Mid Valley Spartans

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.

Championship tension. Extra-inning chaos. One perfect swing. Peyton Graboske’s go-ahead double in the 10th sealed the deal, as Holy Cross claimed a 7-5 win over Mid Valley and the Lackawanna League D2 crown in one of the season’s most thrilling softball duels.

With the rain falling and tension rising, Holy Cross found their closer. On her birthday, Jules Galella delivered the ultimate gift — a two-out, walk-off single to cap a wild seventh inning and hand the Crusaders a thrilling 7-6 win over Mid Valley under the lights at Magis Field.

League clinched. No-hitter thrown. Message sent. Mid Valley rolled past Holy Cross 11-0 behind Nick Mills' two-way domination to secure the Lackawanna League title in convincing fashion.

TUNKHANNOCK, PA — On a warm Saturday afternoon in Tunkhannock, two of the area’s top softball programs collided in a battle defined by pitching dominance and defensive precision. And in the end, it was McKenzie Hannon and the Tigers who stood tall.