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<\/p>\nMARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore’s Luke Ryan runs the ball against Dallas in the first quarter Friday night.<\/p>\n
JERSEY SHORE \u2013 In dealing with its Week One jitters, the Jersey Shore football team stumbled at times, with its offense needing a quarter to get going and second-half cramps threatening to take away its momentum. <\/p>\n
However, that never truly translated to the scoreboard. <\/p>\n
Senior Bo Sechrist set the tone, making an impact immediately when he took an early interception to Dallas\u2019s four-yard line and putting the Bulldogs in prime position for their first touchdown of the season. Nolen Pauling appeared seasoned in his debut start at the helm, accounting for four touchdowns, the Shore defense bent but rarely broke and their composure reigned supreme, resulting in a 27-7 win over an esteemed Dallas program. <\/p>\n
In terms of season debuts, especially considering the program\u2019s new look, Jersey Shore head coach Tom Gravish couldn\u2019t have been much more pleased. The team made the big plays when it needed to, seamlessly shook off the Mountaineers\u2019 threatening response and ultimately, kicked off a tough slate on top. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe knew it wouldn\u2019t be easy. Their team, the program and what Dallas football has been for a long time, we have nothing but respect for that. Happy to get this win,\u201d said Gravish. \u201cWe\u2019re really proud of our kids. We told them in the beginning that both teams were going to make mistakes in an opener. You\u2019ve just got to make more positive plays, keep playing till there\u2019s no time on the clock.\u201d <\/p>\n
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MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore quarterback Nolan Pauling runs the ball on a keeper in the second quarter.<\/p>\n
Following the break, it seemed like Dallas\u2019s halftime adjustments were going to pay off. <\/p>\n
A defensive unit that had struggled through the second quarter forced back-to-back three-and-outs. And in the midst of that span, its offense turned nine plays into a 65-yard touchdown drive, breaking off runs of 8, 10, 19 and 30 yards in the process. <\/p>\n
Its student section, band and well-travelled fans responded, threatening to bolster Dallas\u2019s confidence and turn the opener chaotic while Shore\u2019s stars struggled with cramps. But Shore responded right back, diminishing the noise to a simmer. <\/p>\n
With a 20-7 lead, it\u2019d force a momentum-halting three-and-out. Then, it\u2019s offense got clicking again. Its second first down of the drive, a ten-yard connection between Pauling and receiver Carson Watkins, got 15 additional yards tacked onto it due to a penalty and suddenly, the Bulldogs were well within Dallas territory. <\/p>\n
While the Mountaineers would force Shore into a third-and-medium two players later, the biggest play of the day went the Bulldogs\u2019 way. Pauling didn\u2019t buckle as Dallas\u2019s defensive end broke free, staying poised in the pocket and finding Watkins open on a post, who\u2019d reel it in before turning up field for a 29-yard touchdown. <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nDallas quarterback Brady McKan throws under pressure in the second quarter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt could have turned around real quick after halftime, but we kept our composure,\u201d said Watkins when discussing the sequence. \u201cIt was hype. It was good. Then, we came down and scored, which was awesome.\u201d <\/p>\n
It was a sequence that highlighted the team\u2019s composure and grit through a tough Week One matchup, aspects which impressed Gravish the most when it came to the win. <\/p>\n
On three separate occasions in the first half, Dallas breached Jersey Shore territory, breaking off a 45-yard run following Shore\u2019s initial score and compiling drives of 16, 31 and 47 yards. But in all three scenarios, the Bulldogs defended well with their backs nearing the wall, ending two drives on third and short and protecting their ever-growing lead. <\/p>\n
Even when they reestablished their lead to 20 late, they held firm. In its closing effort, Dallas put together a 14-play, 49-yard drive that feature two third-down and one fourth-down conversion, but Jersey Shore wouldn\u2019t let it get its foot back in the door, halting the drive on a fourth-and-long with just over seven minutes to go. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was their determination. Their grit,\u201d said Gravish when discussing what impressed him about the win. \u201cWhen Dallas got a little bit of fire there and we didn\u2019t follow up right away, we had to get gritty and tough, and our players did that. It really would have been easy to put our heads down, but they got this win.\u201d <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore’s Carson Watkins dives across the goal line for a touchdown in the second quarter.<\/p>\n
