of Loyalsock’s defense the past four years, Johnson had another excellent season despite it being cut short by injury. He also again was a first-team HAC-III lineman on both sides of the ball. In less than eight games, Johnson was a force, averaging six tackles per game, making 12 tackles for loss and producing six sacks. Able to play inside or outside, Johnson had sacks in five of his first six games and 33 of his 48 tackles were solos. Johnson made 220 career tackles, 147 solos and 49 for loss. Johnson also blocked two punts and recovered a fumble this season, making eight or more tackles in four of his seven completed games. Johnson closes out a decorated career with 14 sacks, helping Loyalsock earn a share of this year’s HAC-III championship.

Talyn Lope, Jersey Shore, DL

A fabulous interior lineman who helped make the Jersey Shore defense go, Lope produced a team-high 7 1/2 sacks and added 20 tackles for loss. He was to the inside what Luke Thompson was to the outside and never wore down despite also starting up front for one of the state’s most up-tempo offenses. Lope averaged 5.4 tackles per game and made 45 solo stops, closing his year with four tackles for loss against Class AAAA state quarterfinalist Shamokin. Lope had tackles for loss in 11 of 12 games, including 10 against three teams which reached the state quarterfinals. Lope also recovered three fumbles and forced another.

Luke Thompson, Jersey Shore, DL

The Sun-Gazette Defensive Lineman of the Year, Thompson closed his high school career with his best season, helping Jersey Shore reach another district championship. Thompson often gave opposing quarterbacks fits, producing seven sacks, 20 tackles for loss and two interceptions, one which he returned for a touchdown. Thompson finished third on the team with 95 tackles, an area-best for a lineman and 66 were solos. He forced a fumble as well and had seven games with multiple tackles for loss. Thompson also made at least five tackles in 11 of his 12 games and has 13 12 sacks over the past two seasons. He closed the regular season with a three-sack performance and added a pick 6 against Central Mountain.

Kole Corman,

Central Mountain, LB

Already one of the top linebackers in program history, Corman did all he could to help Central Mountain try and turn things around last fall. The HAC-I first teamer led the area with 157 tackles, averaging 15.7 per game. Included were a whopping 91 solo tackles, as well as 10 for loss and four sacks. Corman has produced 262 tackles during his sophomore and junior seasons and made at least 10 tackles in all 10 games this past year. He highlighted his performance with a program record 24 tackles and three sacks against Bloomsburg. It was one of three times, Corman made at least 20 tackles, including against Jersey Shore.

Kegan Lane, Cowanesque Valley, LB

The defensive MVP for the resurgent Indians, Lane led the team in tackles for a second straight year, collecting 97 and averaging 8.8 per game. A first-team NTL-II all-star, Lane is a weapon against the pass and run and was among the area’s sack leaders with eight. A physical player with good range, Lane forced a remarkable six fumbles and recovered four, adding an interception. Only a junior, Lane has 291 career tackles, making at least 89 in each of his first three seasons. Also an excellent running back who made 11 tackles at Southern Columbia, Lane ran for a team-high 1,093 yards and 12 touchdowns, topping 100 yards six times, including in five straight games at one point.

Anthony Manley, Williamsport, LB

Despite an early season injury costing him three games, Manley easily surpassed 100 tackles for a second straight season. He also led the team in tackles for a second straight year. The inside muscle to the explosiveness Lucas Naughton provided on the outside, Manley was in on 111 tackles, averaging 13.9 per game. He also had 12 tackles for loss and was second on the team with 4 1/2 sacks, helping Williamsport return to the district championship. A junior two-year starter, Manley has 266 tackles the past two seasons and forced two fumbles this year, while topping 10 tackles seven times. He highlighted his year with a four tackle for loss performance in a 28-21 win against district champion Wilkes-Barre.

Bo Sechrist, Jersey Shore, LB

We could put Sechrist at either running back or linebacker as a first teamer (he earned both HAC-I honors) but we’ll go with the three-time all-stater at linebacker as he earns Linebacker of the Year honors. Sechrist was the heart of Jersey Shore’s defense, making 112 tackles and averaging 9.3 per game. The defense’s quarterback, Sechrist excelled in all facets and brought physicality to every game. That is evident looking at the five fumbles he forced. Sechrist recovered two fumbles, intercepted a pass and added a sack. He topped 10 tackles eight times and had 11 tackles in both games against district champion Shamokin. Sechrist will graduate with 370 career tackles, three straight 100-tackle seasons and 234 solo stops. All that while also running for 1,490 yards and 24 touchdowns this past fall.

