The battle for the Old Oaken Bucket is always just that — a battle.

Pleasant Valley will host Pocono Mountain East on Friday night in the exciting annual rivalry match-up in the Week 8 Times News Game of the Week.

After an 0-10 season a year ago, the Bears (3-4) have already notched three wins under their belts in 2025.

PV has victories over Dieruff, East Stroudsburg South and East Stroudsburg North and is currently unbeaten in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Monroe Division at 2-0.

“The schedule has once again been challenging this season, but we’re a year older. And that was my hope. That a year of growth and maturity would make a difference,” said Pleasant Valley head coach Blaec Saeger. “The players also did a great job over the offseason of working hard in the weight room.

“But the natural growth and the natural maturity has been huge for us, and you can see the results. Our guys have bought in and they play for each other.”

The Bears are coming off a 56-14 Monroe Division win over East Stroudsburg North. Pleasant Valley’s triple-option rushing attack racked up 334 yards, with Chris Ward leading the way with four carries for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

PV quarterback Jaxson Haines also had a very efficient night behind center, going 5-for-6 for 127 yards and two passing scores. Niko Payan (68 rushing yards) and Marcelus Solt (66 rushing yards) also had solid performances on the ground against the Timberwolves.

Physicality in the run game has been the Bears’ bread and butter this season.

“Having a host of guys that can run in space, especially on the perimeter has been big for us,” said Saeger. “And our guys on the outside have all been willing blockers. We have a mentality where we love blocking for each other. But it starts with the run game for us obviously.

“We want to run the ball, we want to play physical and we want to control the line of scrimmage. Win the battle up front is our top priority every week no matter what team or defensive scheme we’re playing against.”

Pocono Mountain East has put together an impressive 2025 campaign as well with wins over Dieruff, Honesdale, Scranton and East Stroudburg South.

The Cardinals have been explosive on offense.

East running back Amari Green returned in the Cardinals 30-7 win over East Stroudburg South last week after missing the previous two games and had a big night, rushing for 230 yards and two touchdowns. On the season, Green has now amassed 729 rushing yards and seven rushing scores.

The Cardinals boast a formidable passing attack with Ceejay Serfass and Justin Williams leading the charge in that department.

Serfass has thrown for 1,244 yards and 12 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, while Williams has hauled in 33 balls for 580 yards and six touchdowns. Connor Triano has also been a solid weapon for Serfass, with 288 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

“They have a lot of athletes. They like to spread it out and they like to throw the ball,” said Saeger. “They throw the ball as well as anybody. It’s certainly a balance we have to find. They have a really talented running back as well, so you need to try and limit their run game, but you can’t sell out to do that, because they will hurt you in the passing game if you do that. It will certainly be a challenge and a difficult task.”

And there’s always an added extra bonus when Pleasant Valley and Pocono Mountain East face off, with the winner taking home the coveted Old Oaken Bucket.

“This game has a lot on the line. There’s all sorts of implications,” said Saeger. “But we feel the bucket belongs here, and they feel it belongs there. I can tell you, our guys want it very badly.

“It’s important to the team, the school and the community. We know we have their support come Friday night, so we’re looking forward to going out there and competing for the Old Oaken Bucket.”