Generations of Greatness: North Pocono’s Perfect Season Rekindles the Spirit of ’91 and ’93
By: Doug Noldy | SportzWire | October 29, 2025 | Photo courtesy Doug Noldy
If you’re driving through the North Pocono school district, you’ll likely spot a large abundance of signs in yards, on front porches, and in businesses. It’s been thirty-four years since the Trojans have seen this much excitement in their community. And why not? The Trojans just finished a perfect 10-0 regular season, winning the LFC Division 1 championship and securing the top seed in the upcoming District 2 Class 4A playoffs.
For North Pocono players Matt Laboranti, Cole West, and Evan Wolff, they’ve heard all the stories about the past glory days from their dads, Jeff Laboranti, Jeff West, and Randy Wolff. These stories are truly special, especially about the 1991 and 1993 North Pocono football teams, which West, Laboranti, and Wolff played on. These teams and players saw the community and school support get bigger and bigger as the season progressed. It’s something they’re seeing this year and they couldn’t be happier about it.
The 1991 North Pocono Trojans, still to this day, are arguably one of the best football teams in the history of Northeast Pa. The “91 Trojans team were a dominant force, led by Keith Olsommer, B.J. Gallis, Brent Godeck, Marc Jackett, Bill Macknosky, and legendary Hall of Fame head coach, Nick Donato. Wolff, Laboranti were sophomores on the team, with West being a senior. The Trojans posted five straight shutouts to open the season and outscored their opponents 173-0 and only allowed 28 points throughout the regular season.
Trojans not eligible for a state championship.
Due to a complex mathematical playoff point system and Shamokin from District 4 declining an EC invitation to play in the D4 playoffs instead, the Trojans were unable to compete for a state championship. An EC semifinal matchup pitted the Trojans against Mt. Carmel, with the Trojans coming out on top 21-14. A game where senior Jeff West caught a key touchdown pass.
The stage was now set.
In the EC Final, the Trojans welcomed state and national powerhouse, the Berwick Bulldogs, to Moscow. A Berwick team that came in carrying a 45-game Eastern Conference winning streak, three straight EC Championships, and led by legendary coach George Curry and one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Ron Powlus. A touchdown reception from Gallis to Olsommer and the decisive two-point conversion run by Ryan McGee gave the Trojans an epic 22-21 Eastern Conference Class 1 championship win, setting the crowd and community into an absolute frenzy, one that’s still talked about today.
1993 Trojans: Laboranti and Wolff carrying on the standard:
In 1993, after a loss in the district playoffs to Berwick the year before, the Trojans captured the District 2 3A championship at Lackawanna County Stadium by defeating Wallenpaupack. Led on offense by RB Jeff Laboranti, who was later named the Fiore Cesare award winner, an award that honors a standout scholar-athlete, Laboranti went on to have a stellar career at Holy Cross, setting numerous school and league records. The defense was led by All-Region selection Randy Wolff at linebacker, who later went on to play at East Stroudsburg. After college, Wolff served as an assistant coach under former teammate Keith Olsommer at Delaware Valley for 17 years. In 2016, Wolff became the head coach at Western Wayne, turning the Wildcat football program into a winning one in a few short seasons by going to numerous postseasons. Both Olsommer and Wolff credit their high school coach Donato, with whom they learned a lot. As both quoted: “being on that ‘91 team made us better football players, and if anyone told you that their practices were fun, they’d be lying to you”.
Following in their father’s footsteps:
Senior captain Evan Wolff is one of the team leaders in tackles and has seven career touchdown receptions. Last year saw Wolff be named to the league first team on offense at tight end and second team recognition at linebacker. Wolff said, “It’s a special feeling happening at North Pocono now. But every week we just look to go 1-0 and keep going from there”. His dad, Randy, has one of the best seats in the house to watch his son as he now serves as an assistant under Coach Greg Dolhon, an opportunity that he’s truly blessed and thankful for.
Cole West, a junior wide receiver, quarterback, and defensive back, has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in District 2, with over 900 yards on offense and scoring nine touchdowns, with an additional four touchdowns coming through returns. West concurred with his senior captain, Wolff, regarding the team’s objectives. His dad, Jeff, who is also the Trojans basketball coach, can be seen working the chains on the sidelines. Jeff gets nervous at times but said, “I just let him do his own thing, and after every game, we have a tradition by meeting at the fence after each game”. After the football season ends, Cole will turn to the hardwood, play, and be coached by his dad, something that means everything to Jeff.
Matt Laboranti, a sophomore, is already a rising star. He’s already caught a touchdown and shown the potential to be a future leader. Matt said he’d love to follow in his dad’s footsteps and be cool to recreate what his dad, Jeff, did here. Jeff said it’s the most exciting, nerve-wracking, and amazing feeling to see Matt succeed, or even do better than he did.
North Pocono Family:
The success of the Trojans this season has brought an entire community together, just like it has in the past. The show of support and gratitude from the community has left the players speechless at times, while their dads, who still to this day remain best of friends and even served in each other’s wedding parties, reminisce about their playing days. Everything from the Trojan Barber offering free haircuts to the players, meals donated by several businesses, has not gone unnoticed. This excitement has former players coming back around and/or inquiring about the team. More signs showing support for the Trojans are growing every week. For Randy, Jeff, and Jeff, to see their sons experience what they did in the early 1990s is special. What is even more special is witnessing and knowing that their sons have each other’s backs no matter what, just like they did.
On the back of each Trojans jersey is embroidered the word “FAMILY”. Nothing could be more fitting.
Photo:Left Wolffs, middle Wests, right Laboranti
