Bulldogs bounce Seals, claim District 4 title

JERSEY SHORE, PA – This time the headlines should fall to the Jersey Shore football team defense. The Bulldogs hosted Selinsgrove Friday night for the District Four Class 4A championship and the ‘Dog defense never gave the visitors a chance. The result was a 41-0 ‘Shore victory, propelling the home team into the PIAA state playoffs next weekend.

Jersey Shore elected to defer possession until the second half, sending its defense onto the Thompson Street field to start the game. That defense pitched a first half shutdown, forcing six Selinsgrove punts and holding the Seals to no first downs until well into the third period. For the game Selinsgrove was held to three first downs and punted nine times.

By the time the first half ended Jersey Shore led 27-0 and coasted home. They picked off four Seal passes, one of which was returned by defender Brady Jordan for 51 yards and a touchdown early in the third period. Jordan was outstanding on both sides of the ball, In addition to his pick six, he rushed 12 times for 57 yards and one touchdown and passed for another to Cayden Hess who finished with eight catches for 100 yards. Hayden Packer, who anchored the defense from linebacker, rushed 15 times for 64 yards and scored two touchdowns; he also picked up an interception.

The game was a complete turnaround from the teams’ regular season meeting where ‘Shore had to battle to pull out a 9-7 win. For Selinsgrove their season ended at 8-4. For Jersey Shore it was head coach Tom Gravish’s fourth straight district crown.

Jersey Shore is now 12-0 and will play next weekend at a site and time to be determined, the opponent Allentown Central Catholic. The Vikings downed Northwestern Lehigh by a 21-14 score on Friday. The Bulldogs were a state semifinalist two years ago and a state runner-up last year.

Other area playoff scores included: State College 17, Williamsport 14 (that game played at Central Mountain’s Malinak Stadium); Forest Hills 49, Bald Eagle Area 20.

SELINSGROVE 0 0 0 0 = 0
JERSEY SHORE 13 14 7 7 = 41