Lackawanna Trail Lions

The “Single A” boys’ race was the highlight of the day, showcasing District 2’s best as Elk Lake stormed to a state championship and Riverside claimed silver. Led by Kendle Jones’ blazing 16:05 runner-up finish, Elk Lake’s top trio set the tone early, while sophomore Trevor Upright and senior Whalen Kinney sealed the title with clutch second-half surges. Riverside countered with tight pack running from Mikey Schimelfenig and the Connor brothers to secure second place. District 2 shined across the board with standout medal runs from Susquehanna’s Maxx Kelly, Lackawanna Trail’s Avery Ronchi, and solid performances from Lakeland and Blue Ridge to cap an unforgettable day for the region.

Lackawanna Trail running back Isaac Ryon entered the Lions’ Week 10 matchup vs the Riverside Vikings with 1,730 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns on the season. In the final regular season game of his high school career, he surpassed the 2,000 yard mark and 30 touchdown mark for the season.

The latest District 2 Coaches Poll has taken shape, and with the postseason fast approaching, the top five teams are beginning to separate themselves — setting up what could be one of the most competitive playoff stretches in recent memory.

In a single game, Lackawanna Trail senior Isaac Ryon proved why he’s the definition of a complete athlete. Racking up 308 rushing yards, 55 receiving yards, two interceptions, a field goal, and even 45 passing yards, Ryon impacted every phase of the field in a performance that won’t soon be forgotten. A three-sport standout who excels in football, wrestling, and baseball, Isaac’s relentless work ethic and humble leadership make him a true role model. From dominating under Friday night lights to giving back through community service, he embodies what it means to be Wired Different.

Ty’Meere Wilkerson ran for 237 yards and three touchdowns as Berwick powered past top-ranked Lackawanna Trail 33-12 in a heavyweight Week 3 showdown, signaling that the Dawgs are ready to bark like the old days.

Week 1 of District 2 football had it all, power in the trenches, highlight-reel returns, clutch kicks, and plenty of style. SportzWire rolled out its first slate of weekly features, celebrating the athletes who set the tone under the Friday night lights and the local sponsors who make it possible. From Lakelands dominant offensive line to Riversides game-winning heroics, Lackawanna Trails electric playmaking to Valley Views throwback swagger, these performances defined the opening weekend. And this is just the beginning. Each week, SportzWire will continue shining a spotlight on the athletes, the moments, and the stories that bring our communities together.

The District 2 preseason coaches’ poll has arrived, and the message is clear: this isn’t one person’s opinion, it’s the collective voice of coaches across the region weighing in on who’s ready to bring the heat. Delaware Valley leads the Big School rankings, while Scranton Prep tops the Small Schools, both programs seen as steady systems built for long runs. Backed by the insight of those who know the game best, these rankings act like a finely tuned HVAC unit balanced, efficient, and powerful. Thanks to sponsor Kleinbauer Mechanical, family owned and operated, for reminding us that whether it’s football or HVAC, reliability and honest work always rise to the top.

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.