ST. CLAIR — Behind an outstanding offensive and defensive performance, Minersville defeated Nativity BVM, 43-8, to bring the Battle in the Backyard trophy back to the coal region.
Both defenses started strong, forcing stops on their opponents’ opening possessions. However, Minersville struck first when John Lutsky broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run, giving the Battlin’ Miners a 7-0 lead.
Nativity quickly answered when Cole Felty hauled in a 10-yard touchdown reception. The Green Wave successfully converted the two-point attempt to take an 8-7 lead.
Minersville responded with another touchdown run by Lutsky. A successful two-point conversion put the Battlin’ Miners back in front, 15-8, at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Derek Derenzo scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to extend Minersville’s lead to 22-8 heading into halftime.
The Battlin’ Miners broke the game open in the third quarter.
Derenzo scored his second rushing touchdown of the night to increase Minersville’s advantage to 29-8.
Lutsky followed with an explosive 63-yard touchdown run, completing his three-touchdown performance and extending the lead to 36-8.
Derenzo capped the scoring with his third rushing touchdown of the game, sealing Minersville’s 43-8 victory at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The win allowed the Battlin’ Miners to close their season on a high note while bringing home the Battle in the Backyard rivalry trophy.
Box Score
| Team |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Final |
| Minersville |
15 |
7 |
21 |
0 |
43 |
| Nativity BVM |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
Season Recap
Minersville (3-7)
Minersville finished the season with a 3-7 overall record, including a 1-4 record at home and a 2-3 record on the road.
The Battlin’ Miners earned victories over Halifax, Mahanoy Area and Nativity BVM. Key contributors throughout the season included Derek Derenzo, John Lutsky, Jordan Bowers and Justin Cutler.
Nativity BVM (1-9)
Nativity BVM concluded its season with a 1-9 overall record, including a 1-4 record at home and an 0-5 record on the road.
The Green Wave’s lone victory came against Holy Redeemer. Key contributors throughout the season included Bentley Werez, Cole Felty, Jacob Williams and Owen Holley.
