The North East Pennsylvania Miners are playing some quality football as they are on a two-game winning streak for the second time this season.

The Miners won big against the Empire State Titans, 37-0, led by their smoldering defense which did not let the Titans’ offense get near the red zone, pitching their second shutout of the season. Defensive back Jamie Kendrick had another big game, returning an interception for a touchdown. Quarterback J.P. Antosh threw touchdown strikes to wide receivers Jeremy Kendrick and Montell Knauls.

All-time Minor League rushing leader Donnie Jackson-Bey scored a touchdown and rookie kicker Trevor Young kicked three field goals. Can they keep winning? The Miners believe so, but the Hudson Valley Cowboys, New York Predators, and Hudson County Bounty Hunters are lining up to knock the Miners off their high horse.

All three competitors are coming off big wins, the Predators being undefeated and the Cowboys looking for revenge after a tough 30-0 defeat to the Miners in the Regional American Football League season opener. The hometown Miners are 4-1-1 (3-1-1 RAFL) and only a half game behind the New England Knights, 3-0-1, for first place in the RAFL North East Division while being a game and half ahead of the Division Rival Hudson Valley Cowboys, who are 2-2.

The close standings make the Miners’ matchup versus the Cowboys a big one as the North East Division race is a close one. The Miners will then return home to Scranton Memorial Stadium to host the undefeated New York Predators on Saturday, Aug. 23, which Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty is schedule to attend.

The Miners will then host the Hudson County Bounty Hunters on Saturday, Sept. 6 in their final regular season home game, with special guest and up and coming R & B group "Minxx" performing live at half time. As the Wilkes-Barre Pioneers have ended another strong football season, the NEPA Miners keep Minor League Football Championship hopes alive in northeastern Pennsylvania. Fans can get more information on the NEPA Miners by going to www.nepaminers.com or to the customer service desk at the Mall at Steamtown for individual game tickets.

By Dan LaMagna