COAL TOWNSHIP - There are plenty of reasons for Shamokin Area's success this season.
Tucker Yost's play at quarterback, an improved offensive line and timely defensive plays are a few examples of how the Indians went from winless last season to a .500 record this year.
Another one, which may just be as important as any of the others, is the play of wide receiver Tom Campbell.
The junior finished the regular season with 30 catches for 438 yards and four touchdowns, stemming largely from the chemistry betweem him and Yost.
"We've been working since we were freshmen," Campbell said. "I've been getting targets since freshman year, so that's helped a lot. We've had years of experience together and knowing each other."
That chemistry has helped lead Shamokin to a District 4 Class AAA semifinal contest against Jersey Shore Friday.
While Campbell and Yost have experience of playing together, Indians coach Pat DiRienzo believes it goes beyond time spent together.
"They pretty much read each other," DiRienzo said. "They have their signals between each other. They change the plays at the line of scrimmage."
Shamokin has six other receivers that have a catch this season, including four with
touchdown receptions, but Campbell has been the main target.
"He's been exceptional this year," DiRienzo said. "He's been our go-to receiver all year. When we need a big play, we go to him."
That was most evident against Mount Carmel last week. Campbell caught eight passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, game-highs in all three categories this season.
The success against the Tornadoes almost came as a surprise for Campbell.
"I was just expecting to have a normal game, but their defense was just leaving me open and you can't do that," Campbell said.
Campbell's biggest accolades have come at the wide receiver position, but he's done much more for the Indians this year.
He also handles punting duties and has taken some snaps at quarterback, including a touchdown throw to Russell Henz against Mifflinburg.
"Tom's just a well-rounded athlete," DiRienzo said. "He has a good head on his shoulders. That means a lot."
Shamokin will probably need Campbell's production most at wide receiver Friday in its District 4 Class AAA opening-round matchup against Jershey Shore.
In turn, Campbell believes the team is at its peak after the Mount Carmel game.
"I'm hoping to do the same thing that I did last Friday," Campbell said. "We kind of got it rolling last Friday. I feel like we could have done that all season."