From Electric Runs to Icy Finishes: SportzWire Week 5 Features Bring the Heat Across NEPA

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | September 25, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire Team

Week 5 across District 2 was a showcase of versatility, style, grit, and school spirit. From jaw-dropping stat lines to community-driven halftime performances, SportzWire’s weekly features once again highlighted the best moments from under the Friday night lights, powered by our local partners who continue to invest in the heartbeat of NEPA sports.

It was a week where unsung heroes stepped up, stars shined brightest, and the sidelines brought as much energy as the end zones.

Vincent Sparks Holy Cross with Electric Performance

When Holy Cross needed a spark, Kevin Vincent delivered. Normally lined up as a wide receiver, Vincent stepped in at running back and produced video-game numbers in a win over Columbia Montour Vo-Tech. He racked up 219 yards on 11 carries and scored five touchdowns, adding an 18-yard reception for good measure. Nearly every other touch ended in the end zone, sealing his honor as the Electric Performance of the Week presented by Envy Electrical LLC.

📸 Photography: Justin Focus Photography

Kiesendahl Delivers a Full Return for Paupack

For Wallenpaupack’s Ed Kiesendahl, Week 5 was about doing it all. The senior turned in a two-way clinic against Delaware Valley, registering 12 tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss on defense, while adding 78 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, plus a 20-yard touchdown reception and a 70-yard kickoff return.

The Buckhorn was a true “balanced portfolio,” earning Portfolio Player of the Week presented by Krupa Wealth Management.

📸 Photography: Baylee Burkhardt Media LLC

Barnett Matches the Look with the Game

At Riverside, Carmelo “Melo” Barnett proved that when the look matches the production, you’ve got next-level drip. Rocking a Penn State towel and a full gear package that stood out, Barnett backed it up with a 26-yard rushing touchdown, a 50-yard reception for a score, and a 75-yard interception return for another.

His all-around effort in a 60–6 win over Montrose earned him Drip of the Week presented by The DRIPBaR Scranton.

📸 Photography: Justin Focus Photography

Crusaders’ Line Earns the Pile Driver Honor

Games are won in the trenches, and no unit showed that more than the Holy Cross offensive line in Week 5. The Crusaders front bulldozed their way to 432 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, while also protecting for 150 passing yards in a 54–22 win over CMVT.

The performance earned the group Pile Driver of the Week presented by Junken Monkeys Hauling Company. Lackawanna Trail’s line also earned an honorable mention for their 433-yard rushing night.

📸 Photography: Zalesk Photography

Campbell Breaks the Skid with House Calls

At Wyoming Valley West, Malique Campbell earned his “Handyman” nickname with three touchdowns that came in three different ways. Campbell returned a kickoff 86 yards for a score, took a punt back 67 yards for another, and added a 43-yard rushing touchdown to help Valley West snap a 24-game skid in a thrilling 31–25 win over Hazleton.

That kind of efficiency earned him House Call of the Week built by Green Rhino Builders. Scranton Prep’s Charlie Speicher also earned an honorable mention with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown.

📸 Photography: Frank Lauri Photography

Spindler Ices Dallas in OT

Some moments define seasons, and Pittston Area’s Brody Spindler delivered one of them in Dallas. After the Mountaineers struck first in overtime, Spindler responded with a touchdown run before sealing the night with a walk-off two-point conversion.

The ice-cold finish secured Cold As Ice Player of the Week powered by Kleinbauer Mechanical LLC.

📸 Photography: Speicher Media

Old Forge Opens Halftime Highlight

Week 5 also marked the debut of a new feature — the Halftime Highlight presented by DJ Pat Sweeney. The Old Forge Blue Devils were the first program to take center stage, showcasing Miss Devilette’s fiery routine, 7th grader Bennett Cavanagh’s electric rendition of the anthem, and the cheer and band squads dressing in green and white to support Mental Health Awareness.

It was a reminder that Friday nights in NEPA aren’t just about football, they’re about school spirit and community pride.

📸 Photography: Justin Focus Photography

Closing Thoughts

Week 5 brought the full spectrum of what makes NEPA football so special. From Kevin Vincent’s electric five-touchdown outburst to Brody Spindler’s ice-cold overtime finish, athletes proved once again why these weekly features matter. Pair that with the introduction of Halftime Highlight, and the stage is only getting brighter for players, students, and fans alike.

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