Lakeland Chiefs

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.

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.”

Her goals are set high for the coming seasons. She sets out to break the 1-minute mark in the 400m, win the 400m at districts, earn All-Region honors again in track, and earn First Team All-Conference in soccer.

Thomas “Tom” Pidgeon, a beloved community leader, veteran, and youth sports pioneer in Jermyn and the greater upper Lackawanna County area, has passed away. Known for his tireless dedication to Lakeland athletics and decades of service to his community, Tom leaves behind a legacy of leadership, family, and selfless commitment.

The 416 Project honors the lives of Shane Rivenburgh and David Duchnik—two beloved Lakeland alumni whose legacies continue to inspire through community-driven efforts. From impactful legislation like Shane’s Law and the Blue Light Law, to events such as the Shane Rivenburgh Big Ball Classic and the David Duchnik Memorial Golf Tournament, their memory fuels a mission of giving back. With over $100,000 already raised toward a planned indoor baseball training facility in Scott Township, this story is not just about loss—it’s about how a community comes together to build something lasting in their name.

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.

DUNMORE – In a dramatic finish under the Friday night lights, Dunmore came alive in the bottom of the seventh to rally past Lakeland 4-3 in a thrilling Lackawanna League softball showdown.

“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.

The Abington Heights boys lacrosse team put on a commanding performance against Lakeland, securing a decisive 10-2-3-5 victory. The Comets showcased their offensive prowess and solid defense throughout the contest, outscoring Lakeland in every quarter and controlling the game from start to finish.

Valley View used timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and disciplined at-bats to take down Lakeland 10-4 on Thursday. With contributions up and down the lineup and a solid outing from Gianni Marino on the mound, the Cougars controlled the game from start to finish.

In a game of two very different halves, Crestwood held off a fierce second-half surge by Lakeland to earn a 13-11 win in boys lacrosse action.

Lakeland’s own CJ Dippre has taken center stage at the 2025 NFL Combine, turning heads with his impressive display of athleticism and strength. The former Alabama tight end posted a 4.69-second 40-yard dash and led all tight ends with 32 bench press reps, proving he has both the speed and power to thrive at the next level. Once considered a late-round pick, Dippre’s stock is on the rise, with many scouts now projecting him as a Day 2 selection. From his standout days at Lakeland Junior/Senior High School to refining his skills at Maryland and Alabama, Dippre’s journey has been defined by hard work and versatility. As the NFL Draft approaches, he remains one of the most intriguing tight end prospects, poised to make an impact at the professional level.

The stage was set for a thrilling showdown in the 52nd Annual Pete Turonis Holiday Classic Championship as the unbeaten Valley View Cougars faced off against the Mid Valley Spartans. What began as a tightly contested battle turned into a second-half statement from the Cougars, who emerged victorious with a 47-35 win to claim their third consecutive tournament title.