Jersey Shore at Montoursville preview
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Jersey Shore PPG--49, PPA--34; YPG--476, YPA--368
Jersey Shore notes: One of the area's top rivalries is renewed for the first time in three years tonight at Memorial Stadium. Jersey Shore and Montoursville have combined to win 11 district championships since 2013 and both reached district finals last year. Jersey Shore opened its season with an impressive comeback, turning an 13-point second quarter deficit into a 49-34 win against North Schuylkill. The defense settled in following a rough start and Jersey Shore scored 41 points in 19 minutes. Quarterback Nolen Pauling totaled 390 yards and six touchdowns, while Zeke Sechrist averaged eight yards per carry in his first action since 2024. Carter Rhinehart was explosive in the passing game, catching seven passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns. He also tied for a team-high with 11 tackles. Sechrist and Conner Yingling both made 11 tackles and Dalton Rehrig 10. Ace Willits and Chase Ellison also are exciting players to keep an eye on defensively; those underclassmen combining for 17 tackles. Yingling forced a fumble and Aiden Patts blocked a kick. Montoursville won 28 straight in this series from 1985-2013, but Jersey Shore has taken control in recent years, winning six of nine, including the last three.
Jersey Shore player to watch--Isaac Shirey: Coming off an impressive sophomore season, Shirey picked up where he left off, helping anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. Shirey was a big reason the offense caught fire late in the second quarter on. He also made five tackles, while generating a sack and two tackles for loss.
Montoursville PPG--26, PPA--19; YPG--363, YPA--173
Montoursville notes: Montoursville graduated the majority of last year's starters, but looks eager to build on last year's district final run. The Warriors made a statement with a 26-19 season-opening win against 2024 Class AA state champion Troy. Montoursville overcame three first-half deficits and the defense was stingy, allowing just one offensive touchdown and 173 yards. That defense did not allow an offensive touchdown after the first quarter and both lines controlled the action. Jacob Schon made a career-high 10 tackles and Maxton Williamson seven in his first varsity start. The Warriors responded each time Troy scored and surrendered just three second-half points. Quarterback Elijah Eck played one of his best high school games, topping 100 yards passing and rushing. The three-year starting junior totaled 312 yards and three touchdowns. Kaden Kleinmann showed playmaking ability on both sides last year and built off that against Troy, running for 44 yards and making six tackles. Linemen Riggs McGraw, Branson Fogleman and Zane Butler all were difference-makers along both lines. Jay Houseknecht helps give the offense a weapon as both a receiver and runner and also is one of the area's premier special teams performers.
Montoursville player to watch--Brayden Burkett: Like Houseknecht and Eck, Burkett is a junior who has played a lot since his freshmen season. A versatile threat, he hurt Troy in all three facets last week. Burkett intercepted two passes and caught three for 36 yards. He also averaged 28 yards on kick returns and returned one 89 yards for a score last year.
Outlook: Montoursville might have been overlooked entering the season, considering all the starters it graduated. It took just one game, however, for the young players to show how dangerous they can be. These two have played some memorable games in the past and this has the look of one which could be quite fun.
By CHRIS MASSE