The Tamaqua Area Raiders stunned the North Schuylkill Spartans with a 35-17 victory Friday night.
Coming off a big win against Mount Carmel in Week 1, North Schuylkill entered the game with momentum, while Tamaqua looked to build on their Week 1 win over Pen Argyl.
Tamaqua won the opening coin toss but chose to defer, allowing North Schuylkill to receive the kickoff. However, the Spartans’ first drive failed to produce any points, giving Tamaqua an early opportunity to capitalize. The Raiders did just that on their opening possession, as Tyler Koch ran the ball in from the 1-yard line with 4:52 remaining in the first quarter. However, the extra point attempt was no good, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of Tamaqua.
North Schuylkill responded quickly on their next drive. Tight end Kevin Jones powered his way into the end zone for a touchdown, and with a successful extra point, the Spartans took a 7-6 lead with 2:11 left in the first quarter.
The game remained a back-and-forth battle through the first half. With 6:40 left in the second quarter, North Schuylkill's Luke Miller intercepted a pass and returned the ball to the 17-yard line, setting the Spartans up with a prime scoring opportunity. Despite having to grind it out, North Schuylkill quarterback Caden Mengel managed to push in a touchdown on a 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line with 3:09 left in the half. The Spartans extended their lead to 14-6.
Tamaqua, however, would not be deterred. With just 22 seconds remaining in the first half, Victor Schlosser broke free for a 23-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The game was tied at 14 as both teams headed into halftime.
The Raiders came out strong in the second half. Early in the third quarter, Bradley Whalen found the end zone, giving Tamaqua a 21-14 lead. North Schuylkill responded with a drive down the field but ultimately had to settle for a field goal by Gavin Mentzer, closing the gap to 21-17.
Heading into the fourth quarter with a narrow lead, Tamaqua dominated on both sides of the ball. A well-executed pass to Schlosser set up another touchdown, and Koch added another rushing touchdown to seal the deal. By the end of the game, Tamaqua had extended their lead to 35-17, securing a victory and remaining undefeated on the season.
The win boosts Tamaqua to a perfect 2-0 record as they head into Week 3, where they will face the Pottsville Crimson Tide on the road. Meanwhile, North Schuylkill will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host Notre Dame Green Pond next week.
Tamaqua won the opening coin toss but chose to defer, allowing North Schuylkill to receive the kickoff. However, the Spartans’ first drive failed to produce any points, giving Tamaqua an early opportunity to capitalize. The Raiders did just that on their opening possession, as Tyler Koch ran the ball in from the 1-yard line with 4:52 remaining in the first quarter. However, the extra point attempt was no good, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of Tamaqua.
North Schuylkill responded quickly on their next drive. Tight end Kevin Jones powered his way into the end zone for a touchdown, and with a successful extra point, the Spartans took a 7-6 lead with 2:11 left in the first quarter.
The game remained a back-and-forth battle through the first half. With 6:40 left in the second quarter, North Schuylkill's Luke Miller intercepted a pass and returned the ball to the 17-yard line, setting the Spartans up with a prime scoring opportunity. Despite having to grind it out, North Schuylkill quarterback Caden Mengel managed to push in a touchdown on a 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line with 3:09 left in the half. The Spartans extended their lead to 14-6.
Tamaqua, however, would not be deterred. With just 22 seconds remaining in the first half, Victor Schlosser broke free for a 23-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The game was tied at 14 as both teams headed into halftime.
The Raiders came out strong in the second half. Early in the third quarter, Bradley Whalen found the end zone, giving Tamaqua a 21-14 lead. North Schuylkill responded with a drive down the field but ultimately had to settle for a field goal by Gavin Mentzer, closing the gap to 21-17.
Heading into the fourth quarter with a narrow lead, Tamaqua dominated on both sides of the ball. A well-executed pass to Schlosser set up another touchdown, and Koch added another rushing touchdown to seal the deal. By the end of the game, Tamaqua had extended their lead to 35-17, securing a victory and remaining undefeated on the season.
The win boosts Tamaqua to a perfect 2-0 record as they head into Week 3, where they will face the Pottsville Crimson Tide on the road. Meanwhile, North Schuylkill will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host Notre Dame Green Pond next week.
