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Shepps grabs all-state honors

MIFFLINTOWN — For the past two years, Jasper Shepps has made a name for himself on the high school gridiron, emerging as a star for the Juniata Indians with some gaudy numbers.

As a sophomore, Shepps was named to the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ All-State team in Class 4A as an athlete in 2023, grabbing 71 catches for 1,379 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also ran for a pair of touchdowns while tallying 61 total tackles and eight interceptions on defense.

This year, after a stellar junior campaign, the accolades are once again rolling in for the 6-1, 175-pound Shepps. On Saturday, Shepps was named to the Pa. Football Writers’ All-State team as a defensive back in Class 4A.

“I just feel honored, especially seeing a bunch of the other guys on the list and knowing they are great athletes, too,” Shepps said of being named to the all-state team.

“I just want to contribute to the team winning and help the team the best I can,” Shepps added.

His coaches and teammates said the standout Shepps always sets the bar high on the playing field and never worries about individual statistics or winning awards.

“Jasper is a great, well-rounded athlete and well deserving of all-state recognition,” Juniata head coach Kurt Condo said. “He is extremely invested into our game and into our program.

“Our coaching staff, team, school and community has a lot to be proud of with him,” Condo added.

Shepps was also named the Tri-Valley League’s Most Valuable Player this past season. Offensively, he was a first-team all-TVL wide receiver and led the league with 18 receptions for 326 yards and eight touchdowns. Overall, Shepps finished the year with 49 catches for 816 yards and 14 scores.

Defensively, he received all-TVL first-team honors at defensive back after leading the TVL with four interceptions and 168 return yards and two pick-sixes. Overall, Shepps grabbed eight picks for 179 return yards.

“I think I brought (equal) production on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively,” Shepps said.

The Indians finished 8-5 overall this year after falling to Southern Lehigh in the PIAA Class 4-A quarterfinals.

In 2023, Shepps made 71 catches for 1,379 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also ran for a pair of TDs while tallying 61 total tackles and eight interceptions on defense.

Shepps helped guide Juniata to the PIAA quarterfinals. During the Indians’ playoff run, he made several big plays, including as a receiver when he had a 70-yard touchdown catch against DuBois in the District 6/9 Class 4A subregionals.

In August 2024, Shepps was also recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the top wide receivers in Pennsylvania for 2024.

The best part of winning the awards is that he has another year to add to his trophy case.

“It makes me think about the big picture and what I can do next year to top it,” Shepps added.

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