GAMEFACE 2026: 10 non-league games to circle this fall
· Yahoo Sports
Despite the split, some Schuylkill League teams will continue to face schools from the Colonial League. However, there are some new non-league matchups on the schedule, as well. Here are 10 to keep an eye on:
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Line Mountain at Tri-Valley – Aug. 28
Tri-Valley starts its 2026 campaign in challenging fashion against District 4 opponent Line Mountain. The Eagles were dominant in 2025 with an 11-1 record, only losing in the PIAA playoffs to Lackawanna Trail. The two teams previously met in 2022, a 35-28 win for Tri-Valley.
Halifax at Minersville – Aug. 28
The post-Dante Carr era of Minersville football begins against the Halifax Wildcats. The Battlin’ Miners and Wildcats have met each of the past two seasons, with Minersville winning 39-0 in 2024 and 35-13 in 2025. The Wildcats finished last season 8-4, a sharp turnaround from an 0-10 campaign in 2024.
North Schuylkill at Jersey Shore – Aug. 28
North Schuylkill begins its 2026 campaign on the road against the Jersey Shore Bulldogs, a program that is consistently one of the best in District 4 and a top program in the Heartland Athletic Conference. The game also marks the first for North Schuylkill’s new coach, Joe Tomtishen. He takes over for Wally Hall, who led the program for 13 seasons.
Tamaqua at Lehighton – Aug. 28
Another installment of this classic rivalry is set for Week 1 as the Blue Raiders look to beat Lehighton for the first time since 2022. Last fall, the Raiders tried to overcome a 14-point, first-quarter deficit before falling 27-16. Tamaqua finished last season 4-8, but after facing a tough schedule, the Raiders could be in for a big step in 2026.
Notre Dame-Green Pond at North Schuylkill – Sept. 4
The Joe Tomtishen era doesn’t get any easier after Week 1. The Spartans will host defending District 11 Class 3A champions Notre Dame-Green Pond in Week 2. The Crusaders finished last season 12-1 and averaged more than 45 points per game.
Blue Mountain at Southern Lehigh – Sept. 4
Blue Mountain has a challenging season ahead, including this non-league matchup in Week 2. The Eagles are looking to make a big jump from last year’s 7-5 season and will take on defending Class 4A state champions Southern Lehigh. Over the past two seasons, the Spartans have gone a combined 27-4, including a 32-20 loss to Blue Mountain in 2024.
Southern Columbia at Williams Valley – Sept. 5
After facing Upper Dauphin Area in Week 1, Williams Valley welcomes the powerhouse Southern Columbia Tigers to town. The Tigers won their 15th state championship last fall and are led by legendary head coach Jim Roth, who enters this season with 522 career wins.
Berwick at Pottsville – Sept. 25
The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs share a storied history, but haven’t met since the 2015 season. That will change in late September when Berwick visits Pottsville. The former powerhouse program went 11-1 in 2025 after three straight losing seasons.
Shamokin at Blue Mountain – Oct. 23
Blue Mountain wraps up its league schedule in mid-October, leaving the last two weeks for non-league opponents. They’ll face the Shamokin Indians in their penultimate game. Shamokin has been dominant over the last two seasons with a 25-2 record. The Indians’ roster includes Wake Forest commit Logan Steele.
Lansdale Catholic at Blue Mountain – Oct. 30
Blue Mountain will finish its 2026 regular season against Lansdale Catholic out of District 12. The Crusaders went 12-3 last season, defeating Williams Valley in the PIAA playoffs before falling to Southern Columbia. Crusaders offensive tackle Terrance Smith is committed to play college football at Louisiana State University.