SportzWire Week 1 Spotlight: District 2 Football Feature Recap

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | August 28, 2025 | Photo courtesy The Sportzwire Team

SportzWire’s opening week of District 2 football coverage delivered a full slate of highlights, powered by local sponsors who make it possible to showcase the athletes, the plays, and the moments that set the tone for the season. From the trenches to the skill positions, from clutch kicks to sideline swagger, here’s a look back at our Week 1 features.

Pile Driver of the Week

Presented by Junken Monkeys – You Point, We Remove!

Lakeland’s offensive line, led by Weston Loomis, bulldozed through Carbondale in a 52-14 win, earning our first Pile Driver of the Week honor. The Chiefs racked up 226 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, while also adding 144 yards and two scores through the air. It was a complete clean-out performance that set the tone up front.

Just like the Chiefs cleared lanes, Junken Monkeys specializes in clearing out the junk. Learn more at junkenmonkeys.com.

Photography credit: @to_the_heart_photo  Design: @shawnkanepa

Electric Performance of the Week

Presented by Envy Electrical – Do It Right, Not Twice

Few players lit up the scoreboard like Isaac Ryon of Lackawanna Trail. In a dominant showing against Tunkhannock, Ryon piled up 166 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, then added 49 yards and another score through the air. Four total touchdowns made for a truly electric opening night performance.

This feature is powered by Envy Electrical, bringing the same reliability to District 2 football that they bring to every project.

Photography credit: @Borden_Photography

Design: @shawnkanepa

House Call of the Week

Built by Green Rhino Builders

Riverside’s Brayden Rose changed the momentum in an instant, taking a kickoff 90 yards to the end zone to immediately answer Dunmore’s opening drive score. That game-changing return earned him the House Call of the Week spotlight.

Honorable mentions also went to West Scranton’s Kaz Colbert and Pittston Area’s Lucas Lo Presto.

Much like Rose delivered in the clutch, Green Rhino Builders delivers quality construction results across Northeast Pennsylvania.

Photography credit: @justin.focus.photography Design: @shawnkanepa

Drip of the Week

Presented by The DripBar Scranton

Jeffrey Wasilchak of Valley View redefined Week 1 style, channeling a throwback look reminiscent of the late 1980s with his doo rag, neck roll, and broad-shouldered presence. But Wasilchak didn’t just look the part — he backed it up with 12 tackles in Valley View’s opener.

The DripBar Scranton powers this weekly feature, helping athletes and the community stay sharp with premium IV vitamin therapy focused on energy, immunity, and performance.

Photography credit: @colincash.flicks

Design: @shawnkanepa

Cold As Ice Player of the Week

Powered by Kleinbauer Mechanical

Pressure situations reveal leaders, and Riverside captain Santino D’Amico proved he had ice in his veins. His 21-yard overtime field goal lifted the Vikings past Dunmore, 17-14, on the road in one of the week’s most dramatic finishes.

Just as D’Amico stayed cold under pressure, Kleinbauer Mechanical ensures your AC stays cold when it matters most.

Photography credit: @justin.focus.photography Design: @shawnkanepa

Portfolio Player of the Week

Presented by Krupa Wealth Management

Versatility was on full display for Wyoming Area’s Jack Gravine, who produced on both sides of the ball in a balanced win over Crestwood. Gravine accounted for 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, 107 passing yards and another score, plus several tackles defensively. Like a diverse financial portfolio, his impact came from multiple avenues.

Krupa Wealth Management proudly powers this season-long feature, highlighting all-around players who deliver complete performances.

Photography credit: Allan Siani - @dizzy_penguin_media

Design: @shawnkanepa

Calling All Contributors

SportzWire’s features are made possible by the photographers, videographers, and community members capturing the action on Friday nights. We’re inviting all contributors to submit their best images and highlight clips to justin@sportzwire.com by noon on Sunday for consideration in upcoming features.

Athletes, your chance to be recognized doesn’t end when the clock hits zero. Send us your top plays, and you could be showcased on our weekly podcast, Baylee’s Bleacher. SportzWire is here to highlight your effort, your game, and your story.

Calling All Businesses

Are you a business interested in marketing ideas for local sports that make complete sense? Look no more, we’ve got you covered in more ways than one and would be thrilled to discuss creative opportunities to incorporate your brand into our growing audience this season and in seasons to come.

It’s never too soon to #GetWired and #StayWired.

Archives

• 2025 (731)
• 2024 (136)