Lakeland Chiefs

Rocco Spataro just didn’t turn heads as a freshman, he made a scene. Named the #1 freshmen javelin thrower in Pa. Spataro has his sights on bigger goals. Trips in the summer to East Stroudsburg South High School for American JavFest and the Keystone State Games solidified Spataro’s potential and just two weeks ago, Spataro, his family, and other throwers from the Jav Factory took a trip to LSU University for a seminar hosted by past Olympic greats and professional coaches. Sportzwire’s Doug Noldy had the opportunity to talk to Rocco and his mom Julie on what the JavFest and the event at LSU was all about. Spataro is determined to uphold the legacy of Lakeland’s past throwing greats that include names of Prawdzik, Pidgeon, Wormuth, Tuzze, Dippre. He’s not only embracing this legacy but committed to continuing it into the future.

OLD FORGE, PA — Old Forge picked up a hard-fought Division II victory Thursday night, edging Lakeland 54–51 behind a standout all-around performance from senior center Logan Fanning.

Southern Columbia head coach Jim Roth earned Coach of the Year honors, while Lakeland senior David Naniewicz stood out as District 2’s representative as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association released its 2025 Class 2A All-State Team. The selections recognize the Commonwealth’s top high school football performers across offense, defense, and special teams following an impressive 2025 season.

From the coal-region streets of Kulpmont to Hollywood’s biggest spotlight, James Madison head coach Bob Chesney has proven that Northeast Pennsylvania football travels well. With Sun Belt Coach of the Year honors in hand and a College Football Playoff run still unfolding, Chesney is now set to bring his blue-collar edge to UCLA, cementing one of the most remarkable coaching ascents in college football.

Lakeland braved the cold, wind, and rain Friday night in Jermyn to capture the District 2 Class 2A championship with a 27-7 win over Dunmore. Senior quarterback David Naniewicz led the Chiefs with three total touchdowns, while the defense, anchored by Chase Rosenkrans and Noah Dietrich, shut down the Bucks until the final minutes. The win moves Lakeland to 11-1 and into the state playoffs to face the winner of Bristol and Lansdale Catholic.

Lakeland senior captain and quarterback David Naniewicz grew up surrounded by Chiefs history. From his father’s championship season in 1987 to his sister’s Super Bowl wins in youth football, the Naniewicz name has long been tied to Lakeland pride. Now, after overcoming a UCL injury and leading the Chiefs to a 9-1 season and a Division 2 title, David is carving his own path in the family legacy one throw, one run, and one win at a time.

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.