I struggle when it comes to difficult questions. Sometimes, it is better not to ask. I continue to support and think of Coach Tom Gravish and his Jersey Shore Bulldogs. They have handled every curveball with class. It is hard to even comprehend. Words cannot describe how proud I am of this 2023 squad. I can only imagine the emotions they have faced.
Jerrin Loomis is a senior. He is the starting quarterback for Jersey Shore. Jerrin is a very talented baseball player. He will be pitching for Lock Haven University next fall. Loomis has a very strong arm. He leads a team that is 7-0-1. The Bulldogs are having another great season. My man Jerrin played tight end and some defense the past two years. But now it is his time to shine.
“I gained a lot of confidence this summer,” Jerrin described. “Coach gave me an opportunity at our 7 and 7s. I already had a great connection with our receivers. We clicked immediately. Yes. We normally run the ball. And we are quite good at it too. Coach is opening up his playbook. We are throwing a lot more lately. I don’t mind one bit.”
Yes. Jersey Shore plays old-school football. They have a fantastic defense, and traditionally, they move the ball on the ground. A few injuries to some key personnel called for a different approach. Jerrin got his chance. He threw for 406 yards against Shamokin. Three of his talented receivers each went for 100 yards. Loomis then threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns against Montoursville. Dathan Tyson was on fire as he hauled in 16 catches for 265 yards. Tyson is the area’s top receiver, and his performance last Friday was one for the ages.
“Dathan is having a great year,” Loomis continued. “We had a special night last week. He ran some good routes, and our line bought me some extra time. We were having so much fun. We were both on the same page. I knew exactly where he was going, and he made some terrific plays.”
“Jerrin has stepped up,” Tom Gravish relayed. “He is a great football player. A leader. Jerrin did some great things this summer, and we have incorporated his skills into our offense. He has a strong arm, and we are no longer one-dimensional.”
Jersey Shore has a rich tradition — especially of late. The Bulldogs are having another great run. They are not only the best here locally, but they have been making some noise in the States. Much of the credit goes to their boss. Coach Tom Gravish is the tops in the business. He has a unique way of bringing out the team’s best. His players believe in him. There is a lot of trust.
“Coach Gravish is a great fit,” Jerrin added. “He is perfect for Jersey Shore. Coach is constantly preaching family and tradition. Our players may graduate, but we keep winning games. Some of us had to wait our turn. I am not going to lie. This year has been tough. Everything has definitely brought us together. We have also learned to appreciate what we have. Football comes second. We are a tight unit — a brotherhood. We have been through so much. Jersey Shore is a very close-knit family. The support has been great. It motivates us to perform.”
Jerrin is another outstanding youngster. I enjoyed talking to him last evening. We spoke about a number of things. What a great kid. I can only imagine the emotions that he and his team have endured. Unreal. I had a hard time asking those questions. Loomis is doing his best to stay positive. An exceptional leader at a very young age. He is an athlete, and I was impressed with his game. Jerrin loves the outdoors. My man and I compared notes on catching fish. We chatted it up for 40 minutes. I told him that I and many others continue to pray. I shared a few stories, and he did the same. It was a beautiful conversation with a guy well beyond his years. Much love to Coach Gravish and Jersey Shore. Especially to Jerrin Loomis. The top dawg. Cheers.
