Week 1 of the Schuylkill County High School Football season kicked off with a rivalry clash as the North Schuylkill Spartans hosted the Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes.
The long-standing rivalry saw Mount Carmel entering the game leading the all-time series with 40 wins to North Schuylkill’s 16. However, the Spartans, fresh off a win in the 2023 matchup, had other plans.
North Schuylkill wasted no time asserting their presence, receiving the opening kickoff and marching down the field. Luke Miller exploded with a 29-yard touchdown run at the 7:59 mark, putting the Spartans up 7-0 early.
Mount Carmel quickly responded, capitalizing on a defensive play. With 6:18 left in the first quarter, Jaylen Delaney intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Robert Schoppy’s extra point tied the game at 7-7, shifting momentum back to the Tornadoes.
However, the Spartans maintained their composure. With just under four minutes left in the quarter, Chase Slotcavage recovered a fumble on the Mount Carmel 33-yard line. North Schuylkill’s Gavin Mentzer then delivered with a 49-yard field goal at 2:12, pushing the Spartans ahead 10-7. The first quarter ended with another turnover recovery by North Schuylkill’s Cooper Carl, setting them up in excellent field position.
The second quarter belonged to Luke Miller and the North Schuylkill offense. Miller added to his first-quarter score with a 21-yard touchdown run at 11:52, extending the Spartans’ lead to 17-7. The Spartans’ defense continued to stifle Mount Carmel, and Miller struck again with a 2-yard touchdown run with 7:08 remaining in the half, making it 24-7.
Miller wasn’t finished yet. He capped off his spectacular half with a 5-yard touchdown run at 2:51, though a failed two-point conversion kept the score at 30-7. Just before halftime, Mount Carmel showed signs of life as Delaney caught a 66-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 30-14 heading into the break.
Mount Carmel came out of halftime determined to claw their way back into the game. With 6:33 left in the third quarter, Michael Kimsal powered through for a 2-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion brought the Tornadoes within eight points, making it 30-22. The third quarter ended with North Schuylkill clinging to that 30-22 lead.
Early in the fourth quarter, North Schuylkill’s Caden Mengel extended the Spartans’ lead with a 1-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown at the 10:26 mark, followed by the extra point, making it 37-22. However, Mount Carmel refused to go quietly. The Tornadoes answered with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Tait Adams, followed by a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 37-30 with plenty of time left.
Mount Carmel had one last opportunity to even the score, but with 2:19 left on the clock, the Spartans’ defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs to seal the game.
Milestone Victory for Coach Hall
The 37-30 victory was a significant one for North Schuylkill. Not only did it mark a triumphant start to their season, but it also secured Head Coach Wally Hall’s 100th win with the Spartans. Meanwhile, Mount Carmel was left waiting for their 900th all-time program win.
North Schuylkill wasted no time asserting their presence, receiving the opening kickoff and marching down the field. Luke Miller exploded with a 29-yard touchdown run at the 7:59 mark, putting the Spartans up 7-0 early.
Mount Carmel quickly responded, capitalizing on a defensive play. With 6:18 left in the first quarter, Jaylen Delaney intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Robert Schoppy’s extra point tied the game at 7-7, shifting momentum back to the Tornadoes.
However, the Spartans maintained their composure. With just under four minutes left in the quarter, Chase Slotcavage recovered a fumble on the Mount Carmel 33-yard line. North Schuylkill’s Gavin Mentzer then delivered with a 49-yard field goal at 2:12, pushing the Spartans ahead 10-7. The first quarter ended with another turnover recovery by North Schuylkill’s Cooper Carl, setting them up in excellent field position.
The second quarter belonged to Luke Miller and the North Schuylkill offense. Miller added to his first-quarter score with a 21-yard touchdown run at 11:52, extending the Spartans’ lead to 17-7. The Spartans’ defense continued to stifle Mount Carmel, and Miller struck again with a 2-yard touchdown run with 7:08 remaining in the half, making it 24-7.
Miller wasn’t finished yet. He capped off his spectacular half with a 5-yard touchdown run at 2:51, though a failed two-point conversion kept the score at 30-7. Just before halftime, Mount Carmel showed signs of life as Delaney caught a 66-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 30-14 heading into the break.
Mount Carmel came out of halftime determined to claw their way back into the game. With 6:33 left in the third quarter, Michael Kimsal powered through for a 2-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion brought the Tornadoes within eight points, making it 30-22. The third quarter ended with North Schuylkill clinging to that 30-22 lead.
Early in the fourth quarter, North Schuylkill’s Caden Mengel extended the Spartans’ lead with a 1-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown at the 10:26 mark, followed by the extra point, making it 37-22. However, Mount Carmel refused to go quietly. The Tornadoes answered with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Tait Adams, followed by a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 37-30 with plenty of time left.
Mount Carmel had one last opportunity to even the score, but with 2:19 left on the clock, the Spartans’ defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs to seal the game.
Milestone Victory for Coach Hall
The 37-30 victory was a significant one for North Schuylkill. Not only did it mark a triumphant start to their season, but it also secured Head Coach Wally Hall’s 100th win with the Spartans. Meanwhile, Mount Carmel was left waiting for their 900th all-time program win.
Photos and Story by J. Reed / Skook News
