Bulldogs hope to snap a 3-game losing skid
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Jersey Shore (3-3) is trying to snap a rare three-game losing streak, dropping a 32-28 heartbreaker against Williamsport last week. The Bulldogs, hit hard by injuries, overcame an eight-point second quarter deficit to take an eight-point fourth quarter lead in that contest. Quarterback Nolen Pauling threw for 265 yards and ran for 177, totaling four touchdowns. He leads the district in passing yards and touchdowns, while being second among area rusher.
Connor Winters has caught two touchdowns in three straight games and Khani McCray has caught long touchdowns in consecutive contests. Dalton Rehrig and Conner Yingling combined for 10 catches and 112 yards against Williamsport. Playing through pain, linebacker Zeke Sechrist continued his excellent senior season, running for 73 yards and making eight tackles, including four for loss.
Two-way lineman Isaac Shirey is having a strong season and fellow lineman Nate Thompson made some big plays at or behind the line of scrimmage against Williamsport.
Winters intercepted his second pass in that game and McCray made six tackles. Jersey Shore was without its top two punters last week and kicker Gabe Welshans is out for the season. Pressed into action, Pauling punted well and dropped a 42-yarder to make Williamsport travel a long field late in the game.
Jersey Shore's Jacob Gee has been a huge part of Jersey Shore shutting down the run last week. Gee made four tackles, including three solos. His impact up front also allowed linebackers and defensive backs clear lanes to attack ball-carriers. After missing two games with an injury, Gee has helped Jersey Shore hold consecutive opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing.
The Beavers (4-2) have reached two straight District 6-9 Class AAAA championships, dropping heartbreakers to Hollidaysburg by six combined points. Jersey Shore plays both teams in its next two games. DuBois has not allowed more than 19 points in a game and is coming off a 42-7 win against St. Mary's. Seth Wilmoth threw for 215 yards and touchdowns to three receivers in that win.
The senior has thrown for 780 yards and eight touchdowns. London Duncan has run for 504 yards and six touchdowns, topping 100 yards twice. Hayat Muhammad has caught 18 passes for 199 yards, while Avion Bell has 14 for 261 yards and three scores.
Aaron Eberly is a big-play threat, turning six catches into 142 yards and 142 yards. Sophomore Brock Fike and senior Dalton Reasinger both average more than seven tackles per game and Calvin Cooper has four sacks.
Joey Ruscitti, a senior defensive end for DuBois, is having a big season and collected six sacks in the team's first five games. Ruscitti opened the season with consecutive two-sack performances against Erie and Brockway.
Jersey Shore faces another challenge in a season full of them. The Bulldogs showed last week that while they may be short-handed they sure will fight hard. Expect the same tonight, no matter the outcome.