North Pocono Trojans

SportzWire is proud to launch its first-ever Wired Athlete of the Week, powered by Envy Electrical. This weekly honor celebrates student-athletes who are wired right to make an impact in more ways than one, on the field of play, in the classroom, and throughout their communities. Our debut honoree, North Pocono senior golfer Lyla Jones, has set the bar high with championship performances, leadership, and a true love for the game that lights up everyone around her.

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.

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.”

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.

The scoreboard closed the chapter, but North Pocono’s story this season was one of pride, perseverance, and a program on the rise. The Lady Trojans walk away with memories, momentum — and their heads held high.

Fifty years ago, they wore bell-bottom jeans and played for medals their coach paid for out of pocket. Today, they take the field in matching team uniforms and celebrate with plaques & medals. But what ties North Pocono’s 1975 and 2025 District Champion softball teams together isn’t just the victories—it’s the heart. This is a story of two titles, one legacy, and generations of girls who played for each other, backed one another up, and proved that the game always gives back more than it takes.

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.

Alyssa Lynch’s bat and Areilla Bell’s arm proved to be the winning combination as North Pocono edged Abington Heights 5-4 in a back-and-forth battle.

The Abington Heights Comets took down their division rival in the North Pocono by a score of 11-2 on May 24. The win will send the Comets back to the District Two 5A championship game for the first time since 2021, and the key component behind that was starting pitcher Nick Bradley.

A team built on talent, toughness, and true character—the Lady Trojans are marching into the 5A final with momentum, heart, and a hunger for more. On Saturday, they reminded everyone that how you win is just as important as the scoreboard.

North Pocono rolled to a convincing 7-1 win over Wallenpaupack on Saturday, thanks to a strong start and a standout performance in the circle.

Isabella Forgione fueled a 14-hit outburst with five RBIs, while SportzWire’s newest sideline shooter — bat boy-turned-photographer Tommy — captured the moment post game as North Pocono rolled past Delaware Valley in a 12-2 win.

Ariella Bell was untouchable, tossing a perfect game with nine strikeouts, while Riley Grambo went 3-for-3 at the plate as North Pocono shut out West Scranton 10-0 in five innings.

Gabby Hieber blasted a two-run walk-off home run in the ninth and threw a complete game in the circle, leading Wallenpaupack to a dramatic 6–4 extra-inning win over North Pocono.

“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.