Pottsville Defense Holds Off Pleasant Valley 20-19 (Video Highlights)

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Jake Mills | September 11, 2026

The Crimson Tide Defense propels Pottsville to a thrilling 20-19 victory on the road over Pleasant Valley. Pleasant Valley made it a one point game with 2:54 to go as Jacob George scored a touchdown for the Bears that was almost popped out. The Bears then opted to go for two and take the lead, but the Pottsville defense stuffed them and sealed their first win of the 2026 season. Pleasant Valley got off to a hot start after receiving the opening kickoff, Chris Ward found the endzone in just four plays to make it 7-0 Bears early in the first quarter. Pottsville would respond as Donovann Durham broke free for a 29 yard touchdown, the extra point was blocked so Pleasant Valley held the 7-6 lead after one quarter. The Crimson Tide would take a 13-7 lead at the half after a Shay Strencosky 44 yard touchdown early in the second quarter. A change in game plan for the Bears led to George finding the endzone on the opening drive of the half to make it a tie game at 13 as Pottsville blocked the extra point once again. The Bears switched back to a triple option backfield which is what they usually run after having Ward at quarterback running wildcat in the first half. Pottsville would take the lead back as Max Clews found the endzone with 9:46 to go in the game. Pleasant Valley was faced with a 4th and 11 from their own 48 yard line with just about seven minutes to go. The Bears opted to go for it and did not convert. A stop on defense gave Pleasant Valley the ball back with about four minutes to go. This led to the George touchdown and the two point try which was stuffed by Pottsville. Pottsville improves to 1-2 on the season and start Schuylkill League play next Friday as they travel to Blue Mountain. Pleasant Valley falls to 2-1 and will travel to Whitehall to start conference play