HS Football: South smashes North in SCFCA all-star game
Referees Joe Gerchak and Jim Misstishin flip coin as the captains for the North and South look on (Photo by Eli Doyle).
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — One more game, one more chance to make memories.
The Schuylkill League capped off its 2025 football campaign Wednesday night with the annual Schuylkill County Football Coaches’ Association Senior All-Star Game at Schuylkill Haven’s Rotary Field. It was one final opportunity for seniors in the county to showcase their talents and enjoy the camaraderie with teammates from opposing schools.
With schools split on North and South teams, it was the South squad that rolled to a 50-0 win in a game filled with special moments that rose beyond the score.
For the North side, Tamaqua representative Malachi Stewart finished the night with 35 yards on six carries and a 23-yard reception, helping him earn his team’s MVP award. North Schuylkill’s David Martinez won the North Lineman MVP award.
“This was a great opportunity because I went against other good competition around the area,” Stewart said. “I think I showed what I can do, but I really wish I got a touchdown.”
At the helm of the North coaching staff was Panther Valley head coach Mark Lavine, who got his first opportunity to lead the all-star team staff after three previous years as an assistant.
“It’s just a fun experience anytime you get to be involved in any type of all star game,” Lavine said. “You really enjoy it anytime you get to work with young men that want to be here. For some of these kids, it might be the last time they play football. So I just wanted to make it as enjoyable as possible.”
On the South side, Schuylkill Haven head coach Mike Farr got the chance to lead the South to a third victory in the last four meetings between the North and South. The North leads the all-time series 20-17-1.
The North roster featured players from Mahanoy Area, Marian, North Schuylkill, Panther Valley, Pottsville and Tamaqua. The South roster included players from Blue Mountain, Minersville, Nativity, Pine Grove, Schuylkill Haven, Tri-Valley and Williams Valley.
“It’s all about the players,” he said. “We just come out here and let them have some fun and this is always a great time.”
The Hurricanes also got to showcase the senior duo of Max Heim and Niko Castillo. Heim went 5-for-8 passing for 128 yards and three touchdowns as South’s starting quarterback, earning him the South MVP award. Castillo scored two TDs — a 4-yard run and a 72-yard catch-and-run.
Tri-Valley’s Cole Gemberling also shined in his final outing, going 88 yards on six carries and scoring two TDs on runs of 42 and 18 yards.
“This past week was just a blessing to come out and have those past competitors being my teammates and just a great bonding experience,” Gemberling said.
Minersville wide receiver Paiten LaPoint chipped in offensively with two TDs, one on a 28-yard reception and the other on a 45-yard interception return.
Minersville’s Ty Atkinson hauled in the other South touchdown on a 9-yard pass from Heim. Blue Mountain’s Josh Hoover booted six conversion kicks.
However, among all performances, the most memorable for many of the coaches, players and fans had to be from 6-foot-4 470-pound Minersville lineman Gavin Spirko.
After LaPoint’s pick-6, Spirko powered into the end zone for the two-point conversion, much to the delight of everyone watching. Later in the second half, Spirko also earned a fumble recovery, which put the bow on him winning the game’s lineman MVP award.
Despite the lopsided score, it was these two moments from Spirko that symbolized the night: one final chance for a group of high school football players to enjoy a night under the lights on the field together. They did just that.
