Future “Jeopardy” contestants?

The eighth graders who participated in the 33rd annual Academic Challenge Eighth competition proved they possess the academic knowledge that could make them viable contenders on the highly regarded TV quiz show.

The team from Lehighton Middle School put on a brilliant performance in the finals to defeat Panther Valley in two straight games.

The double-elimination event, hosted by Panther Valley Junior High School, had eight schools vying for trophies over a three-day period. Three schools - Lehighton, Panther Valley and Northwestern Lehigh - advanced to the event finals, held Wednesday in the PV High School auditorium.

Both Lehighton and Northwestern Lehigh had one loss going into that championship round. Squaring off against each other, Lehighton emerged victorious over Northwestern 38-34, which advanced them into the finals against Panther Valley.

The Panthers and Lehighton had opposed each other on the opening day of the ACE, with Panther Valley emerging victorious.

Lehighton forced a rubber match by scoring a 35-31 come-from-behind win over PV.

In the tiebreaker, Lehighton gained an impressive 42-30 win.

Other schools in the competition were Tamaqua, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Northern Lehigh and Jim Thorpe.

Lehighton’s faculty adviser was Terri Kokinda. Team members were Jed Cordes, Adam Danner, Henry DeVore, Corbin Kline, Bella Moyer and Victoria Nied. Alternates were Ava Trach and Nolan Strauss.

Panther Valley’s ACE team adviser was Kim Laird. The team consisted of Kayla Alburger, Bradley Barlett, RossLynn Gasker, Zoe Johnstone, Madeline Weaver and Keegan Wolfgang. Alternates were Viola Taschler and Spencer Black.

The event featured questions on many topics including math, geography, English, science, history, literature and even mythology.

There were algebra and other complex math equations that required quick calculation.

Other teams and members are:

Northwestern Lehigh: Rich Kulp and Katherine Kraky, advisers; Anja Bisignani, Emmalynn Fink, Kayla Kinney, Regan O’Donnell, Sophia Schaffer, Alexandra Tentarelli. Alternates were Amelia Glassberg and Grace Wiley.

Jim Thorpe: Amy Burkey and Jay Llewellyn, advisers; Jonas Lambert, Donovan Llewellyn, Cole Mitzen, Logan O’Shura, Kimora Seales-Griffith, Jordan Weiner. Alternates were Trent Sutphin and Rylan Moore.

Northern Lehigh: Matt Davis, adviser; Emily Gad, Madilynn Husack, Colin Karetsky, Porter Kern, Andrew Rudolph, Morgan Smith. Alternates were Kyle O’Connell and Aiden Rudolph.

Palmerton: Sarah Sullivan and Melissa Hoffman, advisers; Madden Alexander, Eniessa Groller, Nathan Marlatt, Antonio Oller, Logan Stroup, Jacob Walkowiak. Alternates were Kathryn Fritz and Addison Buck.

Tamaqua: Megan Frantz and Autumn Pedron, advisers; Rylin Arroyo, Mia Bamford, Avery Lewis, Madelyn Markowski, Emiley Roseland, Payton Selby. Alternate was TC Cmil.

Catasauqua: Tom Leeds, adviser; Maddison Agosto, Jasen Baloukjy, Warren Bright, Uyen Ly, Kamryn Pushkar, Elijah Tomecek. Alternate was Norah Lorah.