Offensively, Pauling and Watkins\u2019 connection and the team\u2019s steady run game allowed it to stay one step ahead. <\/p>\n
In his first start at quarterback, Pauling completed nine of his 15 passes for 160 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception, adding 57 yards and two additional touchdowns on the ground. Watkins made up five of those completions, finishing with 124 yards and two touchdowns. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been working on it all summer, Pitt Camp, Penn State champ, different 7-on-7s,\u201d said Pauling on that connection with Watkins. \u201cSo, I knew we were out there, and I knew that we were going to be ready.\u201d <\/p>\n
Bo Sechrist was also reliable on the ground, turning 19 carries into 63 hard-earned yards and proving particularly potent through the second. Carter Rhinehart made the most of his two receptions, turning each into first downs for 33 yards. And Sechrist and Luke Thompson secured interceptions on the defensive end, highlights of a well-rounded defensive day. <\/p>\n
The slate doesn\u2019t get any easier, as Jersey Shore prepares for a road test against Delaware Valley next week. But with it kicking things off in the win column against a tough opponent, it heads into that matchup with added confidence. <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore’s Bo Sechrist intercepts a pass in the first quarter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a really good team that made the state championship two years ago. It\u2019s a great feeling (to win),\u201d said Watkins. \u201cWe have a tough schedule this year, so we\u2019ll just have to see.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be ready,\u201d said Pauling. \u201cWe just have to keep rolling.\u201d <\/p>\n
Jersey Shore 27, Dallas 7 <\/p>\n
D 0 0 7 0 \u2013 7 <\/p>\n
JS 7 13 7 0 \u2013 27 <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/JMN_2770-666x840.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore’s Carson Watkins makes a reception over Dallas’ Bobby Gallagher in the second quarter.<\/p>\n
1st Quarter <\/p>\n
JS \u2013 Nolen Pauling 3 run (Jayden Parsetti kick), 6:43. <\/p>\n
2nd Quarter <\/p>\n
JS \u2013 Pauling 1 run (PAT blocked), 10:15. <\/p>\n
JS \u2013 Pauling to Carson Watkins 10 pass (Parsetti kick), 3:10 <\/p>\n
3rd Quarter <\/p>\n
D \u2013 Hunter Pitcavage 3 run (David Worth kick), 5:31. <\/p>\n
JS \u2013 Pauling to Watkins 29 pass (Parsetti kick), :17. <\/p>\n
TEAM STATISTICS JS D <\/p>\n
First Downs 12 11 <\/p>\n
Rushes-yards 41-124 35-168 <\/p>\n
Passing yards 160 86 <\/p>\n
Comp-Att-Int 9-15-1 12-24-2 <\/p>\n
Total yards 284 254 <\/p>\n
Fumbles-lost 0-0 3-1 <\/p>\n
Penalties-yards 5-30 5-35 <\/p>\n
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS <\/p>\n
RUSHING: Jersey Shore, Bo Sechrist 19-63; Nolen Pauling 18-57, 2 TDs; Kash Herritt 3-11; Carter Rhinehart 1-(-7). Dallas, Hunter Pitcavage 16-77, TD; Sam Kelley 3-51; Trevor Slavinski 3-19; Brady McCann 5-13; Nico Wilk 2-7; Talon Geskey 6-1. <\/p>\n
PASSING: Jersey Shore, Nolen Pauling 9-15-1 160 yards, 2 TDs. Dallas, Talon Geskey, 8-13-1 59 yards; Brady McCann 4-11-1 27 yards. <\/p>\n
RECEIVING: Jersey Shore, Carson Watkins 5-124, 2 TDs; Carter Rhinehart 2-33; Luke Ryan 2-5. Dallas, Sam Kelley 3-37; Logan Geskey 3-20; Carver Jones 2-17; Hunter Pitcavage 2-11; #23 1-7. Logan Faulkner 1-(-4). <\/p>\n
INTERCEPTIONS: Jersey Shore, Bo Sechrist 1, Luke Thompson 1. Dallas, Bobby Gallagher. <\/p>\n
RECORDS: Jersey Shore 1-0. Dallas 1-0.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/JMN_2599-1100x821.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nDallas’ Brady McCann runs the ball against Jersey Shore Friday night.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/JMN_2634-1083x840.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore’s Bo Sechrist runs back the ball after making a pass interception setting up the Bulldog’s first score in the first quarter.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/JMN_2784-660x840.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore’s Carson Watkins celebrates after making a great catch for a big gain in the second quarter.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/JMN_2666-1100x766.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nDallas’ Carver Jones runs the ball against Jersey Shore in the first quarter.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/JMN_2585-1097x840.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
MARK NANCE\/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
\nJersey Shore players charge onto the field before their first game of the season.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Montgomery 14,<\/p>\n Hughesville 6<\/p>\n Montgomery\t\t0 14 0 0 \u2014 14<\/p>\n Hughesville\t\t0 0 0 6 \u2014 6<\/p>\n Second …<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Running the football well and getting the quarterback into a rhythm are two tried and true methods of helping out a …<\/p>\n