Hazleton Cougars

DALLAS TWP. — Dallas continued its perfect start to the 2026 season Friday night, using dominant special teams, a suffocating defense and a balanced offensive attack to cruise past Hazleton Area, 56-0.

The stretch run is here. Nate Johns enters Week 6 at 73-25 this season and 243-65 all-time, with 17 more picks on the board and some big District 2 matchups waiting to test his momentum.

Halfway home. Five District 2 teams remain unbeaten and the races are only getting tighter. Fresh off a season-best 14-3 week, Nate Johns is back with 19 picks for a loaded Week 5 slate.

Two even-par rounds led the way in Lackawanna League golf Tuesday. Hunter Stead paced Delaware Valley past Scranton, Reed Howell eagled his way to medalist honors for Honesdale, and Hazleton Area girls edged Honesdale by a single stroke.

Four weeks into the season and the separation is starting to show across District 2. Dunmore, Dallas, Lakeland, Riverside and North Pocono all sit at 4-0, and the numbers behind those records tell you exactly how they got there.

A furious fourth-quarter comeback, an 82-yard kickoff return and one final drive gave the Cougars an opportunity to win. Junior kicker Derek Radzwich finished the job, drilling a 23-yard field goal as time expired to lift Hazleton Area to a dramatic 17–14 victory over Crestwood at Harman-Geist Memorial Field.

With a little over a minute left in the Hoop Group Showcase League championship game, Chuck Hiller called a timeout. The coach of the Wyoming Valley Junior Clutch 17u girls’ basketball team didn’t have a play to draw up or a substitute to get in. Hiller just wanted that last huddle together with a team he has coached for 4 years. “I just told them how proud I was of them and that it was an honor to be a part of it.” Hiller said. Junior Clutch won that game 77-35, securing the HGSL Championship, in their final game of the season.

From future SEC stars to hometown heroes who powered unforgettable championship runs, District 2 made its presence felt across Pennsylvania. A total of 21 local players earned 2026 PSBCA All-State recognition, highlighting the incredible talent throughout the region. See which athletes landed First Team and Second Team honors, relive their standout seasons, and celebrate the players who proved they’re among the Commonwealth’s best right here!

NEPA Elite Volleyball Club Sending Three Teams to Nationals, Showcasing the Best of Northeast Pennsylvania.

Hazleton Area struck early and never looked back Thursday afternoon at Wilkes University, defeating Wilkes-Barre Area 6-2 to capture the District 2/4 Class 6A Championship. Dom Marino’s first-inning home run sparked a six-run start, while Freddie Corrado and Jack Esposito combined to shut the door as the Cougars secured their seventh consecutive district crown.

West Scranton earned a decisive 10-4 victory over Hazleton Area, claiming the District Title. Sophia Deluca had 3 hits, Mia Tallo 3 RBIs. They advance to play Williamsport.

No. 1 vs. No. 2. Championship atmosphere. Packed stands at Wilkes-Barre Area. Two of the District 2’s best meeting with a title on the line. Then Elijah Barr turned the stage into his own highlight reel. Barr launched two home runs, drove in four runs, and delivered a complete-game gem on the mound as Pittston Area took down top-ranked Hazleton Area 6-1 Friday night to capture the Wyoming Valley Conference championship.

One of the Wyoming Valley’s most historic football traditions is getting a new backdrop for its diamond anniversary. The 75th UNICO Football Classic heads to Wilkes-Barre Area this month, bringing together the region’s top WVC senior standouts for one final night under the lights.

In a tight, rain-soaked matchup, the Mountaineers found a way late and held on for a 3-1 win over Hazleton Area on Thursday at Schiavo Field, handing the Cougars just their second home conference loss there since 2023.

Marino blasts 2 HRs, 3 RBIs as Hazleton Area Cougars crush Wilkes-Barre 7-1. Corrado fans 12!