Riverside Vikings

Penn State head coach James Franklin touched down in Montrose by helicopter Thursday night to watch his newest Nittany Lion commit, Riverside’s Tavian Branch. The Vikings made sure his trip was worth it, erupting for a 60-6 rout of the Meteors in a dominant Week 5 performance.

Whether it’s draining clutch shots on the golf course, igniting the sidelines as a cheerleader, or leading with compassion through community service, Riverside senior Brooke Kalteski embodies the true spirit of a student-athlete. Undefeated season, team captain, top scholar, and tireless volunteer. Brooke’s impact stretches far beyond the scorecard. That’s why Sportzwire proudly names her our Wired Athlete of the Week, Proudly Powered by Envy Electrical — Do It Right, Not Twice. Tap in to the article to see why, here ⤵️

Riverside senior Tavian Branch, who re-opened his recruitment in late August before the Vikings’ matchup with Hanover, is set to make an official visit to Penn State this weekend. The standout defensive lineman will get a closer look at James Franklin’s program as he weighs his options during a pivotal senior season.

The fairways of Pine Hills turned green Thursday afternoon, not just for golf, but for a greater cause. Scranton golfers joined forces with the John Malvizzi Foundation to promote mental health awareness, wearing ribbons and carrying towels with messages like “You Matter” and “Be Kind to Your Mind.” While Riverside claimed the match victory, the evening’s true impact came from the message that student well-being extends far beyond the scorecard.

Week 1 of District 2 football had it all, power in the trenches, highlight-reel returns, clutch kicks, and plenty of style. SportzWire rolled out its first slate of weekly features, celebrating the athletes who set the tone under the Friday night lights and the local sponsors who make it possible. From Lakelands dominant offensive line to Riversides game-winning heroics, Lackawanna Trails electric playmaking to Valley Views throwback swagger, these performances defined the opening weekend. And this is just the beginning. Each week, SportzWire will continue shining a spotlight on the athletes, the moments, and the stories that bring our communities together.

Two captains rose to the moment in Dunmore. Brayden Rose, pressed into kick return duty after an injury, stunned the stadium with a 90-yard dash. A couple hours later, Santino D’Amico shook off a late miss to drill the overtime game-winner. Riverside edged Dunmore 17-14, a rivalry opener defined by grit, redemption, and leadership on a big stage.

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.”

From Taylor to the Big Ten, Tavian Branch’s journey is powered by grit, strength, and belief in the people around him. Choosing Rutgers wasn’t just about football — it was about fit, family, and a culture that felt like home. With one final high school season ahead, Branch is ready to finish what he started and carry his small-town pride onto the national stage.

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.

Excerpt: In a game that lived up to the stakes, Dunmore erased a 3-0 deficit in the final inning, capping a dramatic rally with Evan Mizenko’s walk-off single to claim the District II 3A Championship over Riverside, 4-3.

Riverside turned to Nicholas Bohenek in a pressure-filled semifinal, and he delivered five no-hit innings to shut down Western Wayne and lead the Vikings to a 5-2 comeback win in the District II AAA semifinal.

“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.

March 15, 2025 – Riverside’s impressive season came to an end in the Elite 8 as they fell to West Catholic, 55-41. Despite a hard-fought effort, Riverside couldn’t overcome West Catholic’s balanced scoring and strong defensive play.

The Vikings are One step closer. Riverside took care of business, but now the road leads straight through District 12s top seed. The challenge is real, and The Vikes will need to be at their best.