AOTW: One Touch, One Statement - Weston Yannone Helping Fuel Dunmore’s Unbeaten Run
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | October 19, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
DUNMORE — All week, the anticipation surrounding Dunmore’s showdown with Honesdale continued to build.
Two of District 2’s top teams. A highly anticipated Week 8 matchup. Plenty of expectations.
Weston Yannone needed exactly one touch to make his statement.
On his first handoff Friday night, the Dunmore senior broke loose for a 68-yard touchdown, immediately setting the tone for what became a dominant 63-11 victory over the Hornets.
Yannone wasn’t finished.
He added touchdown runs of 24 and 1 yard, finishing with 185 rushing yards and three scores on just seven carries, averaging an incredible 26.4 yards per attempt.
The performance earns Yannone this week’s Sportzwire Athlete of the Week, powered by HYDRABATHS® Swing Salt - where performance meets recovery.
A Different Position, Same Playmaker
For Yannone, explosive plays have become something of a trademark.
A former quarterback who transitioned into a versatile running back and receiver role, the senior has developed into one of District 2’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
But limiting his impact to offense would only tell part of the story.
Yannone is also a standout defensive back and return specialist, capable of changing a game with a single play in any phase.
His production reflects that versatility.
According to the Sportzwire District 2 Player Data Hub, Yannone leads the district in yards per rushing attempt, ranks among the top five in total touchdowns and yards per reception, and sits among the top two in total points scored and return touchdowns.
For a player who has taken on multiple responsibilities throughout his high school career, the numbers speak to his ability to make an impact wherever the Bucks need him.
And with the football in his hands, every touch carries the possibility of a house call.
More Than the Big Plays
Dunmore head coach Kevin McHale sees much more than an explosive athlete.
“Wes had a great performance on Friday on both sides of the ball,” McHale said. “Offensively, he proved once again that he is extremely explosive with a monster game, averaging 26 yds per carry.”
But McHale was just as quick to highlight the contributions that don’t necessarily appear on a stat sheet.
“With that, he did a great job blocking for our other backs and in pass protection,” McHale said. “Defensively, he was around the ball all evening and forced a bad throw that led to Xavier’s interception return.”
It’s that willingness to contribute without the football that makes Yannone particularly valuable to Dunmore.
A Division I recruit with multiple offers, Yannone has earned attention for his athletic ability and playmaking potential. He is an accomplished athlete who is a state medalist in track & field and also school record holder, but he’s also the type of player quick to credit his line, teammates and coaches for creating those opportunities.
McHale believes that attitude is reflected in the way he competes.
“Wes plays extremely hard and with great energy,” McHale said. “I think he plays with a chip on his shoulder and strives to get better each week.”
Bigger Goals in Dunmore
While Yannone’s individual production continues to turn heads, the bigger picture in Dunmore is even more impressive.
The Bucks are 8-0, leading District 2 in points scored while allowing a district-low 31 points through eight games.
That’s an average of fewer than four points allowed per contest, a reflection of a team that has been as dominant defensively as it has been explosive offensively.
And Yannone has been an important piece on both sides.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the Bucks have their sights set on much more than an unbeaten record.
A district championship and a deep run into the PIAA state playoffs remain the goals for a senior-led group that continues to build momentum.
For Yannone, that means continuing to make plays, embrace his responsibilities and help the teammates around him succeed.
Friday night offered another reminder of just how quickly he can change a game.
One handoff. Sixty-eight yards. Touchdown.
By the time the night ended, Yannone had 185 rushing yards, three scores and another statement performance for the unbeaten Bucks.
The numbers are impressive. The versatility is undeniable.
But for Dunmore, the most important part is what comes next.
Congratulations to Weston Yannone of the Dunmore Bucks, this week’s Sportzwire Athlete of the Week, powered by HYDRABATHS® Swing Salt - where performance meets recovery.
Fans can follow Yannone and the rest of District 2’s statistical leaders through the Sportzwire District 2 Player Data Hub powered by Cryotherapy Rejuvenate.
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