2023 Class 4A Title Game Preview: Dallas

Tagged under: District 2, Gameday Hub, News, Playoffs

Jared Samuel | December 6, 2023

Dallas Mountaineers

PIAA District 2 – Class AAAA
League: Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1
Head Coach: Rich Mannello

Overview:  Dallas went undefeated for the 2nd time in the last 5 years on their way to Cumberland Valley.  They won the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 crown, then captured the District 2 championship by defeating Valley View.  In the PIAA Quarterfinal and Semifinal, overtime was the theme as Dallas won both in walk-off fashion.

How they got to the Title Game:  Dallas upended defending Class 4A State Champ Bishop McDevitt 26-23 in double overtime.  The Mounts had a big night on special teams with a successful onside kick, a blocked PAT, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter and a blocked field goal in overtime.

2023 SCHEDULE

Key players/Stats:

QB Brady Zapoticky:  having thrown only 2 interceptions all season, Zapoticky has performed well in his Junior year.  He’s a threat to run as well as throw, giving Dallas a great option in the backfield.

RB Dylan Geskey:  Geskey ran for 1,473 yards this season, with 27 touchdowns.  He is a downhill runner who can deliver a tough hit along the way as well.

WR Zach Paczewski:  with 52 receptions for 946 yards and 13 touchdowns, Paczewski is a vertical threat.  He also is a wildcat threat on direct snaps, with elusive speed and toughness to boot.

P/K Rowan Laubach:  Dallas has been riding Laubach down the stretch and he has rewarded the Mountaineers with clutch punting and game-winning kicks.

Offensive keys to winning:  The Mountaineers need to continue to protect Zapoticky and allow him the time needed to find targets.  The play-calling has been good with a solid mix of run and pass, so Geskey should see a good workload and will need to grind out the yards.  The receivers had some success against a tough McDevitt secondary, so look for the Mounts to try to establish the passing game early.

Defensive Keys to winning:  Pressure.  The front 7 for Dallas needs to continue to apply as much pressure as they have been and force mistakes.  The Mountaineer secondary needs to continue their gameplan of tight coverage  to shut down the Quips receivers.  The tackling of the Mountaineers has been punishing, so look for the Mounts to set the tone there.

Starting Lineup:

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