Revenge Game: Dunmore Overpowers Riverside 27-7 to Advance
By: Liam H. MacBrien | SportzWire | November 3, 2025 | Photo courtesy Gabriella Blasi
After a humbling loss to Lackawanna Trail just a week ago, the Riverside Vikings entered Friday's playoff showdown against the Dunmore Bucks with something to prove. But it was Dunmore who made the statement, riding a dominant performance from quarterback Weston Yannone to a decisive 27-7 victory and a ticket to the next round of the District 2 playoffs.
Coming off a convincing win over Western Wayne, the Bucks carried momentum into the matchup even though Riverside had won the last two meetings, including a 17-14 overtime thriller earlier in the year, sealed with kicker Santino D'Amico's field goal. However, Dunmore goes back into the win column against their old rivals, besting them when it matters most.
The tone was set early when Yannone broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter, electrifying the visiting sideline and silencing the home crowd. From there, the Bucks ceased to look back and led Riverside 14-0 at the half.
The 3rd quarter caused more trouble for the Vikings. A mishandled snap turned into six points for Dunmore's Jackson Harding. And just moments later, Ryan Mecca burst free for a 60-yard touchdown that put the Bucks in an ideal position heading to the 4th quarter of play.
Still, the Vikings refused to fold. Sophomore Charlie Anstett avoided the shutout with his own 8-yard touchdown. Giving the home crowd a moment to cheer amongst the precious silence. However, when the final whistle blew, it sealed the Vikings' dominant season.
For Dunmore, Yannone was the clear standout. Showing up when it was most needed, however, his performance was not alone as teammates Mecca, Harding, and Jake Constanzo stifled Riverside's previous explosiveness.
As the Bucks advance, they'll carry both momentum and confidence into their next matchup. For Riverside, it was a tough end to an otherwise memorable run, one built on grit, growth, and a strong belief that even in defeat, a foundation for future success is set.
