Football Recap: Shamokin Area Victorious

On Friday Shamokin Area's undefeated season almost came to an end. They came within a single point of losing the streak, but they secured a 43-42 W against the Jersey Shore Bulldogs. The win almost wasn't to be: the Indians were down 21-7 in the second quarter.

Zakem Clinton

Rushing Yards

09/12/25 vs Jersey Shore	154
09/05/25 @ Shikellamy	108
08/29/25 vs Lake-Lehman	63
08/22/25 @ Pottsville	108

Shamokin Area was led to victory by Zakem Clinton and Logan Steele. Clinton rushed for 154 yards and a pair of scores on only 15 carries, while Steele rushed for 110 yards and three touchdowns. With that strong performance, Clinton is now averaging an impressive 108.2 rushing yards per game. Speaking of playmakers, who could forget Ryan Bickert, who went all the way with a kickoff return for a touchdown.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Shamokin Area was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 273 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Jersey Shore only rushed for 168 rushing yards.

Special teams also deserves some recognition, posting 11 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Bickert, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.

Jersey Shore's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Nolen Pauling, who threw for 229 yards and three TDs, and also rushed for 41 yards and one touchdown. The Bulldogs' leading receiver Carter Rhinehart was Pauling's top target yet again, picking up 91 receiving yards and a pair of scores.

Shamokin Area's record now sits at 4-0. As for Jersey Shore, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 3-1.

Shamokin Area and Jersey Shore should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Pennsylvania Rankings. The Indians will take on Central Mountain at 7:00 p.m. on Friday with a big rank advantage (72 vs. 448). Meanwhile, Jersey Shore (ranked 51st) will meet Shikellamy (ranked 245th) at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.