D-11 Football: Carr runs wild as Miners outlast Pen Argyl to reach AA semis
Dante Carr rumbles for one of his four touchdowns in Minersville's 35-27 win over Pen Argyl in a District 11 Class AA quarterfinal Saturday (Photo by Kelly Wiley).
MINERSVILLE — Minersville head coach Justin Frantz describes Dante Carr as a “once in a lifetime, generational talent.”
The UCF commit had a record-breaking night Saturday as Minersville outlasted Pen Argyl 35-27 in a District 11 Class AA quarterfinal at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
It marked the first time Minersville defeated a Lehigh Valley school since 2007 when they edged Pius X 33-32.
Carr ran 21 times for 300 yards and four touchdowns, breaking Minersville’s career rushing touchdown record of 56 previously held by Luke Stevenosky. Carr also eclipsed 3,000 career rushing yards.
Carr scored on four big-yardage runs, reaching the end zone on runs of 63, 34, 54 and 25 yards.
The athleticism of Dante Carr shined on his 34-yard touchdown run where he escaped from the pocket, juked one Pen Argyl defender, hurdled another, somehow stayed in bounds and ran in for the touchdown.
Here’s a video of Carr’s amazing touchdown run by Robbie McGrath of D-11 Sports:
Here is a better video of @Dante_Carr6’s 34 yard touchdown. This is by far the best play I have seen this season.@D11Sports @EPAFootball @IamEliDoyle @SportsCenter @espn @UCF_Football @McKenzieMil10 @The_SFBN @SteveLloydWNEP @the2kzelaya pic.twitter.com/qlx0xFtRAW
— Robbie McGrath (@RobbieM_media) November 1, 2025
Carr gave credit to his offensive line when describing the play after the game.
“My line had a great block and I just saw an edge,” Carr said. “I got to the edge, hit a spin move then the tight end (Ty) Atkinson made an amazing block. Then from there all I remember is jumping in the air to hurdle someone and making it to the end zone. I am super happy to be able to do that.”
Carr had a lot of the big moments in the game, but there were many other big moments and events that happened as well.
To start, Minersville junior kicker Jordan Bowers scored his 100th career kicking point, booting five extra points.
Secondly, junior running back Derek Derenzo had his share of rushing success, running 22 times for 130 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown came on a 45-yard run in the first half.
The Miners finished with 442 yards rushing and 476 yards of total offense.
Finally, Minersville’s defense came up clutch with four turnovers that were huge momentum changers.
Pen Argyl quarterback Mason Soos completed 16-of-23 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns as the Green Knights matched Minersville touchdown for touchdown until a missed extra point kept Minersville ahead 28-27. Carr then scored on his 25-yard TD run to account for the final margin.
Two of those turnovers were interceptions by Paiten LaPoint and Justin Cutler and a pair of fumble recoveries.
LaPoint later left the game due to injury.
“We battled some adversity with LaPoint going down,” Frantz said. “But having a leader like Carr opens the playbook up so much and can create so many different opportunities.
“He can just sling the ball around, but whenever a situation is in doubt you put the ball in his hands and he is going to get it done. He wanted the ball every play. Who am I to say no?”
The victory advances Minersville (9-2) to next Saturday’s semifinals against second-seeded Williams Valley (10-1), which blasted Executive Education 42-13. It’s a rematch of their Week 5 game Sept. 12 that the Vikings pulled out 43-40.
Game Summary
Minersville 35, Pen Argyl 27
Pen Argyl (7-4) 7 14 0 6 — 27
Minersville (9-2) 7 14 7 7 — 35
Min — Carr 63 run (Bowers kick)
Pen — DeCesare 3 run (Kotulka kick)
Min — Derenzo 45 run (Bowers kick)
Pen — Faust 5 pass from Soos (Kotulka kick)
Min — Carr 34 run (Bowers kick)
Pen — Beltran 5 pass from Soos (Kotulka kick)
Min — Carr 54 run (Bowers kick)
Pen — Metzgar 34 pass from Soos (kick failed)
Min — Carr 25 run (Bowers kick)
