Mahanoy Area's Michael Oblas, second from left, and Shenandoah Valley's Brayden Lutz, second from right, were the 2024 recipients of the James J. and Mary Edith Rhoades Foundation Most Valuable Player Awards following the 116th meeting between the schools in Mahanoy City. Participating in the ceremony are, from left: Jack Rhoades, the late senator's grandson; Oblas, Lutz, and James Rhoades Jr., the late senator's son. Mahanoy Area retained the Damato-Szematowicz Gold Star Trophy with a 42-13 victory (Photo by Mahanoy Area Athletics).

SHENANDOAH — It doesn’t matter that the two teams have combined for just one win this season.

When Mahanoy Area and Shenandoah Valley clash on the football field, it’s a rivalry game that has a special feel to it.

The Golden Bears and Blue Devils clash tonight at Shenandoah Valley’s Veterans Memorial Stadium for the 117th time in a series that dates back to 1899. The two schools have played continuously since 1921, a span of 104 years.

The winner claims the Damato-Szematowicz Trophy, or often called “The Gold Star Trophy,” a prestigious award named after a pair of World War II military heroes: Shenandoah’s Anthony P. Damato and Mahanoy City’s Jerome Szematowicz. The seniors of both teams annually get together the Thursday night before the game at the annual “Gold Star Dinner.”

Cpl. Damato was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marine Division, 5th Amphibious Corps. The Shenandoah native was killed on the night of Feb. 19-20, 1944, in the Marshall Islands when he threw himself on a grenade in a foxhole to save two other Marines. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. The American Legion Post No. 702 in Shenandoah is named in his honor.

Army Air Corps Pvt. Szematowicz was a chief mechanic with the Material Squadron. He was killed at Hicam Field in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the Japanese staged their attack Dec. 7, 1941. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service to our country.

For a great historical look back at this series, see a column written by Shenandoah native and former Shenandoah Evening-Herald sportswriter Sam Matta for this website last year — www.t102sportsnow.com/2024/10/24/mahanoy-area-shenandoah-valley-rivalry-stands-test-of-time/. It’s a great read.

Shenandoah Valley leads this all-time series 60-50-6, but Mahanoy Area has won the last 12 games.

It’s been a struggle for both schools this season. The Golden Bears are 1-8 and have been outscored 318-54. Mahanoy’s only win came Sept. 26 at Pine Grove, 22-20.

Shenandoah Valley is 0-9 and enters the game with a 25-game losing streak dating back to Sept. 23, 2023, a 47-6 victory over Hancock, Md. The Blue Devils have been outscored 360-91, reaching the end zone more than once in a game just twice all year. Second-year coach Dave Bench is still looking for his first victory, going 0-19.

There are brighter days ahead for both programs — maybe as a joint venture. We’ll have to see about that.

For now, winning tonight’s clash is all on the mind of those wearing black and gold and those wearing Columbia blue and white.

Regardless of the records, it’s still a special night.

Nativity and Marian kicked off Week 10 on Thursday night, with the Colts claiming a 41-14 Schuylkill-Colonial Blue Division victory to finish the regular season 7-3. Both teams will compete in the District 2/11 Class A subregional playoffs next week.

For a detailed look at the North Schuylkill-Pottsville game, visit https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2025/10/24/hs-football-pottsville-hosts-north-schuylkill-in-regular-season-finale/.

Here’s a capsule look at this week’s games:

Friday’s games

North Schuylkill (6-3) at Pottsville (3-6)

Last week: North Schuylkill beat Lehighton 36-14; Pottsville lost to Blue Mountain 49-14

Last year: North Schuylkill 36-0

TV/Radio: WPPA 1360 AM / 105.9 FM

Live Updates: Follow T102 Sports Now writer Eli Doyle on X @iamelidoyle

Series history: Pottsville 21-12

Stat Leaders: North Schuylkill — QB Caden Mengel, 56-97-3, 1,046 yards, 11 TDs; RB Luke Miller 179-2,009, 22 rushing TDs; WR Landen Smith, 20-507, 5 TDs. Pottsville — QB Andrew Allen 91-159-3, 1,063 yards, 11 TDs; RB Max Clews 61-348, TD rushing, 22-200, 3 TDs receiving; WR Christian Alvarez 19-218, 2 TDs; WR Shay Strencosky 13-212, 3 TDs; WR Nick Huda 22-226, 2 TDs.

Breakdown: The Spartans have dominated this Schuylkill-Colonial Red Division matchup in recent years, winning six of the last seven, most by lopsided scores. They enter the regular-season finale having won three straight, beating Bangor, Blue Mountain and Lehighton in convincing fashion. RB Luke Miller has been unstoppable, rushing for 769 yards and scoring nine touchdowns in that three-game span. He’s the area’s first 2,000-yard rusher this season, entering tonight’s game with a single-season school-record 2,009 yards after becoming the school’s all-time rushing leader last week. … It’s been a struggle offensively for Pottsville, although Allen went over 1,000 yards passing for the season last week. The Tide will need a big effort in the trenches and defensively against the run to contain North Schuylkill’s potent attack.

