MARK NANCE/For The Express Jersey Shore players charge onto the field before their first game of the season.

After a largely impressive first 14 quarters of the season, Jersey Shore football endured its first setback of the 2025 season last Friday, getting outscored 21-7 through the second half and falling to District 4 Class 4A rival Shamokin in double overtime, 43-42.

It was an excruciating loss given its blistering start and recent history against the Indians. But considering the team’s gauntlet of a schedule and youth in certain spots, road bumps were likely anticipated, and it’ll look to learn from the loss and bounce back in this week’s matchup against Shikellamy.

Though recent matchups hint at a breather, this isn’t the same Braves squad the Bulldogs have faced in recent years. Shikellamy (3-1) is off to its best start since 2017, the last season in which it won a playoff game, and it’s coming off a huge 35-14 win over previously undefeated Williamsport.

Behind the balanced, albeit interception-ridden, play of senior quarterback Brody Rebuck and big-play ability of junior receiver Thomas Pollock, the Braves have averaged just under 30 points per game.

Rebuck has already accumulated over 900 offensive yards – 682 pass, 263 rush – and 13 touchdowns, and Pollock has five receiving touchdowns and an average of 100 receiving yards per game. With just one other receiver having over 100 yards to round out Shikellamy’s skill positions, it’s clear who the Bulldogs have to focus on, but that doesn’t necessarily make the test easier.

The Braves head into the matchup with momentum while the Bulldogs head into it with motivation to get back on track. The question is, who has the drive to make it happen?

We’ll find out on Friday, with the game set for 7 p.m. at Thompson Street Stadium.