Lackawanna Trail Lions

While athletic competition is at the heart of the Keystone State Games, the event also serves as a celebration of Pennsylvania’s sports culture and community spirit. Families, fans, and athletes from all over the state gather not just to compete, but to connect, inspire, and uplift one another.

When the lights shine bright at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium for the 91st Scranton Lions Club Dream Game, it won’t just be about touchdowns and tackles — it’ll be about tradition, legacy, and family. Logan Edwards, Demitrius Douglas, and Nick Kucharski each carry more than just their school pride into this historic all-star clash — they carry the last names that have already been etched into Dream Game lore. From Lackawanna Trail to Valley View, these younger brothers are ready to write the next chapter in their family’s football story, turning sibling rivalry into one final show of brotherly love on the gridiron.

Legacy Under the Lights: 91st Dream Game Media Day Unites Past and Future of NEPA Football VALLEY VIEW — The scent of summer grass and the echo of cleats on concrete set the stage under the bleachers of Valley View’s football stadium, where dozens of the region’s top high school football players gathered for the 91st Annual Dream Game Media Day. It was more than a press event. It was a reunion, a farewell, a coming-of-age story all in one. Hosted by longtime broadcaster Tony Sibila and Honesdale’s new head coach George Howanitz, Media Day was filled with stories from players on the cusp of adulthood and from coaches whose roots run deep in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s football soil. “It’s like a family reunion,” Howanitz said. “There’s history in every name on the roster.”

The rosters for the 91st Annual Dream Game have been released, featuring standout senior athletes from across the region. Representing the City team under head coach Jake Manetti (West Scranton) are top talents like Treyvon Dickey (Scranton Prep), Gabe Franek (Dunmore), and Drew Kiesendahl (Wallenpaupack). On the County side, head coach Mike Schuback (Old Forge) leads a loaded roster highlighted by Zach Cwalinski (Valley View), Richie Kostoff (Riverside), and Mason Avery (Honesdale). The game is scheduled for July 23 at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium.

In a battle where every pitch mattered, the Lakeland Varsity Chiefs came out on top with a narrow 2-0 win over the Lackawanna Trail Lions on Thursday night. The game featured a masterclass in pitching from both sides, but it was Lakeland’s timely execution in the sixth inning that made the difference.

Lackawanna Trail staged a thrilling late-inning comeback to edge Montrose 8-6 on Monday afternoon, using a five-run outburst in the bottom of the sixth to turn the tide and secure the win.

“Limits exist only in the mind.” For Matt Marcinek, these aren’t just words—they’re a way of life. Born with cerebral palsy, Matt could’ve let the world define him by his condition. Instead, he forged a path no one saw coming. Through sweat, science, and sheer will, he became a respected grappling coach, a mental performance expert, and the founder of No Limits Grappling Academy—Scranton’s powerhouse of No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. His journey isn’t just about martial arts. It’s about refusing to be boxed in. About transforming pain into purpose. About proving that greatness isn’t reserved for the lucky or the able-bodied—it’s earned by those who keep showing up, even when it’s hard. In every class he teaches, every student he guides, and every story of struggle he helps rewrite, Matt’s message rings loud and clear: You are not your limitations. You are your mindset.

Meghan Hassaj’s perfect day at the plate and Ava Schmidt’s no-hitter highlighted a 15-0 statement win for Holy Cross over Lackawanna Trail on Tuesday afternoon.

The game was also notable for two special milestones. Ryan Miner of Northwest and Jake Antolick of Lackawanna Trail both reached their 1,000th career points during the game, a testament to their hard work and dedication over their high school careers. Miner hit his milestone first, followed by Antolick a few plays later. Both players were honored with a brief stop in play, allowing their teammates, families, and friends to recognize the incredible achievement.

From the opening tipoff to the final buzzer, Old Forge made a statement. From the opening dunk by Logan Fanning to the final buzzer. Old Forge defeated Lackawanna Trail 54-32 on Saturday afternoon to win the District 2 2A Title. Fanning had a game high 20 points and DJ Fox added 11.

In a back-and-forth battle, Lackawanna Trail pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure a 52-48 victory over Mountain View.

Addison Kilmer led the charge with a stellar 23-point performance as Mountain View overwhelmed Lackawanna Trail, 61-20. With 7 three-pointers and strong contributions from Aubrey Sanders, Riley Turner, and others, the Lady Eagles showcased their depth and dominance. Lackawanna Trail, despite their effort, struggled to keep pace, making no three-pointers and scoring just one free throw.

Lackawanna Trail edged Blue Ridge 58-54 in an overtime thriller Friday night. Ayla Seigle led the Lady Lions with 23 points, while Reagan Norman and Madison Palmer added key contributions. With their depth and determination, Lackawanna Trail proved unstoppable in the extra period.

Four standout seniors defied the odds, signing national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level. The SportzWire team caught up with Tea Burns, Nora Evans, Emma Shaw, and Lorenzo Domiano to discuss their achievements, challenges, and future goals.

District 2 Final Rankings Set the Stage for Playoff Showdowns The final regular-season rankings Powered by Coach Howanitz for District 2 Big School and small school teams have been released by SportzWire, with Valley View securing the top spot after an impressive season. Dallas and Delaware Valley closely followed at #2 and #3, respectively, each proving their strength and consistency. With the rankings now finalized, these teams turn their focus to the playoffs, where they’ll have the chance to prove their dominance on the field.