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First-quarter scores are big reason Bulldogs are off to solid 8-0 start

MARK NANCE/For The Express Jersey Shore teammates pat the “Protect Our Family” pedistal on their way into the stadium for the District 4 Class AAAA championship game against Shamokin last Friday.

The Bulldogs sit at a perfect 8-0 entering tonight’s PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinal playoff game against Crestwood. Jersey Shore has found itself unbeaten thanks to its ability to score fast and play lockdown defense.

Jersey Shore has outscored its opponents 139-3 in eight first quarters this season. Bulldogs coach Tom Gravish, who is in his ninth season at Jersey Shore, recognizes the importance of getting ahead early in games. Gravish said a major reason for the team’s first-quarter success begins with special teams.

“We want to try to hit someone hard, keep it going and play to our tempo. That’s our goal,” Gravish said. “Whether that’s special teams play, kick return or kick coverage we want to start the game off with a bang and let that feed whether we’re on offense or defense. That’s the style we want to play.”

Shore’s ability to fire off multiple scores in the game’s opening quarter is due to the numerous playmakers that handle the ball for the Bulldogs. Look no further than Shore’s 54-0 victory over Shamokin a week ago as a prime example.

Cam Allison registered 146 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and Owen Anderson accounted for four total scores in the shutout win. The week prior? Quarterback Branden Wheary tossed two touchdowns.

Gravish believes having multiple weapons on offense is crucial from a game-planning standpoint.

“It’s important,” Gravish said. “Owen has been making plays for a couple of years, Cam Allison has been making them all year, he has had a solid year at running back. Wheary at quarterback for a first-year starter, is doing pretty well,” Gravish said.

Jumping out to a solid lead to begin the game is something Shore is more than capable of doing, but equal credit is due to its superior defense. Shore’s defense has allowed an eye-opening 3.7 points per game this fall and held four teams scoreless along the way.

Gravish noted the team’s work ethic leading up to Friday nights and its ability to create turnovers as to what makes the defense so great. Shore forced six turnovers a week ago in its district title win.

“We practice really hard. We’re physical when we practice, we work a lot on tackling. Our assistant coaches do a good job,” Gravish said. “It starts with the front. We have a fair amount of interceptions this year and it all starts up front with pressure on the quarterback.”

Jersey Shore’s defense will be tasked with slowing down Crestwood’s offense, a unit that is scoring 31 points per game. Crestwood senior quarterback Ryan Petrosky is the focal point of the Comets’ offense. Petrosky has accounted for close to 1,000 yards of offense and the dual-threat quarterback ran for 146 yards in Crestwood’s 34-14 victory over Dallas a week ago.

“They’re really talented,” Gravish said, “They have a talented quarterback who can throw and run, they have just a fantastic tailback and offensive line. They’re physical kids.”

Crestwood is not an unfamiliar opponent for Gravish. During his time coaching at Williamsport, Gravish and the Millionaires played the Comets. Despite Crestwood’s physicality, Gravish has faith in his team tonight.

“Anytime you go into District 2 Northeast Pa., you got physical teams,” Gravish said. “They’ll be a challenge. We look forward to that challenge. We think that if we can do what we do best, and dictate the style that we want to play, then we have a great chance to win the game.”

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