Next week: North Schuylkill will host a District 11 Class 3A quarterfinal Thursday. Pottsville will travel for a District 11 Class 4A quarterfinal Thursday.

Tamaqua (3-6) at Blue Mountain (5-4)

Last week: Tamaqua lost to Northwestern Lehigh 56-16; Blue Mountain defeated Pottsville 49-14

Last year: Blue Mountain 21-7

TV/Radio: WAVT 101.9 FM (T-102)

Live Updates: Follow T102 Sports Now writer Bob Lipsky on X @BobLipskyRH

Stat Leaders: Blue Mountain — QB Cohen Kirby 78-138-2, 1,265 yards, 15 TDs; RB Carter Smith 78-681, 5 TDs; RB Brody Foose 82-593, 8 TDs; WR Chase Guers 22-342, 5 TDs; WR Josh Hoover 15-340, 4 TDs; WR Kole Luckenbill 15-295, 2 TDs; TE Frankie Russo 15-125, 2 TDs. Tamaqua — QB Chase Serfass 49-102-4, 529 yards, 2 TDs; RB Terrence McDowell 226-1,285 yards, 16 TDs; FB Malachi Stewart 61-285, 4 TDs; WR Brady McCabe 16-201, TD; WR Ace Schickram 18-158

Breakdown: It’s Hall of Fame Night at the Eagles’ Nest, where eight new members will be inducted into the Blue Mountain All-Sports Hall of Fame. Blue Mountain enters on the heels of a convincing 49-14 victory over Pottsville in the Clash of 61 rivalry game in which the Eagles got big games from Kirby, Brody Foose and the Eagles’ cast of receivers on offense and strong play up front on defense by Dylan Foose and Will Shaner. If there’s been a weakness of the Blue Mountain defense, it’s stopping the run. North Schuylkill rushed for 447 yards against the Eagles two weeks ago. Tamaqua will try to do the same thing as the Blue Raiders’ offense is a ground-oriented attack paced by super soph McDowell. Tamaqua averages 201.1 yards rushing per game. If Tamaqua is able to run the football successfully and limit Blue Mountain’s explosive plays, it has a chance.

Next week: Blue Mountain will host a District 11 Class 4A quarterfinal if it wins tonight. Tamaqua will be on the road in the District 11 Class 3A quarterfinals. Both of those games will be Thursday night.

Lehighton (4-5) at Jim Thorpe (4-5)

Last week: Lehighton lost to North Schuylkill 36-14; Jim Thorpe downed Bangor 35-21

Last year: Lehighton 42-26

TV/Radio: WMGH 105.5 FM

Stat Leaders: Lehighton — QB Jayse Lawrence 95-165-4, 1,197 yards, 16 TDs; RB Lucas Croizier 152-905, 6 TDs; TE Blake Roberts 32-277, 4 TDs; WR Caden Meek 27-441, 5 TDs. Jim Thorpe — QB Cole Lazorick, 91-167-8, 1,341 yards, 12 TDs passing; 88-535, 5 TDs rushing; RB Josh Louk 53-312, 3 TDs rushing, 20-222 receiving; WR Bobby Levins 28-345, 6 TDs; WR Spencer Gothard 14-282, 3 TDs.

Breakdown: The annual Route 209 Rivalry game features a pair of teams looking to tune-up for the District 11 Class 4A playoffs. The Indians could get the No. 4 seed with a win and a Blue Mountain loss. Jim Thorpe looks locked into the No. 6 spot but could leapfrog the Indians for No. 5 with a victory. …. A great matchup of dual-threat, 1,000-yard passing QBs in Lawrence and Lazorick. Both will test the opposing defense in various ways. … Key here will come up front. Which team controls the line of scrimmage will give their respective QB more time to make plays.

Next week: Both teams will compete on the road in the District 11 Class 4A quarterfinals Thursday.

Panther Valley (4-5) at Minersville (7-2)

Last week: Panther Valley defeated Mahanoy Area 20-0; Minersville beat Tri-Valley 34-17

Last year: Minersville 43-0

Stat Leaders: Panther Valley — QB Brody Breiner 122-191-7, 1,250 yards, 8 TDs passing; 114-710, 7 TDs rushing; WR Chase McArdle 47-427, 2 TDs; WR Gavin Yuricheck 46-481, 4 TDs. Minersville — QB Dante Carr 90-137-8, 1,478 yards, 24 TDs passing; 88-883 yards, 11 TDs rushing; RB Derek Derenzo 65-431, 5 TDs; WR Paiten LaPoint 37-610, 11 TDs; WR Ty Atkinson 17-343, 7 TDs; WR Matt Dube 20-307, 5 TDs

Game Notes: Another matchup of two explosive quarterbacks in Breiner and Carr, who have combined to throw for 2,728 yards while rushing for 1,593. Breiner was this week’s T102 Sports Now Fanelli, Evans & Patel Athlete of the Week after completing 18-of-21 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 150 yards and another score in the win over Mahanoy Area. Neither team has a potent running game outside of the QBs, so this game could turn into an air show. Minersville enters on a four-game win streak during which the Miners have outscored their opponents 149-24. For Miners, a win clinches a Class AA quarterfinal home game. For Panther Valley, can the Panthers finish the regular season at 5-5? That would be a monumental step for head coach Mark Lavine and his program.

