Both squads entered the contest 3-0, and neither disappointed under the lights. The Vikings and Battlin’ Miners traded scores from start to finish, with the game decided in the closing minutes as Williams Valley’s defense held strong.
Williams Valley quarterback Brady Shomper opened the scoring with a 19-yard touchdown strike to Blazer Lords, followed by a 15-yard scoring run from Fletcher Thompson. Minersville answered each punch, highlighted by a 51-yard touchdown reception by senior Paiten LaPoint from quarterback Dante Carr. Carr later broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run to keep the Miners within striking distance.
At halftime, Williams Valley clung to a narrow advantage, 22-14.
The second half saw the offenses erupt. Shomper powered in for an 8-yard score, while Carr continued to shine for Minersville — adding a 20-yard touchdown connection with Matthew Dube and another long 37-yard run.
Minersville’s junior Derek Derenzo electrified the home crowd with a 63-yard touchdown reception from Carr, briefly giving the Miners momentum. But Thompson silenced it with a 64-yard breakaway run for Williams Valley, his second touchdown of the night.
Carr capped Minersville’s scoring with a 2-yard run late, pulling the Battlin’ Miners within three points. But Williams Valley’s defense stiffened on the final possession to secure the win.
Minersville’s junior Derek Derenzo electrified the home crowd with a 63-yard touchdown reception from Carr, briefly giving the Miners momentum. But Thompson silenced it with a 64-yard breakaway run for Williams Valley, his second touchdown of the night.
Carr capped Minersville’s scoring with a 2-yard run late, pulling the Battlin’ Miners within three points. But Williams Valley’s defense stiffened on the final possession to secure the win.
Williams Valley stays unbeaten and will travel to face Tri-Valley (3-1) next week in another key showdown. Minersville, now 3-1, will regroup for a tough test against undefeated Schuylkill Haven on the road.
Photos by Dave McKeown/Sharp Mountain Media
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