The rivalry between Muhlenberg and Reading High is always charged with emotion, and Thursday night’s football game was no exception. The two teams clashed at Gene L. Shirk Stadium, where Muhlenberg emerged victorious, claiming the Battle of the Border Trophy for the second consecutive year with a commanding score of 50-14.
The game, which stretched nearly three and a half hours, was marked by an astonishing 25 penalties, reflecting the high tension on the field. Muhlenberg’s head coach Rob Flowers expressed his frustration with the excessive fouls, stating, "That’s just too much, man. On both sides of the football. It’s not good football to watch when that’s taking place." The atmosphere was further charged when a fight broke out in the stands, prompting police intervention and a delay that sent both teams back to their locker rooms during halftime.
This incident marks the second consecutive week that police presence was required at a Berks County football game, following a similar situation at Gov. Mifflin the previous week. On the field, however, the game began with both teams showing resilience. The score was tied 14-14 midway through the third quarter, but it was Muhlenberg's quarterback Adriel Baez who led his team to a decisive second-half performance, scoring 36 unanswered points.
Baez had an impressive outing, throwing for 252 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for another score. Reflecting on the significance of the win, Baez said, "It means a lot, man. Obviously, the Battle of the Border is always a game we circle on the schedule. We faced a lot of adversity, but we stayed strong, and I’m glad we came out with the win."
For Reading High, which fell to 0-2 on the season, the game showcased moments of promise. The Red Knights fought back early in the second half, thanks in part to standout sophomore defensive tackle Ja’Sian Welmaker, who recorded three sacks, a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt that led to a touchdown. Coach Flowers praised Welmaker’s performance, noting, "He’s a solid football player. Nice-sized kid. Plays hard and plays fast."
The game started on a rocky note for Reading, with an early turnover leading to a quick touchdown for Muhlenberg. However, the Red Knights displayed their determination by tying the game at 14-14 after a strong defensive effort and a safety that put them back in contention. Yet, the momentum shifted dramatically after halftime.
After the lengthy delay due to the fight in the stands, the teams resumed play, but it was Muhlenberg that seized control. Baez connected with receiver Noel Irizarry for a 56-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 28-14. The Muhls continued to dominate, with Baez throwing additional touchdowns to Irizarry and Kalib Perez, solidifying their victory.
In contrast, Reading’s quarterback Elijah Fleming struggled, completing just 5 of 16 passes for 69 yards and throwing one interception. The Red Knights will look to regroup and find their first win of the season next week against Lebanon, while Muhlenberg prepares to face the formidable Wilson Bulldogs. Coach Flowers emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "We’re going to game plan. We’re going to prepare. We’re going to make sure that our young men are confident and feel ready to play a football game."
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