Old Forge Blue Devils

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.

On a night where mental health awareness took center stage, Western Wayne’s Quinn Swartz delivered a 200-yard, three-touchdown performance to push the Wildcats to 2–3 with a 21–14 win over Old Forge. The Blue Devils had a milestone of their own to cheer, as senior Chris Rasmus tied the program’s career receptions record with 101.

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.

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.

DUNMORE, Pa. — Holy Cross secured the District 2 Class 1A softball championship on Thursday with a decisive 8–1 victory over Old Forge, powered by a five-run explosion in the fifth inning.

Elk Lake came out swinging, but it was Old Forge who came out on top—and now they’re headed to the district championship.

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.

They play for the name on the front—and the sisters beside them. The Diamond Devils are title-game bound, fueled by grit, unity, and the kind of love that turns talent into something unbeatable.

Holy Cross unloaded with 15 hits, including a grand slam from Mia Galella and a three-run homer from Jules Galella, as they rolled to a 15-0 win over Old Forge in just three innings.

Mia Galella etched her name into Holy Cross history with her 100th hit, while the Crusaders piled on early runs and leaned on Ava Schmidt’s complete-game effort to secure a solid 8-4 road win over Old Forge.

“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.

Old Forge set the tone early and never looked back, riding a huge first inning and a clean all-around effort to a dominant win. With DiMauro locked in and the lineup rolling, the Blue Devils made a loud statement on their home field.

Pittston Area improved to 4-0 with a dominant 11-3 win over Old Forge, fueled by timely hitting and strong pitching. Richard Tonte and Jake Aftewicz led the offense, while TJ Johnson struck out six in four innings to earn the win. The Patriots continue to emerge as a serious contender in District 2 boys baseball.

Old Forge put on a opening day show Monday afternoon, rolling past Mountain View 11-1 behind a dominant all-around performance. A six-run fourth inning broke the game wide open, while Luke Olivieri kept the Eagles hitless through five innings, striking out seven. TJ DiMattia and Jake Iacavazzi led the charge at the plate, combining for four hits and six RBIs in the blowout win.

Old Forges resilience and clutch shooting sent them past the No. 1 seed—now, they set their sights on the next challenge in their state title chase against Linville Hill.