The Mahanoy Area Golden Bears finally broke through Friday night, earning their first win of the season under new head coach Mick Connolly with a close 22-20 road victory over the Pine Grove Cardinals.
Pine Grove struck first when quarterback Wyatt Snyder capped a drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, followed by a Peyton Renninger extra point, giving the Cardinals a 7-0 lead at halftime.
The second half belonged to Mahanoy Area, as the Golden Bears erupted for 16 points in the third quarter. Key plays included a 42-yard punt return touchdown by Quintin Rucker, a 32-yard fumble return score by Kyler Quick, and a two-point conversion run from J.D. Kowalchick. Kowalchick then added a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to extend the lead.
Pine Grove rallied late with Snyder connecting on two touchdown passes—a 25-yard strike to Omir Ballard and a 13-yard toss to Teagan Schneck-Haines—but the Cardinals’ final conversion attempt failed, sealing the 22-20 win for Mahanoy Area.
With the victory, Mahanoy Area improves to 1-5 overall (1-4 league), while Pine Grove drops to 1-5 (1-4 league).
The Golden Bears will look to build on their momentum when they travel to face Nativity BVM next week. Meanwhile, Pine Grove will aim to bounce back on the road against the Minersville Battlin’ Miners.
Photos by Dave McKeown / Sharp Mountain Media
To view the full gallery or to purchase photos, visit
https://sharpmountainmedia.smugmug.com/Mahanoy-Area-at-Pine-Grove-Football-92625
