MINERSVILLE — The Battlin’ Miners put up a tremendous fight against Williams Valley, but behind the efforts of Trevon Bair, Fletcher Thompson, and Mason Browser, the Vikings escaped with a thrilling 36-34 overtime victory in what could be considered one of the best games in Schuylkill County this season.
Both defenses dominated the opening quarter, keeping the game scoreless at 0-0.
Minersville opened the scoring early in the second quarter when John Lutsky broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run with 11:01 remaining, giving the Battlin’ Miners a 7-0 lead.
Williams Valley answered with a rushing touchdown at the 6:37 mark of the second quarter. The Vikings successfully converted the two-point attempt to take an 8-7 lead.
Minersville regained the advantage late in the first half when Derek Derenzo returned an interception for a touchdown with 1:19 remaining. The Battlin’ Miners carried a 14-8 lead into halftime.
Williams Valley came out strong in the second half. Mason Browser came up with a huge interception early in the third quarter, setting up a 3-yard touchdown run by Cayden Witmer. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the game tied at 14-14 with 7:49 remaining in the quarter.
Minersville responded with a big play of its own. Justin Cutler hauled in a 55-yard touchdown reception with 3:40 remaining in the third quarter, putting the Battlin’ Miners back in front, 21-14. That score held through the end of the quarter.
The Vikings continued to battle in the fourth quarter. Standout running back Fletcher Thompson scored on a 25-yard touchdown run with 11:51 remaining. However, the two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Williams Valley trailing 21-20.
Minersville answered when Derenzo found the end zone again, this time on an 8-yard touchdown run with 6:42 remaining, extending the Battlin’ Miners’ lead to 28-20.
Williams Valley refused to go away. Trevon Bair came through with a clutch 1-yard touchdown run to bring the Vikings within two points. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Minersville drove down the field in the closing minutes, giving Jordan Bowers an opportunity to win the game with a 50-yard field goal. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, sending the contest into overtime.
Williams Valley struck first in overtime when Bair scored another touchdown. The Vikings successfully converted the two-point attempt to take a 36-28 lead.
Minersville responded immediately when Bowers hauled in a touchdown reception on the Battlin’ Miners’ first play of overtime, cutting the deficit to 36-34.
The game came down to one final two-point conversion attempt. Derenzo scrambled and attempted a pass, but it fell incomplete, allowing Williams Valley to escape with a thrilling 36-34 overtime victory.
Williams Valley (6-1) returns home next week to face the Marian Catholic Colts (4-3).
Minersville (1-6) will travel to Mahanoy Area to take on the Golden Bears (3-4).
