Mid Valley Spartans

Mid Valley had a big day, with the boys cross country team knocking off last year’s league champs behind individual winner Jacob Borrelli and five Spartans finishing in the top nine, while the soccer team battled past Lakeland 2-1 thanks to goals from Tyler Narcoonis and Ethan Johnson.

Brett Yanoski threw for three scores and Mason Vinansky ran for two more as Mid Valley blanked Old Forge 42-0 on Friday Night Rivals. The Spartans move to 1-2 and gear up for Honesdale, while Old Forge searches for answers heading into Hanover.

Valley View and Mid Valley battled in more than just a non-conference matchup Thursday night. It was friends turned rivals for 80 minutes, with bragging rights on the line before they reunite as teammates for Anthracite FC. In the end, Gavin Walsh set up Braden Loff for the decisive second-half goal, giving the Cougars a 1-0 win on their home field.

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.”

Mid Valley used a five-run third inning and a balanced effort from both the circle and the plate to power past Back Mountain 7-3 in Section 5 play. Full recap now on SportzWire.com.

Anna T fanned 15 and added two hits at the plate to lead Jefferson Township to a 4-2 win over a resilient Mid Valley squad in Section 5 10U softball action. Nora P struck out 10 in a strong effort for Mid Valley, while Adaline O went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Quinn B led the way with four RBIs while Grace E struck out seven in the circle, helping Mid Valley Little League Softball Minors earn a 16-0 win over Mountain Top on Saturday.

SportzWire will provide live audio broadcasts of Monday’s PIAA softball semifinals, featuring Valley View vs. Northwestern Lehigh and Mid Valley vs. Pine Grove Area. Tony Sibilla of Penn Sports Radio will call the Valley View game, while Nate Johns and Paul Bo will cover Mid Valley. All four teams fall within SportzWire’s coverage area. Listen live at SportzWire.com. Tickets are available now at PIAA.org.

Fueled by a sophomore ace, a senior slugger, and relentless team energy, Mid Valley powered through in Allentown. Two wins from Penn State — the Spartanettes are officially in the hunt.

Pitching, power, and poise — Pope John Paul II played championship-level baseball in Center Valley, and now stands one win away from the 4A state final.

Ava Hazelton struck out 13 and Mid Valley rallied in the 6th to take down Lake-Lehman 6-4 in a back-and-forth playoff thriller. Cortazar tripled, Larson drove in two, and the Spartanettes move on.

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.

Doug Pua delivered at the plate and Lorenzo Hernandez dominated on the mound as Mid Valley knocked off Scranton Prep 4-1 to punch their ticket to the District II AAAA final.