The North Schuylkill Spartans claimed the championship title at the 8th Annual Schuylkill United Way High School Football Challenge held Tuesday, June 17, at Ghosh Orthodontics Field at Spartan Stadium.
All 14 Schuylkill County high school football teams took part in this highly anticipated summer tradition, widely regarded as the unofficial kickoff to the upcoming high school football season. The day-long event tested the teams’ strength, speed, agility, and passing accuracy across seven competitions, with an exhibition Kick Out event held between the two rounds.
North Schuylkill outperformed the competition to capture the SUW Traveling Trophy, the Schuylkill County Commissioner’s Trophy, a championship banner, and a spaghetti basket complete with a $150 gift card for a team celebratory dinner.
Defending champions, the Blue Mountain Eagles, secured second place overall, while the Pottsville Crimson Tide finished third.
Top Overall Team Results:
- Champions: North Schuylkill Spartans
- 2nd Place: Blue Mountain Eagles
- 3rd Place: Pottsville Crimson Tide
Strength Category:
- 1st Place Overall: Pottsville Crimson Tide
- 2nd Place Overall: Blue Mountain Eagles
- 3rd Place Overall: North Schuylkill Spartans
Individual Strength Events
- Tire Flip:
- 1. North Schuylkill
- 2. Tri-Valley
- 3. Pottsville
- Sled Push:
- 1. Pottsville
- 2. Blue Mountain
- 3. Minersville
- Bench Press:
- 1. Schuylkill Haven
- 2. Blue Mountain
- 3. North Schuylkill
Speed Category:
- 1st Place Overall: North Schuylkill Spartans
- 2nd Place Overall: Blue Mountain Eagles
- 3rd Place Overall: Minersville Battlin’ Miners
Individual Speed Events:
- Shuttle Relay:
- 1. Blue Mountain
- 2. North Schuylkill
- 3. Minersville
- Farmer’s Carry:
- 1. Schuylkill Haven
- 2. Minersville
- 3. North Schuylkill
- Broad Jump:
- 1. Blue Mountain
- 2. North Schuylkill
- 3. Pottsville
Passing Accuracy:
- 1st Place: Blue Mountain
- 2nd Place: North Schuylkill
- 3rd Place: Pottsville
Exhibition Kick Out:
- 1st Place: Nate Hillard (Tri-Valley)
- 2nd Place: Jordan Bowers (Minersville)
The Challenge was also a record-breaking night, with four event records shattered:
- Sled Push: Pottsville set a new record at 18.72 seconds, smashing the previous 25.78-second record.
- Bench Press: Schuylkill Haven raised their own record from 184 reps to 211.
- Broad Jump: Blue Mountain jumped 48.2 inches, besting their prior 47.38-inch mark.
- Passing Accuracy: Blue Mountain earned 47 points, surpassing the former record of 46.
Beyond the competition, the event raised an impressive $33,000 for the Schuylkill United Way, pushing the total funds raised by the Challenge over the years past $200,000. These proceeds support 15 Partner Agencies that provide vital health and human services across Schuylkill County, including organizations such as the American Red Cross, Schuylkill YMCA, SARCC, and Tamaqua Area Meals on Wheels.
Event sponsors and partner agencies set up booths with information, games, and giveaways for attendees. More than 40 volunteers assisted with field judging, program distribution, refreshments, and event logistics. St. Luke’s Sports Medicine staff also generously volunteered as on-field trainers.
Special thanks were given to Schuylkill Haven Principal Ty Wartman and North Schuylkill Athletic Director Jim Gross for their roles as event emcees. Dr. Andy Smarkanic, the event’s founder and volunteer coordinator, was praised for his vision and leadership. He also recognized longtime supporters Derek Flail, Matt Smarkanic, and North Schuylkill Head Coach Wally Hall for their dedication since the event’s inception.
