Wilkes University Retains Mayor’s Cup After Winning 29th Annual Gridiron Classic

The Mayor’s Cup stays with the Colonels for another year after Wilkes University’s football team bested intercity rivals King’s College at the 29th annual Mayor’s Cup matchup on Sept. 6. The hard-fought win, which saw the Colonels scoring 19 to the Monarchs’ 16, took place at Schmidt Stadium in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania. The game began on Thursday, Sept. 4, but was delayed due to lightning after just one quarter, with play resuming two days later.

Despite the interruption, both teams played with an intensity that only a crosstown rivalry could bring out. After King’s established an early lead with a field goal in the first quarter, Wilkes was able to stymie the Monarchs’ efforts by forcing turnovers, including an endzone interception to keep points off the board, as well as a toe-tapping interception along the sidelines by sophomore Ryan Opperman.

A safety and a touchdown in the second quarter gave Wilkes the lead. King’s was able to draw even several times, but never again regained a lead. A 38-yard field goal by senior kicker Nick Volpone with 1:55 left to play gave the Colonels their final lead of the game. An interception by junior Rob Barbieri on King’s ensuing drive sealed the victory — and possession of the cup — for the Colonels.

For a game defined by stout defense, it was only fitting that junior defensive linebacker Tyler Wetzel was named the game’s MVP. Wetzel’s dominating performance included 11 total tackles, two sacks and a quarterback hurry.

Head Coach David Biever said of this year’s team, “We had a toughness and competitiveness that allowed us to stay in games no matter what happened. We are very proud of how our team battled adversity on a week by week basis and with so many young players, setting this program up for success in years to come.”