Jersey Shore set to open district playoffs at home against Athens

BY Bees O’Brien

JERSEY SHORE- Jersey Shore head coach Tom Gravish knew that creating a tough schedule would benefit his squad come playoff time and it already has paid off. The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with a 7-3 record. Their Halloween District IV 4A opponents, Athens finished at 9-1. The Wildcats played a weaker schedule that the Bulldogs and Jersey Shore’s 63-26 victory over Central Mountain in the season finale allowed them to jump Athens and host the contest at Thompson Street Stadium. That power point leap in the standings was thanks in part to CM’s brutal schedule, which carried a lot of weight.

Athens is a tough draw. The NTL powerhouse has some quality wins. They’ve defeated playoff bound Muncy, South Williamsport and Wellsboro. Their lone loss was to defending PIAA 2A champions Troy.

The Bulldogs have victories over Dallas Area, Deleware Valley, Shikellamy and Williamsport. Key losses include Hollidaysburg, Scranton Prep and Shamokin. That overtime loss to Shamokin could be key if the Bulldogs down Athens on Friday and the Indians survive upset minded Shikellamy that same night. If both prevail it will set up a rematch from last season’s district title game.

First thing’s first for Shore. Athens is very much capable of eliminating the Bulldogs. Athens hung with Troy before eventually falling 51-35. They’ve scored 50 or more points five time this season and use a balanced attack to do so.

Karson Sipley is Athens’ top runner. Quarterback Shae Davidson is a freshman and has played strong for the Wildcats. Gage Marmor is his favorite target and Athens has a strong kicking game with Zach Fisher, who was 7 for 7 on PAT’s against Sayre Friday night.

Nolen Pauling leads the Bulldog offense. Pauling has tallied up 1,682 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. Carson Watkins leads Jersey Shore with 642 yards recieving. Luke Ryan’s 432 yards on 42 catches is good for second best in a deep and talented receiving corps.

Bo Sechrist and his 1,167 yards will be a tough stop for Athens. Sechrist also leads a hard-hitting Bulldog defense.

Game time is set for 7pm at Thompson Street Stadium in Jersey Shore on Friday. A spot in the PIAA District IV 4A Championship game against Shamokin or Shikellamy is on the line. Folks the can’t make the game can listen to the broadcast on Bear 99.9fm, The Bear Country Radio Youtube Page or on Centralpasports.com.