Bulldogs fall to Shamokin in heartbreaking fashion, conclude season in District 4 Class 4A final

The Indians’ impending rush forced Jordan to take up the hold. And although he’d pull off similar theatrics to his previous touchdown, extending their chances by buying some time and getting off a well-placed pass, his pass to Bo Sechrist would fall harmlessly to the turf.

On a cold, Friday night at Kemp Memorial Stadium, Shore’s season would end in heartbreaking, controversial fashion, as the Indians edged it out in the District 4 Class AAAA final, 28-27, to advance to states for the first time since 2011. While Shamokin’s sideline and student section stormed the field, the Bulldogs could only watch in disbelief, one step short of a title for the second straight season.

“I don’t know how to comment on the last play. Just very disappointed in the last play and not disappointed in our guys at all,” said Jersey Shore head coach Tom Gravish on the sequence and game. “We left it all out on the field and did everything we possibly could to win the game.”

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jersey Shore’s Bo Sechrist (5) leaps over the Shamokin defense for the pass that would have won the game in overtime but loses the ball.

“Hats off to (Shamokin) for their season and congrats to them. As a league member and a District 4 member, we wish them nothing but the best,” he added on Shamokin.

It was a tough loss considering both the closing sequence and a few missed opportunities down the stretch.

At the tail end of regulation with overtime not yet on their minds, the Bulldogs were able to dink-and-dunk their way down the field, converting multiple third downs to put themselves in position to ice it with a 21-yard field goal. But Paul Hale’s kick sailed just outside the left cross bar, ending regulation with the score still deadlocked at 21.

That sequence preceded another tough one to swallow.

Trailing 21-14 with half a quarter to go, Shamokin would get pinned deep by a great punt from Evan Snyder, starting its last drive of regulation at its own 7 with its chances running out. But three plays into the drive, the team would convert a third-and-long, with quarterback Logan Steele connecting with Chase Pensyl on an 18-yard pass just past the marker.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent A Shore player holds his runner-up medal following the team’s 28-27 loss to Shamokin at Kemp Memorial Stadium on Friday.

Then, with the Shore rush closing in on him later in the drive on second-and-long, Steele would find a way to extend the play with his feet before launching up a prayer to receiver Ben Delbaugh, who reeled it in amidst multiple Shore defensive backs before waltzing in for a 46-yard touchdown.

“Everyone could have played better of course. Especially me, let up two touchdowns that I shouldn’t have,” said Shore defensive back and wide receiver Evan Snyder. “But everything happened, nothing we can do about it now.”

“Give their quarterback credit, he scrambled twice for the longest time,” said Gravish on Steele. “Two plays that were extended longer than Doug Flutie’s.”

Those two shortcomings put the Bulldogs back on their heels after controlling much of the game.

Though they’d lose a fumble on the very first play of the game and surrender a 74-yard touchdown pass later in the quarter, Jersey Shore would respond seamlessly, scoring 14 unanswered points to go into the break with a touchdown lead.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Jersey Shore’s Bo Sechrist (5) avoids an attempted tackle from Shamokin’s Ryan Bickert (5) before running for a touchdown in the District championship game.

Big plays were a problem, with half Shamokin’s production coming on three passes. But Shore never allowed it to reach the red zone, forced four three-and-outs and one interception, held Steele to a completion percentage under 50-percent and Shamokin’s prosperous rushing attack to 69 yards on 27 attempts (2.5 yards per carry).

“We had a really good week of practice; I thought we were prepared well,” said Gravish when asked about their defensive effort.

Despite two interceptions, Elijah Jordan played an exceptional game, passing for 178 yards and two scores while also turning 25 carries into 141 yards.

Facing a fourth down in Shamokin territory for the second time deep in the first, he’d launch a teardrop right into the breadbasket of Evan Snyder (7 receptions, 88 yards) streaking down the right sideline for a 35-yard score.

“He’s my brother,” Jordan said on his chemistry with Snyder. “We’ve been doing it all year and just came out and did it one last time. Did everything we could.”

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Jersey Shore’s Brodie Herr runs the ball against Shamokin.

He headlined a strong overall rushing effort for the team.

Running back Bo Sechrist was a force all night, turning 12 touches (11 rushes, one reception) into 111 yards and bulldozing his way through Shamokin’s defense on his way to scores of 15 and 40 yards, showing off his moves and agility on the latter to give his team a 21-14 lead early in the fourth. Brodie Herr added 50 yards on eight carries, as the team as a whole finished with 266 rushing yards.

“Yeah, I’ll give it to him. Bo did amazing,” said Snyder on Sechrist’s performance.

It was a tough loss overall for the Bulldogs, who fall just short of states for the second straight season with a plethora of seniors – including Jordan, Snyder and Herr – set to graduate in the Spring. But they can hold their heads up high knowing they gave a great opponent everything it could handle.

“Great season. Left a little bit on the table there but next year, they’re gonna come back and get it back,” added Jordan.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Shamokin quarterback Logan Steele (4) tries to throw under pressure from Jersey Shore’s Landyn Rhea (53) and Brodie Herr (11) in the third quarterf.

“Season was amazing,” emphasized Snyder. “I love the people that I played with, it’s been amazing playing with all these good players.”

“The sun will rise again tomorrow and after that, we’ll get back to the drawing board to get ready for 2025. I’m proud of our guys. Special shout out to our seniors and how important they are, all of their effort and dedication,” said Gravish. “I’m confident that the Bulldogs should be bouncing back in 2025.”

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Jersey Shore quartrback Elijah Jordan (1) breaks an attempted tackle from Shamokin’s Za’Kem Clinton (21) for a gain.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Jersey Shore quartrback Elijah Jordan (1) runs the ball against Shamokin in the District championship game.