​LEHIGHTON, Carbon County - "We lost a lot of energy, a lot of emotion," is how North Schuylkill Head Coach Wally Hall described the end of a football season rife with trials and triumphs.

The Spartans entered Friday's game 10-1, looking to win back-to-back District XI 3A titles as they face the 9-2 Tamaqua Blue Raiders. The team was especially playing for injured quarterback #6 Jaden Leiby. Leiby was injured midway through their Schuylkill League Division 1 title game against Pottsville two weeks ago. ​

Both schools recognized Jaden Leiby by wearing #6 decals on their helmets, and NS captains brought his #6 jersey to midfield for the coin toss.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - When the clock reached zero, and it became official North Schuylkill was bound for the District XI 3A title game, the announcer came over the loudspeaker and said, "I think it's safe to say, that one was for you, Jaden."

That, it truly was.

North Schuylkill Senior QB #6 Jaden Leiby suffered a severe neck injury in last week's Schuylkill League title game, after which he was transported to Ashland's Memorial Field to an awaiting MedEvac helicopter. From there, he was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Lehigh County, where he underwent surgery and currently resides. It's said he has "a long road ahead of him," regarding recovery.

MOUNT CARMEL, Northumberland County - Shenandoah's Junior Blue Devil Mini-B squad traveled across the county line to the Silver Bowl for their playoff matchup against the Junior Tornadoes today.

​SHENANDOAH - The American Legion Damato/Szematowicz Trophy returned to Shenandoah, albeit briefly, as the Bears left no question that it was coming back to Mahanoy City with them Friday night.

It was the 111th meeting between the Shenandoah and Mahanoy football squads, both of whom are bound for district playoffs next week.

​SHENANDOAH - The Shenandoah Jr. Blue Devil organization hosted their annual pink-out game Saturday afternoon, hosting Mahanoy Area for their final regular season game of the year.

The football team donned pink socks and other items, while the Jr. Devils cheerleaders wore their special pink uniforms.

MINERSVILLE - In a rematch of a week three matchup where the Miners blanked Shenandoah 41-0 on the west end, it was more of the same Friday night in Minersville.

A record-breaking Minersville pass-attack gave the Battlin' Miners, who entered the game 3-5, a distinct advantage.

MAHANOY CITY - There will not be a football game in Mahanoy City this weekend, after Mahanoy Area's opponent for their final home game forfeited.

The high school and football boosters both posted to their Facebook pages, saying Marian Catholic (1-7) forfeited the game.

SHENANDOAH - A pair of late scores broke a scoreless dogfight to give Shenandoah Valley's junior high squad a victory over Nativity BVM Monday afternoon.

The game was a scoreless defensive battle for the first three quarters, and much of the fourth.

FRACKVILLE - Local football seasons are winding down, including for the Tri-County Midget Football League.

In their penultimate game of the season before playoffs, Shenandoah and Frackville faced off at Memorial Field earlier today.

SHENANDOAH - The Lady Devils closed out their 2019 regular season campaign on a high note.

Facing the North Schuylkill Spartans at home, the Devils, entering the game at 6-11, are vying for the sixth and final District XI 1A berth. The Spartans, entering the game 5-11, will not make the 2A playoffs field this year, but will play one more game this season.