Trace Furman, Montgomery. DB

One of the state’s premier Class A safeties, Furman earns first-team honors for a second straight year after helping Montgomery produce one of the best defensive seasons in program history. The junior, who also can line up at linebacker, depending on the team’s strategy, went over 100 tackles for a second straight year, leading Montgomery with 121, including four for loss. He also intercepted three passes, forced two fumbles and recovered another. Furman made 12 or more tackles six times, including 18 in an NTL championship win at South Williamsport. He also ran for 1,077 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per carry, the highest mark by a Raider rusher with at least 500 yards in the 2000s.

Austin Luckenbill,

Montgomery, DB

Forming a fabulous cornerback duo with teammate Logan Joy, Luckenbill developed into a shut-down cornerback who made throwing his way quite a risky endeavor. The senior intercepted three passes, but it was his ability to stop quarterbacks from looking his way which really stood out. A first team NTL-II selection, Luckenbill allowed only one touchdown, hold his receivers without one over the final 10 games. He also was a physical player who forced two fumbles, including one which led to a game-clinching touchdown in a District 4 Class A semifinal win against Muncy.

Marek Mascho, Wellsboro, DB

Like Furman, Mascho was a Swiss Army Knife and helped Wellsboro make a four-win improvement and enjoy its best season since 2019. The senior leader intercepted five passes and led the team with 67 tackles, averaging 6.1 per game while earning first-team NTL-I honors. Mascho has nine interceptions over the last two years and combined with Kody Enck to pick off 11 this season. The senior made things happen after his interceptions as well, averaging 17 yards per return. Mascho also recovered a fumble and was a difference-maker on offense and special teams, producing 1,475 all-purpose yards.

Carson Watkins, Jersey Shore, DB

Watkins made his senior season one to remember, making a run at both the program’s single-season and career interception records. The Sun-Gazette Defensive Back of the Year intercepted nine passes in 11 games, leading District 4 during the regular season. More impressive, Watkins often was on an island and, considering Jersey Shore played four games against state quarterfinalists or better that especially stands out. Watkins intercepted passes in half his games and picked off two in an emphatic district semifinal win against Athens. He also was an excellent receiver and led Jersey Shore in catches. Watkins caught 51 passes for 767 yards and nine touchdowns.

SECOND TEAM

DL―Brady O’Rourke, Milton; Cordoza Minor, Williamsport; Stevie Olson, Cowanesque Valley; Connor Jarrett, Montgomery; Kasim Davenport, South; Hayden Stevens, Wellsboro; Mason Bryson, Montgomery LB―Ethan Long, Lewisburg; Hayden Harvey, Montoursville; Lucas Naughton, Williamsport; Cam Woltz, Montgomery; Brady Wolfe, Milton; Jaxson Thomas, Muncy; Kash Herritt, Jersey Shore; Lincoln Miller, Montgomery; DB―Logan Joy, Montgomery: Griffin Morral, Wellsboro; Ivan Baker, Loyalsock; Taylor Naugle, South; Dave Hess, Cowanesque Valley

SUN-GAZETTE SPECIAL TEAMS ALL-STARS

Adam Shearer, Montoursville, kicker

Talk about a terrific debut season. A soccer player who gave football a shot, Shearer developed into an immediate weapon and led the area in kicking points with 64. Shearer drilled an area-best six field goals, including an area-long 41-yarder. He also went 46 of 50 on extra-point tries. Shearer came up big against Mount Carmel in the district semifinals, kicking the game-winning extra point in triple overtime and also consistently had opposing offenses navigating long fields, averaging 48.6 yards per kickoff with 14 touchbacks.

Connor Anstadt, Hughesville, punter

Not only was Anstadt the district’s best punter, but one of the state’s best in any classification. Anstadt averaged a ridiculous 50.5 yards on 39 punts with a long of 75 yards. Equally impressive, Anstadt placed 17 of his 39 punts inside the 20-yard line, combining distance with pin-point accuracy. Not all the country’s teams put their stats on MaxPreps but many do and Anstadt was second in the country among those players there by regular season’s end. He also is a standout safety and wide receiver who made 85 tackles with 61 solos, while catching 27 passes for 403 yards and four touchdowns.

Luke Kreger, North Penn-Mansfield, returner

A true jack-of-all-trades, Kreger returned both a kickoff and punt for touchdowns totaling 177 yards. Kreger is the program’s all-time leading receiver with 110 catches for 1,979 yards and 19 touchdowns. After earning all-state honors as a junior at wide receiver, Kreger moved to running back and led the team in rushing and receiving, totaling 1,122 yards and 12 touchdowns when adding in his passing numbers. Kreger also was a standout defensive back and intercepted three passes, including the game-clincher in a season-opening win against Wyalusing.

SECOND TEAM

K―Brayden Ungard, Williamsport; Carter McCormick, Warrior Run; P―Luke Ryan, Jersey Shore; Returner―Colton Pellett, North Penn-Mansfield; Giovanni White, Williamsport