Berks Sports Report Paul Roberts
West Lawn and Shillington are separated by just 3.2 miles. The Wilson vs. Gov. Mifflin rivalry is one of the best that Berks County has to offer. The Bulldogs and Mustangs will square off on the football field for the 66th time this Friday night at John Gurski Stadium. Both teams are (3-2) this season. Wilson has won three straight.
This rivalry dates back to 1954. Wilson’s defense was dominant in the first meeting. The Mustangs fell 27-0. However, they would quickly turn the tide. Gov. Mifflin prevailed in twelve consecutive games in the series from 1955-66.
Wilson responded with six victories in a row from 1976-81. The 1981 squad, which included Pete Schreck and Leroy Schannauer, finished (11-0). The Bulldogs turned the rivalry into a one-sided affair from 1987-2003. They won twelve of the thirteen meetings with the Mustangs by an average of 30 points.
The teams didn’t square off in 2004 and 2005. Gov. Mifflin went (3-0) against Wilson in 2006 and 2007. The fans in Shillington will never forget the District 3 semifinal in 2006. Dustin Manz ran for 176 yards and 5TD in a 47-13 rout of the Bulldogs.
Wilson leads the overall series (38-27). The Bulldogs have come out on top in nine of the last twelve encounters. Gov. Mifflin fell 32-14 a season ago. Cam Jones scored three touchdowns including an early 56-yard punt return. Jones ran for 139 yards on 17 carries. Eddie Case finished with five receptions for 99 yards and a score. The Bulldogs outgained the Mustangs 372-to-179.
Gov. Mifflin had won two in a row in resounding fashion. Nick Singleton rumbled for 160 yards and 4TD in 2020. Gov. Mifflin cruised to a 48-7 victory. Singleton also completed a 46-yard pass in that one. The Mustangs rolled over the Bulldogs 42-14 in 2021. Singleton piled up 137 yards on the ground and 3TD. He’s now in his sophomore season at Penn State. Singleton was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2022.
I’ll be in West Lawn on Friday to provide updates of the latest chapter in this heated rivalry.