Riverside freshman Faith Pavalonis is already on a path few athletes ever reach. The Moosic native will once again wear Team USA colors this summer at the United World Games, proving that hard work, balance, and belief can take a young athlete from a local gym to the global stage.

Week 8 delivered a little bit of everything, a record-breaking performance in Wilkes-Barre, a freshman hero in Tunkhannock, and one of the loudest homecoming shows in the region. From the gridiron to the halftime stage, SportzWire continues to shine the spotlight on the athletes, teams, and communities that make Friday nights unforgettable.

As the regular season ends, brackets are crystallizing across District 2. Amid dominant programs and dark-horse threats, expect storylines of rivalry, revenge, and late-season momentum to define the playoffs.

Week 8 Record: 17-1 Season Record: 119-28

With just a few regular-season matches remaining, the District 2 boys soccer landscape is taking shape. Power programs like Lake-Lehman, Abington Heights, and Wyoming Seminary have built resumes worthy of top seeds, while several others are peaking at the right time. Here’s how each classification stacks up heading into playoff week.

Valley View capped its Senior Night with a 2-1 win over Delaware Valley at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium. Jason Nagy opened the scoring for the Warriors on a first-half penalty kick before Jagger Roe headed in a cross from Ethan Namlick to tie it. Braden Loff then delivered the game-winner in the second half with a perfectly placed shot off the inside of the left post, completing the Cougars’ season sweep.

The Mid Valley-based NEPA Storm completed a flawless 5-0 run to claim the 10U Travel Softball Championship at Connell Park in South Scranton. Behind dominant pitching from Nora Piercy and Grace Eboli, and key hits from Arya Ameika and Lilyana Smargiassi, the Storm topped the Abington Wildcats 4-2 in Sunday’s title game to secure the tournament crown.

Pennsylvania high school basketball is on the brink of major change as the PIAA inches closer to approving a 35 second shot clock. Following unanimous approval of its second reading in October, the proposal now heads for a decisive final vote on December 3. If passed, the shot clock will officially debut in the 2028 29 season, marking a historic shift that will impact varsity and JV games statewide and usher in a faster, more modern style of play.

Quiet confidence meets Friday night dominance. Pittston Area’s Lucas LoPresto might speak softly, but his game talks loud. In one record-shattering night, the junior wideout etched his name into school history - three times over - cementing his place among the Patriots’ greats. Whether it’s football, basketball, or track and field, LoPresto’s drive for excellence never lets up. A 3.9 GPA student and community volunteer, he’s proof that true leaders shine just as bright off the field as they do under the lights.

Valley View made Senior Night one to remember with a 3–0 shutout win over Scranton Prep. Callie Gillen scored twice and added an assist, while Mya Cesarini chipped in the final goal as the Cougars dominated from start to finish.

SportzWire has officially partnered with Riverside High School to launch the first ever SportzWire School Media Program, giving students the opportunity to learn photography, videography, journalism, and live broadcasting from real professionals. The Riverside media team will now create game highlights, interviews, feature stories, and live coverage, connecting their community through the voices of their own students. Superintendent Mr. Brennan called the collaboration a powerful way for students to “learn voice, teamwork, and leadership.” SportzWire plans to expand the program to additional schools across the region, offering even more students the chance to gain real world experience and become the next generation of sports media creators. Email: Media@SportzWire.com

No trophies, no lights, just hoops. The Gorilla Mindset Training Columbus Day Open Run brought together some of District 2’s top girls basketball talent for one purpose: compete, connect, and have fun. From Scranton to Hazleton, Valley View to Riverside, the gym was buzzing with energy, grit, and a shared love for the game.

Tunkhannock broke its three game losing streak, meaning their preseason goal of finishing at least .500 is still in play. It was a defensive duel that featured three total interceptions and a safety. Moses Montero was the offense for the Tigers, rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.

Braden Loff scored three goals and added an assist as Valley View rolled to a 6-0 victory over Honesdale at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Cougars controlled play from start to finish, outshooting the Hornets 24-5, while goalkeeper Aidan Kopa made five saves to post the shutout.

Abington Heights senior wideout Gavin Anders etched his name into the record books Friday night, becoming the Comets’ all-time receptions leader with 119 career catches. Anders added six grabs for 73 yards and a touchdown in a 31–14 win over Wallenpaupack, pushing Abington Heights to 6–2 on the season.