They may be arch-enemies on the football field, but the trio of local teams headed to the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs this weekend are, collectively, coal region proud.
The unprecedented local advancement of three neighboring school districts - Mount Carmel Area, Shamokin Area and Southern Columbia - four weeks deep into the playoffs has the community at-large excited. There's a "buzz," and it's easily crossing borders usually guarded by fierce competitiveness.
"The rivalry is great when you're on the field, but off the field, you're friends," Mount Carmel Area (MCA) Athletic Director Gregory Sacavage said Tuesday. "We're all from the coal region, and it's a great opportunity to watch three teams play and support each other."
"It was the only thing they (the kids, staff and board members) were talking about today: the football game and how well they were doing," Shamokin Area Athletic Director Rick Kashner said Tuesday. "I got chills."
It's indeed a rare circumstance. MCA's Red Tornadoes (Class AA), Shamokin Area's Indians (AAA) and Southern's Tigers (A), while enjoying healthy regular season rivalries, are in different classes, so they don't cross paths in the playoffs. They are three of just 32 teams across Pennsylvania that still have a chance at a state championship when the four title games are played Dec. 16 and 17 at Hersheypark.
Adding to the unique atmosphere is the fact that Shamokin Area will play this week's game at the Silver Bowl in Mount Carmel - Friday night - and MCA will play its game at Shamokin Area's Kemp Memorial Stadium - Saturday afternoon. It's a convenient arrangement for local fans that's based on the PIAA's practice of rotating playoff game sites year to year among its districts statewide.
Roth sees 'excitement'
Southern and Mount Carmel have had plenty of past football success with a combined 11 state championships and seven runner-up finishes. Nonetheless, Tigers head coach and athletic director Jim Roth said everybody's been talking about the upcoming weekend.
"It brings a little more excitement to it with local teams. It's neat to have three at this point," he said Tuesday.
Roth said he wouldn't even send video footage to Lancaster Catholic of the Tigers' game against Mount Carmel, a courtesy usually extended among a team's common foes.
"We're not helping someone like that in a local game like this," he said.
Roth and other school representatives noted how crowds cheered last week when scores were announced for other local teams.
Meanwhile, Kashner and Chris Venna, principal at Shamokin Area, noted that 1991 was the last time the Indians were in the state playoffs.
"You can see the excitement; you can feel it in the halls," Venna said about the buzz from students and well-wishes from teachers.
Perseverance pays
Not lost on Shamokin's school leaders is the fact that the Indians entered the playoffs with a 3-7 record and low expectations, outside of the team, at least. After three playoff wins, including two by dramatic comeback, one of those in overtime, lessons have been learned and respect earned.
"We're all very proud of our football team still playing," Venna said. "It's a credit to our players. They persevered the entire season, and they have been resilient. It's nice to see success when you stay at something and believe in yourself."
Venna is also in a unique situation, being both a Mount Carmel Area graduate and former teacher, and now the principal at Shamokin Area.
"I'm 100 percent behind Shamokin regardless of who they're playing," he said, but, "at this time of year, we root for all local teams."
SCA high school principal James Becker said there is excitement in his school as well. In anticipation of last week's game, the football boosters put up signs and decorations, which are still there this week, featuring school colors along Route 487 from the school south to Elysburg.
"You're seeing more than you would during a regular season," he said.
Community 'upbeat'
Mount Carmel Mayor J. Kevin Jones said the games are certainly good news.
"It puts positive attention to the whole area. It shows the quality kids we produce around here. That's what I like about it," he said.
All the teams should be proud of their accomplishments, Jones noted.
"I'm happy and the community is upbeat. They'll come out to support the kids. None of these teams are in competition with each other anymore," he said.
The case of Shamokin and Mount Carmel swapping fields and playing on separate days - and essentially having "home" games - is expected to boost attendance.
"Mount Carmel faithful will be at the Shamokin game, Shamokin faithful will be cheering Mount Carmel," Venna said.
"We should have a great coal region crowd for both teams," Sacavage said.
The games
In Class A, District 4 champion Southern Columbia Area (12-1) will travel to the Lehigh Valley to meet District 11 champion Pius X (12-1) at Nazareth High School's Andrew S. Leh Stadium, 7 p.m. Friday.
In Class AAA, District 4 champ Shamokin Area (6-7) will face District 11 winner and defending state champion Allentown Central Catholic (8-5) at Mount Carmel Area's Silver Bowl, 7 p.m. Friday.
In Class AA, District 4 champ MCA will take on the District 3 champion Lancaster Catholic Crusaders (13-0) at Shamokin Area's Kemp Memorial Stadium, noon Saturday.