Williamsport at Jersey Shore preview

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Williamsport’s Kahyear Whaley (23) breaks through Selinsgrove’s defense during last week’s game at Williamsport.

Williamsport PPG–26.4, PPA–8.8, YPG–324.8, YPA–205.8

Williamsport notes: Williamsport (4-1) is playing Jersey Shore for the first time in the 2000s and trying to maintain its lead in the District 2-4 Class 6A standings. The Millionaires dropped their first game a week ago when Selinsgrove rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit and won, 21-20.

It was the first time the starting defense gave up multiple touchdowns in a game, but linebackers Anthony Manley, Lucas Naughton and Jamel Bailey all made 10 or more tackles. Linemen Brady Neenan and Jayden Ransom both were in on nine and defensive tackle Cordoza Minor produced two sacks. Neenan blocked a field goal which Aiden Everett returned 70 yards for a touchdown. Zion Hughes was efficient in his first start quarterback, throwing for 148 yards and a touchdown. Kyreek Bradshaw is among the area’s top 10 in catches, while Everett and Trey Damschroder combined for eight receptions against Selinsgrove. Running back Kahyear Whaley topped 100 yards in each of his first three games and also caught a touchdown. Giovanni White is a Swiss Army Knife type player who has a 100-yard rushing game, while also catching a touchdown and excelling on special teams. Parker Johnson has emerged as one of the district’s top kickers and punters in his first season playing. He leads the district with eight field goals and also has placed 10 of his 15 punts inside the 20-yard line. Johnson has boomed 17 touchbacks as well.

Williamsport player to watch–Jamel Bailey: The linebacker/running back returned from injury for the first time since the opener and made an immediate impact last week, collecting 10 tackles. Bailey also provides backfield depth and ran for 29 yards on eight carries after setting up a touchdown in his first game with a long run.

Jersey Shore PPG–37.6, PPA–19.0, YPG–378, YPA–246

Jersey Shore notes: Jersey Shore (4-1) bounced back from a Week 4 loss in dominant fashion a week ago, routing Shikellamy, 63-13. The Bulldogs excelled in all three facets and special teams either scored and/or set up the game’s first three touchdowns. Bo Sechrist, averaging 12.2 tackles per game, blocked two punts, and Evan Snyder returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown. He also took two other punt returns more than 20 yards each. Snyder is one of three Jersey Shore receivers who has a 100-yard game this season, joining Paul Hale and Luke Ryan. Hale is tied for the area lead in catches (31) and has gone over 90 yards in three straight games. Snyder has done so in all five games, catching three touchdowns from Elijah Jordan last week. Jordan leads the area in passing yards and went over 1,000 a week ago in his first season starting. He totaled five touchdowns against Shikellamy. Sechrist ripped off a 45-yard touchdown run and scored twice. Slate Sechrist is one of the area’s premier linemen and had a sack as well as three tackles for loss at Shikellamy. Fellow two-way starting lineman Owen Vandruff had an outstanding game, making a season-high eight tackles. Zeke Sechrist has been strong off the edge and the sophomore has nine tackles for loss in addition to 3 ½ sacks. Jersey Shore opened the season with three consecutive wins against defending district champions. It is second in the District 4 Class AAAA playoff standings. If the Bulldogs stay within the first two, they will host a district semifinal.

Jersey Shore player to watch–Trent Severino: The senior defensive end played a terrific game against Shikellamy, collecting three tackles for loss and a sack. He has made steady progress at that position and also is a reliable receiver who caught the game-winning touchdown at Dallas and another score last week.

Outlook: For a long time, area high school fans wondered what would happen if Williamsport and Jersey Shore played. Wonder no more. Expect a playoff atmosphere to surround this one as both teams try igniting the second half of their seasons in a big way.