Both teams were shut out on their first offensive drives before Minersville opened the scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run by Derek Derenzo with 1:00 remaining in the first quarter. Jordan Bowers added the PAT to give the Miners a 7-0 lead.
Northern Lebanon responded by driving down the field, but the Vikings’ drive was cut short when John Lutsky came up with an interception.
The second-quarter scoring started with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Northern Lebanon’s Landon Copenhager, putting the Vikings on the board and tying the game at 7-7.
Minersville’s defense then came up with interceptions on back-to-back Northern Lebanon possessions. The takeaways came courtesy of Jordan Bowers and Lutsky, who recorded his second interception of the game. The first half ended with the teams tied at 7-7.
The third quarter heavily favored the Vikings. Brendan Ryan opened the second half with a quick touchdown, and Northern Lebanon continued its offensive production later in the quarter with a 30-yard touchdown run by Ryan.
The Vikings’ defense also came up with a big stop after a promising Minersville drive. Facing fourth-and-3 in the red zone, the Miners were unable to convert, bringing the third quarter to an end.
Northern Lebanon picked up right where it left off in the fourth quarter. Ryan scored again, this time on a 20-yard touchdown reception, to extend the Vikings’ lead to 25-7.
Minersville refused to go away. Bowers hauled in a 40-yard touchdown reception with 7:00 remaining in the fourth quarter and added the PAT.
The Miners then recovered a huge onside kick and quickly struck again. Derenzo broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run to make it a one-score game, with Bowers adding the PAT.
Minersville continued to build momentum by coming up with a huge defensive stop to get the ball back and give its offense an opportunity to complete the comeback.
It all came down to a fourth-and-6, where Northern Lebanon’s defense shut the door on Minersville’s comeback hopes.
Minersville (1-2) is set to face the Marian Catholic Colts (1-2) at Marian next Friday.
Northern Lebanon (3-0) is set to face the Wyomissing Spartans (0-1) at Wyomissing.
