The 103rd Slate Belt Rivalry Game was played in near perfect weather conditions. The Slaters prevailed by a score of 35-6. Pen Argyl leads the all- time series 52-46 with 4 ties.
The Slaters received the opening kickoff and drove the ball to the Pen Argyl 24, but the drive stalled there when Bangor failed to convert on 4th down. Pen Argyl lost yards on some penalties and a few incompletions that led them to attempt a punt on 4th down. The punt was partially blocked by Bangor, Junior Jacob Weaver the ball ended up in the hands of MJ Siu. Siu returned the punt to the end zone for a Slaters touchdown. Siu kicked the extra point and the Slaters were up 7-0 midway through the first quarter.
The Slaters struck again around the middle of the 2nd quarter, the drive was highlighted by a 16 yard run by Ashton Kluska, and a few long runs by Eric Striba. The Slaters hit paydirt when Kluska bulled his way into the endzone on a 6 yard run. That concluded the scoring in the first half. The Slaters led 14-0 at the half.
Pen Argyl received the kickoff to start the 2nd half. The Slaters defense stepped up once again forcing another punt. On the ensuing Slater drive, Striba hit Braiden Pysher with a long pass, setting up the Slaters in Pen Argyl territory. Slaters drove inside the Pen Argyl 10, but a botched snap gave the Slaters a 3rd and goal on the 23. Fantastic play design and execution by the Slaters enabled Striba to hit Riley Stapp with a screen pass, his linemen threw key blocks that enabled him to race into the endzone to put the Slaters up 21-0 with 6:18 left in the 3rd quarter.
Pen Argyl got some key runs by Quarterback Brad Rissmiller on their next drive and drove deep into Slater territory. The drive stalled due to some penalties and Bangor took over on their own 29 yard line with 3:29 left in the 3rd.
On the ensuing Slaters drive Noah Hillis scampered for 20 yards on a 3rd and 4 and set up the Slaters in Pen Argyl territory as the 3rd quarter ended. The Slater drive ended with a nifty 36 yard touchdown run by Striba. The Slaters were up 28-0 early in the 4th quarter.
Pen Argyl’s next drive was highlighted by a pass caught by Alex Moser from Rissmiller. The Green Knights drive stalled there after some penalties and multiple sacks by Dylan Krugh.
The Slaters took over and scored their final points of the game on an incredible run by Kluska, when he juked and broke multiple tackles to score his second touchdown of the game. Slaters led 35-0 with about 5 minutes left in the game.
Pen Argyl scored their only points of the game as time expired, when Kris Kessler scored on a 1 yard plunge. The final score was 35-6.
Pen Argyl’s leading rusher was Kris Kessler, who scored the lone touchdown for the Knights. Pen Argyl’s leading receiver was Damian Tyminski with 6 catches for 59 yards.
Bangor’s leading rusher was Eric Striba with 146 yards, who surpassed 1000 rushing yards on the season during this game.
Bangor’s leading receiver was Riley Stapp, with 2 receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown.
After the Rivalry game, awards were given to the MVP of both teams and the outstanding lineman of the game. Jaydon Vilmenay of Bangor was awarded the Outstanding Lineman Award. Pen Argyl’s MVP was senior, Gian Greggo. Bangor’s MVP was senior, Eric Striba.
Looking forward, Bangor will play Allentown Central Catholic at J. Birney Crum on Friday November 4th, in the District 11 4A Semi-Final. Pen Argyl will play in the 2A Eastern Conference Championship game against Susquehanna Community. Date and Location are TBD.
