In the final week of the regular high school football season, the North Schuylkill Spartans travelled south of the mountain for the annual end of the season football game against the Pottsville Crimson Tide.
The Spartans received the ball first, but after back-and-forth drives, with 8 minutes and 12 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter, North Schuylkill's Ricky Halford powered through for a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful Gavin Mentzer field goal. This score put North Schuylkill in the lead of 7-0.
The 2nd quarter saw North Schuylkill extending their lead with a 9-yard touchdown reception by Collin McGee from quarterback Caden Mengel. Although Pottsville blocked the extra point attempt, North Schuylkill was still ahead, 13-0.
Pottsville, refusing to be left behind, made a statement with a 52-yard run by Terrell Mcfarland and finished strong with a 1-yard touchdown run by Parrish Mcfarland. This brought the score to North Schuylkill 13 Pottsville 7.
Before halftime, North Schuylkill's Gavin Mentzer nailed a 30-yard field goal, securing a 16-7 lead for his team as they headed into the break.
As the 2nd half kicked off, Pottsville's offense stepped up, crafting a 12-play drive that ended in a 10-yard touchdown run by Brody Herndon. This narrowed the gap to North Schuylkill 16, Pottsville 14.
The Pottsville defense was relentless, and it paid off with 3 minutes and 44 seconds left in the 3rd quarter when McFarland intercepted a pass, one of three interceptions by the Crimson Tide in the game.
However, North Schuylkill managed to get the ball back then quarterback Caden Mengel found Collin Stanakis for a 60-yard pass and touchdown, making the score North Schuylkill 23 Pottsville 14.
Pottsville's Crimson Tide kept up their determination and with McFarland running in another touchdown from 4 yards out with 11 minutes and 20 seconds left in the 4th quarter, the score stood at North Schuylkill 23 Pottsville 21.
But the game ultimately belonged to North Schuylkill, with quarterback Caden Mengel punching in a touchdown from the 1-yard line with just 4 minutes and 58 seconds left in the game.
On the next drive, Joey Flail from North Schuylkill picked off a pass and returned it for a 55-yard touchdown. The extra point was good, leaving the final score at North Schuylkill 37, Pottsville 21.
North Schuylkill closed their regular season with a strong 8-2 record, earning a spot in the District XI playoffs. Meanwhile, Pottsville concluded their regular season at 3-7, dashing their hopes for a District XI title this year.
