Old Forge Blue Devils

OLD FORGE — The postseason opened with authority Saturday night as Old Forge delivered a commanding performance in the first round of the PIAA Class 2A state playoffs, defeating East Juniata 79–37.

On the biggest stage in District 2 at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Old Forge didn’t just win the 2A boys championship — they owned it. The Blue Devils raced out to a 26-4 lead after one quarter, stretched it to 43-12 at halftime, and never let the moment slip away in a 69-34 victory over Susquehanna.

Because front row isn’t just a seat in the arena, it’s a place in the story. And the story is still being written.

From the opening possession, it felt less like a semifinal and more like a reminder. Old Forge didn’t wait to see how the night would unfold, they dictated it. Threes fell, the paint was owned, and by the time the third quarter closed, the message was clear: the road to the 2A crown still runs through Old Forge.

She wasn’t chasing a record. She was chasing the next dive. When Kate O’Hearn stepped onto the board at Pittston Area, the record book wasn’t on her mind. Focus was. Rhythm was. The next step forward was. And yet by the end of the day, the board beneath her feet told a different story. Five varsity sports. Honor roll academics. Year-round competition. At Old Forge, O’Hearn isn’t just busy, she’s essential. In small-school athletics, multi-sport athletes don’t just thrive. They carry programs. So when she broke Pittston Area’s diving record, and then broke it again, it wasn’t coincidence. It was confidence meeting preparation. “It goes so much faster than you think,” she said. And somehow, in a career packed with seasons, teammates, and milestones, she made every moment count, one leap at a time.

Bright lights. Packed house. No margin for error. And once again, Riverside found a way. In a game that felt like postseason basketball in early February, the Vikings leaned on composure and shot-making to escape Old Forge with a hard-earned win.

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.

If there was any question about how Old Forge would respond after its rivalry loss earlier in the week, it was answered almost immediately. One quarter in, the message was clear, this one wasn’t going to be close.

In a game defined by physicality, emotion, and a relentless fourth-quarter surge, Riverside leaned on Nico Antoniacci once again to outlast Old Forge 68–61. With the Vikings trailing deep into the game, Antoniacci’s scoring and composure flipped momentum and ignited a crowd that turned a tense rivalry into a statement win.

A year after an overtime classic, the old rivals Riverside Vikings and Old Forge Blue Devils meet with shared momentum, energy, and playoff aspirations. The Vikings bring pace and fire power, while the Devils counter with discipline and strong senior leadership. Tuesday night in Taylor may be a story told for years to come.

OLD FORGE — A decisive fourth-quarter surge and a barrage of three-pointers propelled Old Forge to a 51–41 victory over Lakeland on Monday night in a Division III girls’ basketball matchup.

Sometimes you just need to remind people who you are. After a bumpy start to the season with big expectations, Old Forge used a Saturday makeup game to do exactly that, locking in early, flexing depth, and rolling past Honesdale as December momentum started to swing back their way.

Riverside made a statement in one of Northeastern PA’s most storied rivalries, overwhelming Old Forge 49-8 under the lights. Junior Jared Jackson’s punt return touchdown set the tone early, and the Vikings never looked back, dominating on both sides of the ball. With standout performances from Brayden Rose, Ny-jai Scott-holt, and 4-star lineman Tavian Branch, Riverside’s energy carried through even after the starters exited. As the Vikings celebrate this emphatic win, their focus now turns to a high-stakes showdown with Lackawanna Trail—a clash many are calling the regional championship before the regional championship.

Air Solfanelli was in full flight Saturday, connecting with Ayden Aversa for big plays all day while Chris Rasmus punched in two scores to help Old Forge grab their second straight win, 20–6 over Holy Cross. The Blue Devils are heating up just in time for rivalry week.

Friday nights are more than just football, they’re about the heartbeat of school spirit. SportzWire’s new “Halftime Highlight,” presented by DJ Pat Sweeney, puts the spotlight on the bands, color guards, and cheer squads that bring the energy and excitement to Friday Night Lights. From the music to the routines, it’s time these students take center stage.