Trojans Start Fast, Hold Off Berwick 36-20
By: Steven Abbatiello | SportzWire | August 28, 2026
MOSCOW — The North Pocono Trojans opened the 2026 football season in impressive fashion Friday night, jumping out to a big early lead before holding off a second-half Berwick push for a 36-20 victory.
North Pocono received the opening kickoff, and Cole West immediately made his presence felt, returning it for a touchdown. Youngblood added the extra point to give the Trojans an early 7-0 lead.
After Berwick’s opening drive stalled, Joe Briski broke loose for a 37-yard run, setting up his own 7-yard touchdown run later in the drive. Youngblood’s kick made it 14-0.
The Trojans continued their strong start in the second quarter. West ripped off an 11-yard run before Chase Zimmerman connected with Jayden Taylor for seven yards. Briski continued moving the chains, followed by a 20-yard blast from West. Taylor eventually punched it into the end zone on a three-play red-zone series. The extra point was no good, making it 20-0.
North Pocono’s defense then came up with a huge play when Berwick fumbled at its own 20. North Pocono recovered the ball and returned it for a touchdown, with Youngblood’s kick extending the lead to 27-0.
Before halftime, Youngblood added a 47-yard field goal, sending the Trojans into the locker room with a commanding 30-0 advantage.
Berwick came out of halftime determined to fight back. After a couple of plays, the Bulldogs connected on a long 78-yard pass to Bryce Cleaver for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 30-7.
North Pocono’s offense struggled to find the same rhythm in the third quarter, and at one point the Bulldogs recovered a fumble at their own 1-yard line.
Berwick threatened again, reaching the North Pocono 17 before turning the ball over on downs as the Trojans’ defense came up with another big stand.
Early in the fourth quarter, Berwick scored on a 4-yard rushing touchdown from Jorge Rentana with 8:03 remaining, making it 30-14.
The Bulldogs attempted an onside kick, but it went out of bounds. North Pocono took over at the Berwick 33-yard line but was forced to punt, giving Berwick another opportunity.
The Bulldogs took advantage, ripping off a 76-yard touchdown run by Brayden Cleaver. However, the two-point attempt failed, cutting the lead to 30-20.
With the game tightening, North Pocono needed an answer, and Briski delivered.
Starting at their own 38, the Trojans moved the ball with Briski providing a key first-down run. With just 1:28 remaining, Briski found the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the night, putting the game away at 36-20 after Youngblood’s kick was good.
Berwick received the ensuing kickoff and held the ball until the final whistle, but the Trojans had already done enough.
North Pocono 36, Berwick 20.
The Trojans open the season 1-0, earning a hard-fought victory over a talented Berwick squad and making an early statement under the lights.
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