Jersey Shore at Shamokin preview
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Jersey Shore PPG--41.7, PPA--18.0; YPG--395.3,YPA--275.7
Jersey Shore notes: Jersey Shore (3-0) is facing Shamokin for the fifth time in three seasons. The Indians (3-0) have won all four games, including the past two District 4 Class AAAA championships. Shamokin also is the only HAC-I team to defeat Jersey Shore during the regular season this decade. Three of the past four games have been decided by four combined points, including 43-42 in double overtime at Shamokin last year. The 2024 district final went to overtime as well. Jersey Shore is 3-0 for a seventh straight season and scored the final 35 points in last week's win against Selinsgrove. The defense played its best game and did not allow a second half point. Linebackers Zeke Sechrist and Chase Ellison are having excellent seasons and have combined for 45 solo tackles and six tackles for loss. Hayden Kelley returned an interception for a touchdown against Selinsgrove and Nolen Pauling has interceptions in the past two games. Dalton Rehrig averages seven tackles per game and Isaac Shirey has six tackles for loss, as well as 3 ½ sacks. Pauling was injured early in last year's district final but has come back strong, topping 1,000 total yards through three games. He has totaled at least four touchdowns in all three games as well. Carter Rhinehart leads the district in receptions, yards and touchdowns, going over 100 yards in all three games. Connor Winters and Khani McCray have caught three touchdowns and both scored on big plays a week ago. Sechrist ran for76 yards and two touchdowns in that game.
Jersey Shore player to watch--Ace Willits: The two-way lineman has been a vital part of the team's success early, averaging 5.7 tackles, while helping the offense score at least 27 points each time. Shamokin has overpowered three previous opponents in the trenches, so Willits and the line on both sides will have to be operating at peak capacity.
Shamokin PPG--47.0, PPA--7.0; YPG--408.3,YPA--145.7
Shamokin notes: Shamokin has won 23 straight regular season games and was a play or two from reaching last year's state semifinals. The Indians have won their first three games via the mercy rule, the starting defense allowing just seven points the past two weeks. In fact, the starting defense has scored more touchdowns (3) than it has allowed (2) this season. Logan Steele and Ryan Bickert have returned interceptions for touchdowns and Steele a fumble for a score. All-state as an athlete last year, Steele is a four-year starter who has scored 12 touchdowns four ways thus far. He has given Jersey Shore fits the past two years, especially in the 2024 championship when his ability to keep plays alive played a massive role in sparking a late comeback. Bickert changed last year's regular season game against Jersey Shore when he returned the second half kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, helping the Indians rally from a 14-point halftime deficit. Noah Ringes leads Shamokin in rushing and tackles and gashed Shikellamy for 170 yards and two touchdowns a week ago. He also averages 7.7 tackles per game. Linebacker Brayden Cavanaugh collected two sacks against Shikellamy and Xavier Paul had another.
Shamokin player to watch--Colin Steinhart: The senior receiver/cornerback has haunted Jersey Shore the past two years. Steinhart kicked the game-winning field goal in the first of four straight wins in this series and intercepted a remarkable five passes in last year's final, returning one for a touchdown. Shamokin has not had to throw a lot yet, but Steinhart is an explosive receiver when it does and turned two catches into 104 yards and a touchdown two weeks ago at Danville.
Outlook: Shamokin is ranked No. 2 in the state and is thinking state championship. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 6 but it feels like they are a decided underdog here. Jersey Shore has embraced such a role over the years, so this looks to be one of the state's premier games tonight.