Easton capped a dream season in District 11 by placing three players on the 2025 Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Class 6A All-State Team, with quarterback Cole Ordway, linebacker Sean Kilpatrick, and defensive back Sean McPeek all earning statewide recognition. The Class 6A honors were headlined by La Salle College High School quarterback Gavin Sidwar, who was named Player of the Year after a dominant senior campaign, while Brett Gordon earned Coach of the Year honors. The selections recognize the Commonwealth’s elite big-school talent following another highly competitive season.

District 2 was well represented on the 2025 Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Class 5A All-State Team, led by Pittston Area athlete Lucas LoPresto and Abington Heights wide receiver Gavin Anders, both earning statewide recognition among Pennsylvania’s top large-school performers. The Class 5A honors were headlined by Roman Catholic quarterback Semaj Beals, who was named Player of the Year, while Rick Prete earned Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Cahillites through another championship-caliber season. The All-State roster highlights elite talent from across the Commonwealth, spanning every phase of the game.

Southern Lehigh senior Sean Steckert, a former SportzWire Wired Athlete of the Week and state champion, was named Player of the Year as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association announced its 2025 Class 4A All-State Team. District 2 was prominently represented by North Pocono’s trio of Cole Zimmerman, Evan Wolff, and Cole West, highlighting the program’s strength across multiple units. Steckert’s honor capped a dominant season for Southern Lehigh, which also saw Phil Sams earn Coach of the Year recognition following a championship run.

Southern Lehigh senior Sean Steckert, a former SportzWire Wired Athlete of the Week and state champion, was named Player of the Year as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association announced its 2025 Class 4A All-State Team. District 2 was prominently represented by North Pocono’s trio of Cole Zimmerman, Evan Wolff, and Cole West, highlighting the program’s strength across multiple units. Steckert’s honor capped a dominant season for Southern Lehigh, which also saw Phil Sams earn Coach of the Year recognition following a championship run.

District 2 made a strong impact on the 2025 PA Football Writers’ Class 3A All-State Team, led by Berwick running back Ty’meere Wilkerson, Scranton Prep standout Will McPartland, and Berwick offensive lineman Matt Gordner, all earning statewide recognition for their performances this season. Northwestern Lehigh matched that presence with six All-State selections, one of the deepest single-program showings in Class 3A, highlighted by quarterback Shane Leh, running back Braxton Lakatosh, wide receiver Brady Zimmerman, offensive lineman Colton Popp, linebacker Shane Hulmes, and defensive back Michael Lagowy, underscoring the Tigers’ program-wide excellence across all three phases of the game.

Lackawanna Trail senior Isaac Ryon was named Player of the Year as the Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Association announced its 2025 Class 1A All-State Team, capping off a dominant season for the Trail. Ryon was joined on the list by teammate Lucas Evans, who earned All-State honors on the offensive line, while Marian Catholic defensive back Rory Dixon, a former SportzWire Athlete of the Week, represented District 11 with his All-State selection. The team honors the top small-school football talent across the Commonwealth following an outstanding 2025 campaign.

In a rematch loaded with respect, history, and high stakes, the Avonworth Antelopes finally claimed the title that slipped away a year ago, defeating Northwestern Lehigh 31–7 at Chapman Field to secure their first-ever PIAA 3A football state championship. Entering the afternoon as the only two undefeated teams left in Pennsylvania, both programs walked in with perfect records—only one walked out with perfection preserved.

Southern Lehigh’s Sean Steckert isn’t just putting up numbers, he’s rewriting what it means to be a three-sport powerhouse in the Lehigh Valley. The senior star has bulldozed his way past 2,900 total yards, captained on the wrestling mat, sprinted his way to states on the track, and still finds time to serve communities from Pennsylvania to Jamaica. With a 3.9 GPA, a humble heart, and a motor that doesn’t quit, Steckert has become the pulse of the Spartans’ historic rise. Now, with the school’s first-ever State Championship game on deck, one of the Valley’s toughest athletes is writing a legacy in real time and everyone is watching.

Our Wired Athlete of the Week, powered by Envy Electrical, is Northwestern Lehigh quarterback Shane Leh, who delivered one of the postseason’s sharpest performances 17-for-19, 222 yards, and 5 touchdowns in a 42–14 quarterfinal win over Scranton Prep. A driving force in the Tigers’ 30-game win streak, Leh’s calm leadership and team-first mentality continue to elevate everyone around him.

The Tigers, fueled by a dominant passing attack led by senior quarterback Shane Leh and a relentless defensive front, outpaced a gritty Scranton Prep squad that leaned heavily on its run game but couldn’t keep up with Northwestern’s explosive offense.

The path was paved early by running back D’Antae Sheffey, who delivered another standout performance. The Syracuse commit tore through the Wilkes-Barre defense for four rushing touchdowns before halftime, three of them coming in the first quarter. Behind an offensive line that dominated the point of attack, Sheffey churned out chunk gains on nearly every series and set the tone for what became an insurmountable early lead.

The road to Cumberland Valley officially begins for District 2 football champions. Six teams from NEPA are set to represent the district in the opening round of the PIAA State Playoffs, with matchups now finalized and site details confirmed.

Lakeland braved the cold, wind, and rain Friday night in Jermyn to capture the District 2 Class 2A championship with a 27-7 win over Dunmore. Senior quarterback David Naniewicz led the Chiefs with three total touchdowns, while the defense, anchored by Chase Rosenkrans and Noah Dietrich, shut down the Bucks until the final minutes. The win moves Lakeland to 11-1 and into the state playoffs to face the winner of Bristol and Lansdale Catholic.

At Lackawanna Trail, football is more than a game. It is heritage, pride, and a bond built across three generations of the Jervis family. Senior captain and quarterback Tyler Jervis steps onto the field each week knowing he is carrying not just a season, but a legacy shaped by his father, head coach Steve, and his grandfather, Steve Sr., who still works with the Lions kicking unit. From the creation of Tunkhannock’s youth program decades ago to championship runs at Trail, the Jervis legacy continues to grow. And as Tyler leads the Lions through the postseason, he is taking in every moment of a senior season surrounded by family, teammates, and a community that stands behind them with pride.

After a humbling loss just a week ago, the Riverside Vikings entered Friday’s playoff clash with revenge in mind — but it was Dunmore that delivered the knockout. Behind a dazzling performance from quarterback Weston Yannone, the Bucks rolled to a 27-7 win and a spot in the next round. Yannone’s explosive 72-yard touchdown run set the tone early, and Dunmore’s defense clamped down as Jackson Harding and Ryan Mecca added scores to seal it. Riverside’s lone highlight came from Charlie Anstett’s late touchdown, but the Bucks never let up. With momentum on their side, Dunmore advances — while Riverside closes a strong season knowing their foundation for the future is firmly set.