Jersey Shore Wraps Up Regular Season with Win Over Central Mountain
By Doug Byerly
MILL HALL-The Jersey Shore football team was coming off a tough home loss last week to Scranton Prep as it made the short ten mile trek via Route 220 to take on the Wildcats of Central Mountain in the final regular season game of 2024.
‘Shore had won 12 consecutive games in this rivalry and also had one eye on the upcoming District playoffs which begin next week, while the Wildcats were still looking for their first win of the season.
The Bulldogs made quick work in the game scoring on eight straight offensive drives of the first half, including five times in the first quarter to race out to a 35-0 lead.
‘Shore scored on its opening drive taking six plays to cash in on a 23 yard Elijah Jordan to Paul Hale pass. The Brody Herr PAT made the early score 7-0 (10:19 1st Qtr.)
The Bulldog defense set up the next score after Sophomore Zeke Sechrist blocked a CM punt to give the offense a short field. Brody Herr scored on the third play of the drive from 2 yards out to up the ‘Shore lead to 13-0 (missed PAT).
The Jersey Shore scoring attack continued on its next drive with a Bo Sechrist 1 yard rush to up the early lead to 19-0 (missed PAT; 4:44 1st Qtr.)
After another Central Mountain punt, Jordan connected again with Paul Hale, this time on a 43 yard scoring strike to widen the lead to 27-0 (Herr PAT; 2:08, 1st Qtr).
One more ‘Shore score rounded out a dominating first stanza with Bo Sechrist adding his second touchdown run (2 yards). Jordan added the 2 point PAT rush to make the score 35-0 at the end of the quarter.
The Bulldogs added 3 more second quarter scores, a 1 yard run by Talyn Mauck, a Bo Sechrist 4 yard rush and another 1 yard Mauck run to put the game away before the half at 55-0.
With the game comfortably in the ‘mercy rule’ for Jersey Shore, both teams played a mix of starters and reserves throughout the second half.  Central Mountain added three scores including runs by Jake Weaver and also Isiah Maldonado. All three Wildcat touchdowns were followed by successful PAT kicks by Mycah Carson.
The final score ended at 67-21 in favor of ‘Shore as it improved its record to 7-3. The Bulldogs will host Selinsgrove in the District IV, 4 A playoff first round at Thompson Street Stadium next week.
In the win, ‘Shore senior quarterback Elijah Jordan finished 10 of 15 passing for 183 yards, and finished the regular season going over 2000 yards through the air for the Bulldog passing attack.
The Bulldogs rushing attack continued its solid performance with 6 players contributing to finish with over 200 yards on the ground. Paul Hale led the team in receiving with 4 catches for 113 yards and 2 TDs.
The loss ended the Central Mountain season at 0-10. Before the game Central Mountain celebrated their Band, Cheerleading and Football Seniors.