WILKES-BARRE, PA (September 3rd, 2026) -- For the second consecutive year, severe weather cast a shadow over the Mayor's Cup festivities as the 30th edition of the cross-town rivalry was suspended at the conclusion of the first quarter following a lengthy delay for lightning in the area.
 
Wilkes took a 7-0 lead midway through the opening quarter, but the Monarchs answered with a promising drive of their own. Starting from their own 20-yard line, King's moved deep into Colonel territory behind the efforts of Reynaldo Carter and Jaelin Mims. Carter broke free for a 26-yard run into Wilkes territory and added several other productive carries, while Mims converted a pair of key third downs through the air to keep the drive moving.
 
The Monarchs advanced to the Wilkes 10-yard line and appeared poised to pull even, but a turnover inside the red zone ended the scoring threat. Despite the setback, King's generated offensive momentum throughout the possession, using a balanced attack to march 70 yards down the field.
 
Defensively, the Monarchs came up with several impact plays during the quarter. Xander Murray was credited with a tackle for loss and helped limit gains in the run game, while Tarylle Stewart recorded multiple stops on the opening drive. James Mangine added a tackle for loss late in the period as King's defense tightened following the early touchdown.
 
After King's forced Wilkes behind the chains late in the quarter, play was halted with the Colonels facing third-and-10 at their own 31-yard line.
 
More information regarding the status and completion of the contest will be announced when it becomes available. In the meantime, the Monarchs shift their focus towards the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) opener against Stevenson University on Friday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. Prior to kickoff, King's will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with a special pregame ceremony honoring the lives lost and recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of the nation's first responders.