One of Coal Region’s most storied high school football rivalries kicked off the 2025 season Friday night, and it was all North Schuylkill as the Spartans powered past Mount Carmel, 62-20, in Week 1 action.
The rivalry between the two programs spans decades, with tradition, toughness, and community pride fueling every matchup. But this year, it was North Schuylkill’s speed and depth that proved too much for the Red Tornadoes.
North Schuylkill exploded for 32 points in the second quarter to break open a back-and-forth start. Senior running back Luke Miller led the charge, scoring multiple times on the ground, including an 80-yard burst and an 86-yard punt return. Quarterback Caden Mengel added balance through the air, tossing scoring strikes to Angel Ortiz and Landen Smith.
Ortiz opened the night with a 3-yard touchdown run before catching a 20-yard pass from Mengel to put North Schuylkill ahead for good. Miller followed with three rushing touchdowns, including the long sprint that pushed momentum in the Spartans’ favor.
Mount Carmel (0-1) found early success with Gavin Marshalek connecting on touchdown passes to Aidan Brokenshire and Jaylen Delaney, while Delaney also broke free for a 61-yard score. But the Red Tornadoes’ offense stalled after halftime, as North Schuylkill’s defense shut them down over the final two quarters.
The Spartans sealed the game with second-half touchdowns from Miller, Smith, and Caden McGraw, capping off a dominant opening-week performance.
North Schuylkill (1-0) will look to carry its momentum into Week 2 for the home opener against Tamaqua, while Mount Carmel (0-1) aims to regroup quickly next week at Central Columbia.
Ortiz opened the night with a 3-yard touchdown run before catching a 20-yard pass from Mengel to put North Schuylkill ahead for good. Miller followed with three rushing touchdowns, including the long sprint that pushed momentum in the Spartans’ favor.
Mount Carmel (0-1) found early success with Gavin Marshalek connecting on touchdown passes to Aidan Brokenshire and Jaylen Delaney, while Delaney also broke free for a 61-yard score. But the Red Tornadoes’ offense stalled after halftime, as North Schuylkill’s defense shut them down over the final two quarters.
The Spartans sealed the game with second-half touchdowns from Miller, Smith, and Caden McGraw, capping off a dominant opening-week performance.
North Schuylkill (1-0) will look to carry its momentum into Week 2 for the home opener against Tamaqua, while Mount Carmel (0-1) aims to regroup quickly next week at Central Columbia.
Comprehensive stats from the game
https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2025/08/23/hs-football-experienced-north-schuylkill-squad-jolts-past-mount-carmel/
https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2025/08/23/hs-football-experienced-north-schuylkill-squad-jolts-past-mount-carmel/
