Shore, Shikellamy could be a playoff preview
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There is a distinct possibility that Jersey Shore and Shikellamy could be playing for the first of two times this season. If the season were over right now, Jersey Shore (3-1) would head to Shikellamy (3-1) for the District 4 Class AAAA semifinals, so tonight's outcome could go a long way in determining where that game is if it, indeed, plays out that way.
Jersey Shore moved the ball well against Shamokin, the state's No. 2-ranked team, a week ago but came up empty on three different trips inside the 10-yard line in a 35-14 loss. The Bulldogs gained 386 yards in defeat. Quarterback Nolen Pauling totaled more than 300 yards for a fourth straight game and leads all District 4 passers with 1,002 yards. Zeke Sechrist had a big game at Shamokin, piling up 17 tackles, including 12 solos, and running for 61 yards.
Conner Yingling caught a career-high seven passes for 80 yards and added a sack. Carter Rhinehart leads the area in catches (23), yards (477) and touchdowns (6). Conner Winters, however, is making defenses pay for focusing extra attention on Rhinehart and reeled in five catches for 165 yards and two scores at Shamokin. He has three touchdowns the past two games, averaging 31.1 yards per catch in those contests.
Khani McCray also has caught two touchdowns. Linebacker Chase Ellison is having a big year, averaging nine tackles per game and making 27 solo stops. Hayden Kelley has interceptions in consecutive games, returning one for a touchdown against Selinsgrove.
Aiden patts, a junior defensive end, leads the team in quarterback hurries and plays a key role tonight with Shikellamy featuring a strong passing game. Disrupting that timing can go a long way in determining how things go. Patts averages five tackles per game and also plays a large role with his blocking at tight end.
Shikellamy has showcased its resiliency early this season, staging two exciting comeback wins on the road. The Braves won a 48-44 thriller at Williamsport last week; Thomas Pollock rushing for the game-winning touchdown in the final minute. Three weeks earlier, quarterback Bob Felmy threw four touchdowns as Shikellamy turned a nine-point fourth quarter deficit into a 26-21 win at defending District 4 Class AAA champion Mifflinburg.
Felmy has played well in his first year starting and totaled 273 yards and two touchdowns. Brady Kurtz threw two passes and both went for touchdowns, totaling 76 yards. Pollock is one of the best wide receivers in District 4 history, going over 3,000 career yards last week. The senior has 195 catches for 3,005 yards the past four seasons, scoring touchdowns in all three games against Jersey Shore.
Shikellamy is using him as a receiver and runner this year and Pollock has generated 496 yards with eight touchdowns. Maddox Hoover is a big-play threat as well and caught a 36-yard touchdown at Williamsport. Willie Bender sparks the defense and averages 8.5 tackles per game, making nine for loss.
Kyler Campbell, a sophomore linebacker/receiver, had a big game against Williamsport, setting the early tone when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Campbell also made six tackles and caught two passes for 55 yards. Campbell has three tackles for loss and returned an interception 32 yards in a 21-0 win against Lewisburg.
Shikellamy gave Jersey Shore fits for a half last season before the Bulldogs pulled away. With the mettle the Braves have shown thus far, expect this to be an entertaining four-quarter battle.