The J-Man’s View of District 2: 3 Up, 3 Down

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

Jared Samuel | September 17, 2025

I don’t know how we are doing it, but we’ve picked 4 straight great Friday games that we’ve covered. And it’s early! I feel like I’m playing the Eliminator, where you pick one team to win per week but then you can’t pick them again in the same season….it’s hard! Thankfully, I can usually pick where I want to go cover a game…within reason of course! Our District 2 coverage this year has been phenomenal, and our PFN TAP Into the State highlight show every week has been AMAZING! Make sure to watch for this week’s episode to be posted and go check it out.

The outlook from up on the mountain: Let’s do something a bit different this time, and talk about some teams whose stock is up and those whose stock is down. I’ll call it “3 up, 3 down” in a tip of the cap to my good friend and PFN coverage expert Chef Willie, who is also an accomplished baseball umpire and loves that game as well as the gridiron. His take on the Philadelphia High School Football scene is impressive — Follow him on X @WilliePAFN to see more!

Up — Dallas (1-3): You knew they would do it eventually, right? I mean, it’s Dallas and they couldn’t go winless forever. We all know the recipe: Special Teams and Power Cleans. Unfortunately for the rest of Class 4A, it might be kicking in at just the right time. We’ll see where things are headed this week, as the schedule doesn’t let up for the Mounts as they face 3-1 Pittston.
Up — Scranton Prep (1-3): Here’s another team you knew wouldn’t stay winless much longer. The Cavaliers got a huge shot in the arm from the return of the guy (in my opinion) who is the best 2-way player in District 2, QB/DB Will McPartland. He had 5 rushing TD’s and 2 passing TD’s in Prep’s huge comeback win over Delaware Valley….video game numbers!! However, as Coach Terry Gallagher told me after the game, you can’t give up this many points and continue to win games. This week they have another home tilt against 2-2 Scranton.
Up — Abington Heights (4-0): These guys just keep reeling off big wins. This time, it was a Friday Night Light thumping of Valley View 45-7. The Comets are executing in all phases of the game, but the big test is on the doorstep this week as 4-0 North Pocono comes to the Pit on Saturday afternoon in a can’t-miss matchup. It should be a battle of defenses as the Trojans have only given up 34 points through 4 games, while the Comets have only given up 58. Buckle up!
Down — Delaware Valley (0-4): We all know the drill with the Warriors, as they schedule the tough out-of-district opponents early to challenge their team and grow. However, they had Scranton Prep on the ropes this past weekend and gave up 42 unanswered points in a 49-44 loss. The pieces are still there — RB Mike Iuzzolino, WR Trey Newton, QB Colin McGarvey, K Reagan Decker and I counted 2 guys named Estevez on Friday (Devin and Justin). This team is actually pretty good, but now it’s time to execute. Sometimes a loss like the most recent one can spur teams on to greater things, and Delaware Valley will get that chance this week on the road at 2-2 Wallenpaupack.
Down — Lake-Lehman (1-3): The Black Knights had some promise coming into the season with a strong running game and Senior leadership on the lines. But so far, Lehman had only mustered a TD per game aside from the lopsided win at Northwest. The passing game has not done very much so far, but there are some very winnable games coming up and the Knights can do themselves a favor and get back on track starting this weekend at 1-3 Holy Redeemer.
Down — Honesdale (1-3): I agree that the Hornets have had a somewhat tougher schedule to start the season, and they graduated some significant pieces from last year. However, this team is young and while there are some tough games down the stretch (Valley View, Lakeland, Dunmore) there are also some winnable games and the potential to really build on something. Maybe not this year, but the Hornets should be a team to watch in the very near future.

Where I am headed Thursday 9/18: I’m taking the opportunity with another Thursday Night Lights game on the schedule to head up to Montrose as Riverside comes to town. I’ll be hanging out with Jake “Biggie” Mills and my son EJ for this one, so we should have some fun.

Where we are headed Friday 9/19: Sherryl and I are staying close this Friday as Pittston pays a visit to Dallas. I’ve been wanting to get a look at the Patriots, and now I’ll get my chance. It should be a good one!

Where I am headed Saturday 9/20: I could not turn down what might be the game of the year in the Lackawanna Football Conference as 4-0 North Pocono heads into the Pit to take on 4-0 Abington Heights. Jake and EJ will be on hand with me to make this one a can’t miss affair. I’m already getting chills thinking about it!

PFN’s District 2 coverage this week, follow these on ‘X’ for updates: