Wilkes-Barre Area defeats Wyoming Valley West in the Battle for the Bridge

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Jared Samuel | October 10, 2026

Down 7-6 at halftime, Wilkes-Barre Area made big stops on defense in the 2nd half and a strong performance from RB Aiden Gilmore to defeat Wyoming Valley West 16-7 and take home The Bridge trophy.  Gilmore had a rushing TD and QB Declan Gregor had a rushing TD for the Wolfpack.  Wyoming Valley West got a rushing TD from WR Gadgidas Reisinger.

Wilkes-Barre Area got on the board first.  A lengthy 1st quarter drive was capped when QB Declan Gregor scored on a 1-yard run to give Wilkes-Barre a 6-0 lead with 5:54 left in the 1st quarter.

Wilkes-Barre TD! Declan Gregor with the 1-yard keeper. 6-0 WB, 554 left Q1.
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— Jared Samuel (@jaredsamuelpfn) October 10, 2026

Both defenses then played inspired ball and the teams traded several possessions.  Later in the 2nd quarter, Wyoming Valley West took the lead when WR Gadgidas Reisinger hit on a tough 5-yard run.  With 1:43 left before the half, the Spartans took a 7-6 lead and that’s how the game went to halftime.

Wyoming Valley West TD! Gadgidas Reisinger with a 5-yard run. 7-6 WVW, 143 left Q2.
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@wvwfootball https://t.co/CbfQQ9FgnL

— Jared Samuel (@jaredsamuelpfn) October 10, 2026

In the 3rd quarter, the Wilkes-Barre defense played strong and regained possession.  Their offense had a nice drive going but it stalled just inside the 20 of the Spartans.  Wilkes-Barre K John Mendola then came on and drilled a 34-yard field goal to make it 9-7 for Wilkes-Barre with 6:37 left in the 3rd quarter.

Wilkes-Barre FG! John Mendola hits a 34 yard field goal. WB 9-7, 637 left Q3.
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— Jared Samuel (@jaredsamuelpfn) October 10, 2026

Some penalties and a turnover from Wyoming Valley West then allowed Wilkes-Barre to quickly regain possession again.  After an injury to WR Wonder Woods, the Wolfpack played very inspired ball and RB Aiden Gilmore struck paydirt on a 17-yard run to make it 16-7 Wilkes-Barre with 4:19 left in the 3rd quarter.

Wilkes-Barre TD! 17-uard run from Aiden Gilmore. WB 16-7, 419 left Q3.
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— Jared Samuel (@jaredsamuelpfn) October 10, 2026

Wyoming Valley West had several more chances to get points on the board, but penalties and inspired play by the Wolfpack defense kept the Spartans from gaining any momentum.  The Wilkes-Barre offense was able to run time off the clock and they emerged victorious with a 16-7 win.  Wilkes-Barre improved to 2-5 and will face Pittston Area at home next Friday.  Wyoming Valley West dropped to 4-3 and will head up to play Hazleton Area.

After the game I had a chance to speak to RB Aiden Gilmore about his team’s big win:

My post-game interview with RB Aiden Gilmore of the Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack
@aidenGilmore024 @PaFootballNews https://t.co/707xsmb6jK

— Jared Samuel (@jaredsamuelpfn) October 10, 2026

Check out photos from the game, courtesy of Sherryl Samuel and SAS Imagery & Media:  PHOTO GALLERY

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