“See it. Believe it. Achieve it.” It’s a fitting motto for a young man who has already achieved so much—and has no plans of slowing down. Congratulations to Rory Dixon, Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week, powered by Envy Electrical. A relentless competitor, a model student, and a leader in every sense of the word.

From Mason Bollinger’s 100-yard pick-six in the Mountain Road Rumble to Payton Falzone’s six-touchdown explosion for Nazareth, Week 2 of District XI football had everything, rivalry drama, dominant defenses, and breakout stars. Tony Sibilla and Keith Groller deliver the story behind the scores in this week’s rankings, fueled by Fit AF Nutrition.

The Warriors win a huge WVC clash on the road. Jack Garvine connected with Ben Garvine for the game-winning touchdown.

In their season home opener, the Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack took the field with something far greater than football on their minds. Each player wore the “CF” initials stuck to the back of their helmets, a symbol of love and respect for legendary G.A.R. coach Charlie Fick. In a dramatic overtime finish, Davon Underwood powered across the goal line for the game-winning touchdown, sealing a 48–42 victory that was more than just a win, it was a heartfelt tribute. On this night, Coach Fick’s legacy wasn’t only remembered, it was carried forward with every snap.

Valley View with a statement win on the road, grinding out a 24–13 victory over Crestwood. The Cougars leaned on their rushing attack as Jeffery Wasilchak punched in two short touchdowns and Tyler Muchal added another score, while sophomore kicker Braden Loff connected on a 41-yard field goal and went 3-for-3 on extra points. Valley View’s defense made key stops late, including an interception from Ashby Bachman, to close out the win. The defending District 2 Class 4A champions will now look ahead to their home opener against Wilkes-Barre Area   .

Valley View powered past Wyoming Area 5-2 behind a hat trick from Jagger Roe and two goals from Braden Loff, while Jacob Cobb and Ben Rogish scored for the Warriors in the second-half rally.

The game marked a statement performance for White, who has quickly emerged as one of the region’s most explosive offensive threats. In just two games, the senior has racked up six touchdowns, showcasing a rare blend of speed, vision, and power.

Lehigh’s 21-14 victory over Richmond wasn’t just a top-25 win to open the season, it was a showcase of grit, playmakers, and local talent making waves on the Division I stage. With Hayden Johnson (Manheim) delivering through the air, Jaden Green finding the end zone twice, and a defense that bent but didn’t break, the Mountain Hawks proved they’re built for the spotlight. For fans across Northeastern and Central PA, the connection runs even deeper. Familiar faces like Connor Hilling (Valley View), Aaron Crossley and Joseph Marranca (Wyoming Area), Jacob Albaugh (Delaware Valley), Matt McGowan (Hazleton Area), and Williamsport standouts Jamaire Harden and Connor Poole are now suiting up in brown and white. As SportzWire expands its footprint into the Lehigh Valley and Division I college football, expect even more coverage of the athletes you once cheered for on Friday nights, now making their mark on Saturdays.

Dallas Township — Wyoming Area kept its early-season momentum rolling Friday night, erasing a two-score deficit to defeat Dallas 27–20 in a rivalry matchup that delivered every bit of drama you’d expect.

The 2025 cross-country season began in classic fashion with the 50th Annual Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial Invitational, held Saturday at Misericordia University’s Letterkenny Fields course in Dallas. Hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders, the meet has become a Labor Day weekend tradition and one of the most respected early-season races in Pennsylvania.

Misericordia University has officially named Matt Flanagan as its new Strength and Conditioning Coach, bringing more than two decades of expertise, passion, and community dedication to the Cougars’ athletic programs.

When the smoke cleared, Nazareth had stacked 62 points on the board and their Auburn-bound signal caller had proven once again why college recruiters can’t get enough. Falzone isn’t just running the Blue Eagles show, he’s building a highlight package fit for the SEC.

Week 1 of District 2 football had it all, power in the trenches, highlight-reel returns, clutch kicks, and plenty of style. SportzWire rolled out its first slate of weekly features, celebrating the athletes who set the tone under the Friday night lights and the local sponsors who make it possible. From Lakelands dominant offensive line to Riversides game-winning heroics, Lackawanna Trails electric playmaking to Valley Views throwback swagger, these performances defined the opening weekend. And this is just the beginning. Each week, SportzWire will continue shining a spotlight on the athletes, the moments, and the stories that bring our communities together.

Valley View and Mid Valley battled in more than just a non-conference matchup Thursday night. It was friends turned rivals for 80 minutes, with bragging rights on the line before they reunite as teammates for Anthracite FC. In the end, Gavin Walsh set up Braden Loff for the decisive second-half goal, giving the Cougars a 1-0 win on their home field.

Northwestern Lehigh didn’t just defend its Mountain Road Rumble crown, the Tigers roared through Northern Lehigh with a wave of big plays in all three phases to extend their winning streak to 18 straight games. A kickoff return, explosive runs, and a 100-yard pick-six defined a rivalry night that belonged entirely to the defending state champs. Fueled by Fit AF Nutrition, powering District 11 football coverage all season.