Known as the Battle for the Coal Bucket, the rivalry between the Shamokin Area High School Indians and the Mt. Carmel High School Red Tornadoes has been heated for years. Both teams hit the field Friday with equal conference standings, but Shamokin looks for a win after last year’s 43-36 loss to Mt. Carmel, who took home the Coal Bucket for the 22nd year in 2017.
MVP
Shane Weidner
Mt. Carmel (PA)
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
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John Ayres
Mt. Carmel (PA)
John is the son of John and Linda Ayres. He is a 4 year starter, both offensively and defensively, and is a 3 year captain. He is a three time winner of the mike terry award for outstanding back in the annual coal bucket game, the 2015 star physical therapy comeback player of the year, the 2016 Glenn "Bonesey" Adams award winner for dedication, attitude, and determination, and the 2017 San Ficca tornado of the year award winner. John currently has 3844 yard rushing and 5582 yards of total offensive, which is 4th highest in school history. He is the 6th player in school history to score over 300 points. His next touchdown will be the 50th of his career. He is also the 20th player in school history to rush for over 1000 yards in a season and only the 7th player to do it twice. He is only one of two players to run and throw for over 100o yards. John is also a 3 year varsity starter in both basketball and baseball. John is currently ranked in the top 5 in his class and is a member of the national honor society. As a senior, he enrolled in Mt. Carmel area's ace program and takes his classes at Bloomsburg University. While at mca, he has participated in latin club, interact club, future teachers of America, future nurses of America, and student council. John is also a volunteer for the mca special olympics. After high school, john plans on attending college to pursue a degree in either accounting or actuarial science.
Blake Zalar
Shamokin
Blake is a 4-yar letterman in both football and track. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, Blake plans on continuing his football career, he currently holds offers to play football at Temple University and Brown University.
HALL OF FAME
Joseph “Jazz” Diminick
Mt. Carmel (PA)
Jazz Diminick began his football career at Kulpmont High School, which later merged with Mount Carmel Area and in 1944 he led what many considered to be the Kulpmont’s greatest team ever to an undefeated 11 and 0 season. He led the team in rushing, Kick returns, and scoring. He was also an outstanding pass receiver and an exceptional blocker.
In 1946, he moved to Boston College to begin his collegiate career. He was a 4-letter winner and a starter both ways for three full years. The Associated Press’s great sports writer, Milt Richman, placed Jazz on his own personal First Team All-American.
After graduating from Boston College, Jazz was courted by the Giants, Packers, and Redskins professional football teams. From 1963-1992 he was the Head Football Coach at Mount Carmel Area where he led the Red Tornadoes to a 267-81-7 record and from 1966 to 1973 had a record of 84 & 9.
Edward Binoski
Shamokin
Mr. Binkoski is and has been an icon for Shamokin Area as a teacher, coach and administrator. He had a combined 33 years in education between Shamokin Area and Coal Township High Schools. He was a teacher for 23 years, Assistant High School Principal for 5 years and Middle School Principal for 5 years. As a coach he was the Head Football Coach at Coal Township high school for 7 years and at Shamokin Area for 6 years. The natural rivalry was played on Thanksgiving Day during his tenure at Coal Township and Shamokin. No matter what the records were coming in the games have always been competitive and a pleasure to be part of. Accepting on Edward’s behalf is Jim McGinn.
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