Next week: Panther Valley will travel for a District 11 Class 3A quarterfinal Thursday. Minersville is in position to host a District 11 Class AA quarterfinal Saturday night.

Tri-Valley (6-3) at Schuylkill Haven (9-0)

Last week: Tri-Valley lost to Minersville 34-17; Schuylkill Haven blanked Nativity 57-0

Last year: Schuylkill Haven 66-16

Stat leaders: Tri-Valley — QB Trey Porter 50-93-4, 732 yards, 11 TDs; RB Parker Hatter 110-640, 10 TDs; RB Cole Gemberling 57-408, 7 TDs; WR Cooper Carl 15-270, 4 TDs. Schuylkill Haven — QB Max Heim 34-62-0, 864 yards, 18 TDs; RB Colton Reber 124-1,654, 23 TDs rushing, 11-344, 6 TDs receiving; RB Nico Castillo 49-570, 11 TDs rushing, 11-323, 8 TDs receiving. … Reber has 30 total touchdowns and 192 points.

Breakdown: A Schuylkill-Colonial Blue Division matchup of the area’s best scoring offense in Schuylkill Haven (54.0 ppg) and the area’s top scoring defense in Tri-Valley (11.9 ppg). The Hurricanes enter as the top-ranked Class AA team in the state by PennLive.com and could clinch the top seed in the District 11 Class AA playoffs with a win. They’re also looking for their first unbeaten regular season since 2008. The Dawgs’ playoff position is already set, as Tri-Valley will visit Marian in the District 2/11 Class A quarterfinals next Friday. One thing to watch: Haven QB Max Heim is 136 passing yards away from 1,000. The last time the Hurricanes had a 1,000-yard passer was 20 years ago, when Mookie Miller passed for 1,646 yards in 2005.

Next week: Tri-Valley will visit Marian in District 2/11 Class A subregional quarterfinals Friday, Oct. 31. Schuylkill Haven will host District 11 Class AA quarterfinal Saturday, Nov. 1.

Mahanoy Area (1-8) at Shenandoah Valley (0-9)

Last week: Mahanoy Area lost to Panther Valley 20-0; Shenandoah Valley lost to Williams Valley 55-6

Last year: Mahanoy Area 42-13

Live Updates: Follow T102 Sports Now content editor Leroy Boyer on X @pubsportsboss

Stat leaders: Mahanoy Area — Not available. Shenandoah Valley — QB Ethan Bench 57-117-6, 852 yards, 5 TDs; RB Mike Elchisak 110-550, 6 TDs; WR Gene Sinkus 19-330, 2 TDs.

Breakdown: Scoring points has been tough for both teams, so getting into some kind of groove offensively is key for both clubs. Both the Bears and Devils have shown at times this season that they can run the ball, with Kyler Quick and Elchisak. Shenandoah Valley QB Bench needs 148 yards passing to reach 1,000. … In games between teams that are struggling, it’s usually a turnover or freak play that determines the outcome. Expect that tonight.

Pine Grove (1-8) at Williams Valley (8-1)

Last week: Pine Grove lost to Marian 35-0; Williams Valley routed Shenandoah Valley 55-6

Last year: Williams Valley 56-13

Stat Leaders: Pine Grove — QB Wyatt Snyder 18-65-9, 214, 3 TDs; QB Wyatt Dixon 6-20-5, 101 yards, 0 TDs; RB Logan Troup 144-592, TD; WR Teagan Schneck-Haines 11-206, 2 TDs. Williams Valley — QB Brady Shomper 56-92-5, 1,068 yards, 17 TDs passing, 112-708, 13 TDs rushing; RB Fletcher Thompson 97-1,069, 13 TDs rushing, 10-208, 2 TDs receiving; WR Evan Achenbach 23-372, 5 TDs; WR Blazer Lords 13-223, 4 TDs; Colin Crisswell 11-231, 5 TDs.

Breakdown: For Pine Grove, the story has been the same: The Cards just can’t score. Pine Grove has scored just 68 points this season (7.6 ppg) and hasn’t scored in the month of October, a span of 13 quarters. Unfortunately, the scoreless streak could continue this week against a red-hot Williams Valley squad that has outscored its opponents 132-16 over the last 10 quarters. Shomper went over 1,000 yards passing last week and Thompson went over 1,000 yards rushing. Look for the Vikes to continue that offensive balance as they tune up for another District 11 Class AA run.

Next week: Williams Valley will host a District 11 Class AA quarterfinal Saturday. This is Pine Grove’s season finale.