<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2PNAkQ_0wEtsn7r00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2PNAkQ_0wEtsn7r00" width="640" height="336" ></figure>In the meeting between the two Schuylkill County rivals, the Pottsville Area Crimson Tide defeated the Blue Mountain Eagles 28-14 in the annual "Clash of 61." Both teams entered the game with much at stake, but it was Pottsville that emerged victorious after a dominant second-half performance.Blue Mountain Strikes EarlyThe game began with Blue Mountain looking to bounce back from their second loss of the season the previous week against North Schuylkill. They wasted no time making a statement. In the first quarter, Blue Mountain's running back Tyler Stahley burst through the Pottsville defense for a 39-yard touchdown, and Aiden Grace's extra point gave the Eagles an early 7-0 lead.However, Pottsville quickly answered. Quarterback Andrew Allen connected with wide receiver Tsirell Curry on a stunning 71-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7 after the successful extra point.Pottsville Grabs the Lead, Blue Mountain RespondsIn the second quarter, Pottsville took a brief lead when Allen booted a 19-yard field goal to push the Crimson Tide ahead 10-7. But Blue Mountain responded in kind, as running back Reese Miller raced 46 yards for a touchdown, with Grace's extra point making it 14-10 in favor of the Eagles.Tight Contest at HalftimeThe Eagles held their slim 14-10 lead going into the halftime break, but Pottsville showed grit coming out of the locker room. In the third quarter, they chipped away at the lead, settling for another field goal as Allen drilled a 32-yard kick to close the gap. Blue Mountain held a narrow 14-13 lead heading into the final quarter.Pottsville Dominates the Fourth QuarterThe fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Crimson Tide. Running back Juleon Bainbridge powered through the Blue Mountain defense with a 19-yard touchdown run. Pottsville's decision to go for a two-point conversion paid off, as Allen connected with Letrel Montone to put the Tide up 21-14.Pottsville sealed the victory with a second Bainbridge rushing touchdown, this time from 2 yards out, and Allen's extra point extended the lead to 28-14. Playoff Picture and What’s NextWith this win, Pottsville Area improves to 5-4 on the season, which helps their standing in the District XI Class 4A playoff race. Pottsville now holds the fifth seed and will face a key matchup next week against the North Schuylkill Spartans in what could determine playoff seeding.For Blue Mountain, this marks their second consecutive loss, dropping them to 6-3 on the season. Despite the defeat, the Eagles still retain the second seed in District XI Class 4A. They will look to regain momentum as they finish their regular season on the road against Tamaqua.Photos by Jocelyn Barrett / Danie Mae Photography / Skook NewsTo the full gallery or purchase photos of the game, visit</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Clash of 61 - Pottsville Area Overcomes Blue Mountain

In the meeting between the two Schuylkill County rivals, the Pottsville Area Crimson Tide defeated the Blue Mountain Eagles 28-14 in the annual \"Clash of 61.\" Both teams entered the game with much at stake, but it was Pottsville that emerged victorious after a dominant second-half performance. Blue Mountain Strikes...

In the meeting between the two Schuylkill County rivals, the Pottsville Area Crimson Tide defeated the Blue Mountain Eagles 28-14 in the annual "Clash of 61." Both teams entered the game with much at stake, but it was Pottsville that emerged victorious after a dominant second-half performance. Blue Mountain Strikes...