With Minersville and Jim Thorpe both entering Friday night's contest at 1-4, something had to give.
Fortunately, for the Olympians it was a big defensive stand in the final minute that proved to be the difference as they held on for a 28-20 Anthracite League victory.
Minersville was faced with a third down at the Jim Thorpe 33 after blocking a punt with 44 seconds remaining hoping to push in the tying touchdown. Evan Heffron, who was put into the game two plays earlier when starting quarterback Zach Dixon was injured after being sacked by Tyler Mangold, had a pass intercepted by Carl St. Hill, who returned it back to his own 34 with 11 seconds left. The Olympians ran out the clock and tucked away the win.
"Our offense played well throughout the course of the game for the most part and it was big coming back there and not putting our heads down," said Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger. "Our kids persevered this week. We've got to find a way to make plays when it comes down to late in the game and our defense did it while our offense