North Pocono Trojans

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.

In a contest packed with fireworks, North Pocono proved they belong among the elite, handing top-ranked Valley View their first loss of the season behind timely hitting, a clutch performance from Amelia Bell, and a relentless offensive attack.

Amelia Bell dominated in the circle and at the plate, leading North Pocono to an 8-2 win over Dallas. Bell struck out 11 and added two hits and two RBIs, while Adysen Iyoobs two-run homer helped seal the victory. Dallas was led by Travers 2-for-2 effort and strong plate discipline, but the Lady Trojans pulled away with a big fifth and sixth inning.