On Friday, August 30, Stroudsburg defeated Wilkes-Barre, 35-20.
The scoring got started early as Wilkes-Barre marched down the field on the game’s opening drive to score a touchdown.
Stroudsburg responded right back with a touchdown of their own by running back Jaylin Rieara, ’26.
After that touchdown drive, Stroudsburg seemed to be stuck in the mud after a 30-yard touchdown pass gave Wilkes-Barre the lead. The Mountaineers did not match that same success as Wilkes-Barre got the ball back in control of the game, up 13-7.
The momentum shifted drastically in the second quarter as defensive end Mehki Kirkland, ’25, got into the backfield and caused a fumble, which linebacker James Kelly, ’25, scooped up for a touchdown to give Stroudsburg a 14-13 lead.
Stroudsburg’s momentum grew with wide receiver Ethan Dudsak, ’25, hauling in an incredible hail mary throw by quarterback Ben Pilcher, ’25, to end the first half. The Mountaineers would lead 21-13 going into the intermission.
The second half couldn’t have started worse for Stroudsburg. Kamari Coleman, ’25, muffed a punt which led to Wilkes-Barre getting the ball. Even though the Wolfpack weren’t able to score on that drive, Stroudsburg gave up points on the goal line as quarterback Jack Mitchell, ’27, threw an interception.
Coleman and Mitchell both got redemption though, as they connected on a 40-yard touchdown pass to extend the Mountaineers lead to two possessions.
Wilkes-Barre managed to score late in the third quarter, making the score 28-20.
Wilkes-Barre’s late score wouldn’t matter as Rieara found the end zone for a second time, increasing the Mountaineers lead to 15.
Linebacker Keegan Munch, ’27, officially sealed the deal with an interception to secure the victory.
This marks the second win on the season for the Mountaineers, increasing their record to 2-0. This is the first time since 2013 that the Mountaineers have started 2-0 in a 10-game season.
Their next matchup is Saturday when they travel to visit Liberty (7:00 p.m.).