Big Red with the win.
Adding to its long and distinguished football legacy, the Juniata high school football team opened its PIAA state playoff run in strong fashion defeating a previously undefeated Shamokin team in dominating fashion, 27-7 on the road Friday night.

The Indians went to the air early and often in this one as quarterback Wyatt Ehrenzeller connected to one of his favorite targets Jasper Shepps for 176 yards while also finding his other favorite target Connor Boreman for 80. Shepps finished with three touchdown while Boreman tallied the other.

On the night Ehrenzeller went 8-of-18 for 263 yards for four TD’s and two interceptions for a quarterback rating of 91.2. Ehrenzeller also rushed for 53 yards on the night.

Shepps had 226 all-purpose yards.

Lane Peiper led the Indians rushing attack with 54 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Big Red was a force to be reckoned with as they forced Shamokin to five turnovers.

Picking up fumbles for Juniata were Boreman, Jadon Nealman, Peiper, Josh Nace, Hunter Erb.

Peiper and Boreman led the way in total tackles with nine and eight, respectively.

Matt Spriggle and Wyatt Dysinger followed with seven tackles.

Juniata came out strong posting a 13-0 lead after one period.

In the second, Shamokin got its only touchdown. However, the Indians still won the quarter with an 8-7 advantage.

In the second half, the Juniata defense refused to give up any ground while its offense scored once giving the Indians a convincing 27-7 victory and a second round berth.

Juniata improves to 9-3 while Shamokin ended its season with a 12-1 record.