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City All-Stars Break Seven-Year Drought in 92nd Scranton Lions Club Dream Game Thriller

City All-Stars Break Seven-Year Drought in 92nd Scranton Lions Club Dream Game Thriller

By: Steven Abbatiello | SportzWire | July 23, 2026 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff @SportzWire

PECKVILLE, Pa. — The 92nd Annual Scranton Lions Club Dream Game delivered everything Northeastern Pennsylvania football fans could hope for on Wednesday night: hard hits, explosive plays, dramatic momentum swings, and an unforgettable finish at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium.

In one of the region’s most cherished summer traditions, the City All-Stars snapped a seven-year slide, outlasting the County All-Stars 36-35 in a game that came down to the final seconds. Featuring many of the area's top recently graduated seniors, the contest showcased the raw talent and pride that have defined this event for more than nine decades.

County Takes Early Momentum

The County squad set the physical tone early, utilizing a balanced offensive attack to push the City defense. David Naniewicz orchestrated key drives, connecting with Cayd Sespico on a 2-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter to answer an opening 37-yard touchdown strike from City quarterback Tyler Jervis to Isaac Ryon.

County expanded its lead in the second quarter behind dynamic running from Michael Iuzzolino, who punched in a 7-yard rushing score. Though Jervis briefly reclaimed the lead for City with a 1-yard goal-line plunge, Iuzzolino delivered an instant response, taking the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to the house. Just moments later, Rhys Williams blew the game open for County, jumping a pass route for a 16-yard interception return touchdown to give County full control going into the break.

City Mounts the Comeback

Refusing to back down, the City All-Stars regrouped during halftime. Isaac Ryon took charge of the City offense in the second half, slashing through the defense for a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and adding a 3-yard score midway through the fourth to cut into the deficit.

County looked to have put the game away with 1:19 remaining when Naniewicz called his own number for a 1-yard touchdown run, capping off a clutch drive and putting County back on top.

A Finish for the Ages

With time running out, Jervis marched the City offense down the field for one final stand. Deep in the red zone with under ten seconds left, Jervis dropped back and found Mackey Lynett for an 8-yard touchdown pass with just 4.6 seconds remaining, bringing City within one point.

Instead of playing for the tie and overtime, City opted to go for the win. Jervis connected with Lynett once more in the end zone for the game-winning two-point conversion, sealing a dramatic 36-35 victory.

Beyond the scoreboard, the Dream Game again highlighted the best of high school football in the region. Players who spent their careers as fierce rivals joined forces, with many preparing to move on to collegiate programs like Lackawanna College and King's College. The contest served as both a fitting sendoff for NEPA's graduating seniors and another unforgettable chapter in the Scranton Lions Club's charitable history.

You can read more local high school coverage and game recaps at www.sportzwire.com.

Player Stats & Game Summary

Scoring Plays

First Quarter

CITY: Isaac Ryon 37-yard pass from Tyler Jervis (6:35)
COUNTY: Cayd Sespico 2-yard pass from David Naniewicz (:26.2)

Second Quarter

COUNTY: Michael Iuzzolino 7-yard run (3:45)
CITY: Tyler Jervis 1-yard run (1:06)
COUNTY: Michael Iuzzolino 95-yard kickoff return (:54.1)
COUNTY: Rhys Williams 16-yard interception return (:39.9)

Third Quarter

CITY: Isaac Ryon 5-yard run (3:33)

Fourth Quarter

CITY: Isaac Ryon 3-yard run (6:24)
COUNTY: David Naniewicz 1-yard run (1:19)
CITY: Mackey Lynett 8-yard pass from Tyler Jervis; Lynett 2-pt pass from Jervis (:04.6)

Top Key Performers

City All-Stars Top Performers

Tyler Jervis (QB): 2 TD passes, 1 rushing TD, game-winning 2-point conversion pass.
Isaac Ryon (RB/WR): 3 total TDs (2 rushing, 1 receiving).
Mackey Lynett (WR): Game-winning 8-yard TD reception and game-winning 2-point conversion catch.

County All-Stars Top Performers

Michael Iuzzolino (RB/KR): 2 total TDs (7-yard rush, 95-yard kickoff return).
David Naniewicz (QB): 2 total TDs (1 passing, 1 rushing).
Rhys Williams (DB): 16-yard interception return TD.
Cayd Sespico (WR): 2-yard TD reception.
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