MATT SPORTS MEDIA

Coaches love to say it all the time — “every game means the same.”

But let’s be real: some games just hit different.

Whether it’s an intense rivalry, a star-studded showdown, or a highly anticipated rematch, these are the matchups everyone’s talking about.

Here’s my breakdown of the Top 5 Must-Watch Sem Games this fall.

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#5: Field Hockey vs Wyoming Valley West

For the Sem field hockey team, there’s no better way to kick off the month of October than a home clash against Wyoming Valley West — one of the more competitive teams on the schedule.

These two squads only met once last season, a 4-0 victory for the Lady Spartans. In fact, the Blue Knights haven’t been able to defeat the Lady Spartans since 2022 — a gritty 4-3 away win for Sem.

This fall, the Blue Knights return seniors Emmy Swartz and Sophia Medico but will rely on a largely new defensive core, including a new goalkeeper. The growing pains are real, but so is the belief.

Seniors Ryleigh McDonnell and Izzy Shoemaker provide valuable leadership to a younger lineup while junior attackers Apollonia Bruno and Ella Plummer aim to build on their chemistry up front.

Head coach Margaret Kerrick looks to achieve her first winning season in three years at the helm of the program. A win here would show that Sem is ready to compete at a high level again.

The Blue Knights will get an early look at Valley West’s strengths during the Lehman Play Day, a key preseason scouting opportunity.

Senior Shaylee Brace talks about how “it will take the little plays and communication that will decide who comes out on top.”

The Blue Knights host the Lady Spartans at Klassner Field on October 1 at 4:30.

#4: Girls Soccer vs Nanticoke Area

When circling must-watch games for the Sem girls soccer team this fall, one matchup jumps off the schedule — a high-stakes October 7 showdown with the Nanticoke Area Trojanettes.

These two teams brought fireworks last season. On September 17, 2024, the Blue Knights took the first meeting with a dramatic overtime win (2-1), courtesy of an Ellie Kersey game-winning header. Evening the season series, the Trojanettes prevailed on their home turf on October 8, 2024 with a 1-0 victory. Both games were decided by just one goal, and both teams know what’s on the line this season.

This year’s meetings look to be just as entertaining as they were last season. As of right now, the Blue Knights are scheduled to host the Trojanettes in their final regular season home game.

Junior center midfielder Ellie Kersey emphasized how “Sem matches up really well with the Trojanettes” and highlighted the can’t-miss individual matchup between senior centerback Emma Butcher and Nanticoke’s senior forward Natalee Atkins.

In what could be her final home game, Butcher will look to anchor a younger Blue Knights defense and deliver a signature performance in front of the Sem faithful.

The Blue Knights are set to host the Trojanettes on October 7 at 6:00 pm at Nesbitt Stadium.

#3: Boys Soccer @ Lake-Lehman

A matchup between two of the powerhouses of the Wyoming Valley Conference? Yes, please.

While the Blue Knights breezed through most of the conference last year, there was one team that stole a game from them — the Lake-Lehman Black Knights. On September 20, 2024, the Black Knights escaped with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win on their home field against Sem. Had it not been from Matt Swartz picking up an injury combined with a Seminary foul in the penalty box in overtime, the Blue Knights could have picked up the win.

Roughly three weeks later, on October 14th, the rematch essentially served as the WVC title game. The Blue Knights powered through in the second half courtesy of a Matt Swartz solo goal to give Sem a 1-0 win and a stranglehold on the WVC crown.

This year, the matchup is headlined by familiar faces. Owen Stretanski and Artur Zelenko lead Sem’s offense against talented Black Knights goalkeeper Andrew Chapelle. On the back line, Ash Kornfeld looks to keep Lehman striker Andrew Mathis at bay.

Currently scheduled as the final game on both Sem and Lehman’s schedule, this matchup could very well determine the winner of the WVC once again. The Blue Knights will need to bring their A-game to Lehman if they want to defend their crown.

The Blue Knights are set to travel to Lake-Lehman to take on the Black Knights on October 13 at 6:00 pm.

#2: Football vs The Pennington School

Who doesn’t love a homecoming football game?

Back on October 10, 2024, when the Blue Knights headed on their first road trip, they were still seeking their first victory after four games. By the end of the night, they had one — grinding out a 19-14 road victory in New Jersey.

Senior running back Alex Roman carried much of the offensive load in the win, running for 129 yards and a TD on 19 carries. Current University of Maine quarterback Michael McMaugh also threw for a TD in the win.

This fall, the Blue Knights return with plenty of new faces, including first-year head coach George Pachucy.

There should be no shortage of talent on display in this game. Pennington boasts several FBS-caliber athletes, with players holding offers from Alabama and Penn State. But Sem will have plenty of their own talent — including exciting new addition Leo Rath (TE), a key part of the offensive attack.

With McMaugh graduated, new Blue Knights quarterback Nelson Martinez will look to lead the Blue Knights to their first homecoming win since 2023, when they beat St. Francis Academy in the pouring rain (7-6).

The Blue Knights are set to host The Pennington School for a homecoming showdown on October 10 at 6:00 pm.

#1: Boys Soccer vs Holy Redeemer

Honestly, this one was a complete no-brainer.

A historic rivalry? Check.

A match with heavy district seeding implications? Check.

A district championship rematch? Check.

Just ask Blue Knights starting goalkeeper Cash Hanson-Richart who says “Sem vs Redeemer is one of those games that you live for.”

The Blue Knights and the Royals clashed twice in the 2024 regular season. On September 9, 2024, Sem defended their home field and took the contest 4-1. Later that month, on September 30, they edged out a tough 2-1 win on the road.

But don’t let the agreggate scoreline fool you — Redeemer was and still is a dangerous opponent, led by last year’s WVC Golden Boot winner Ayden Hannigan.

The Blue Knights expected one more battle with the Royals, and they got it on Halloween night, with a district title hanging in the balance.

Redeemer struck first within the opening minute of the championship game, but Sem responded with second-half goals from Artur Zelenko (PK), Owen Stretanski, and Adrian Rojo, rallying for a 3-1 win and the PIAA District 2 Class A crown.

Now, those two and company will look to fend off the Royals at home and remind Redeemer why they won the district last season.

This one has “instant classic” written all over it.

With kickoff set for 5:30 pm, the Blue Knights are set to host the Royals on September 29 at Nesbitt Stadium.

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• Matt Mascarenhas ’26