Football Flashback
Alumni Battle in a Classic Clash
By Meredith Rhoades
SHENANDOAH-On August 11th, alumni members of Mahanoy Area and Shenandoah Valley high school football teams suited up once again in the First Annual Alumni Game held at Shenandoah’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.
As any graduate of the two schools knows, the Bears’ and Blue Devil’s rivalry is unmatched, not only in football, but in every sport. Each year, it’s a game that’s circled on every Mahanoy or Shenandoah athlete’s calendar.
This rivalry has deep roots that grow in the hearts of every athlete¾even after graduation. So, when the opportunity arose for football alums from either school to play again, many jumped at the chance. It was the first time in years that some of them took to the field.
Gridiron Grit
All played their hearts out and left everything out on that field. From the stands, you could see the pure grit of every player on every single down. Not even the downpour during the second quarter could stop them.
At the half, Mahanoy Area was leading Shenandoah Valley 14-7, but the game was a back and forth battle with a late drive by Shenandoah Valley that almost tied the game. The Bears eventually pulled out the 14-7 victory over the Blue Devils.
The game ended with the players meeting at the 50-yard line, shaking hands, making jokes, and holding a moment of prayer.
Whether you were watching from the stands or playing in the game, you could not miss the passion for football and camaraderie that each and every player showed all night.
Top Photo by David Lindenmuth.