Bucks win division title!

By Steve Svetovich

The potent Dunmore Bucks football team capped its first undefeated regular season in nine years with a 53-6 win over Lakeland at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 30.

The win also gave Dunmore (10-0) the Lackawanna Football Conference (LFC) Division II title. It is Dunmore’s 13th division title in school history.

The top-seeded Bucks will now host the District 2 Class 2A football semifinal game against No. 4 seed Holy Redeemer (5-4) on Friday, November 6.

Dunmore senior back Josef Wolff rushed for 203 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead coach Kevin McHale’s Bucks to the 53-6 win over Lakeland.

The speedy senior scored on runs of eight, 24 and 71 yards and on a 35-yard pass reception from junior quarterback Brady McCormick. All touchdowns came in the first half.

McCormick completed 5-of-6 passes for 134 yards, including three touchdowns. He also threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Costanzo and a 16-yard TD strike to Logan Miller.

Costanzo snared two passes for 72 yards, including his touchdown, in the victory.

Dunmore fullback Xavier Burke also scored a touchdown on a two-yard plunge following a long rushing gain by Wolff.

“Our kids had a nice win over Lakeland on Senior Night,” said coach McHale. “It was great for our seniors to honor their parents with a great effort.

“We still have many areas of improvement needed, but we’re happy how we played in all three phases of the game.

“Our main focus is getting a little better each day and continuing with that improvement each game.”

Standout quarterback McCormick was satisfied with another big win but wants more.

“I think the game came down to who wanted it more up front with the big guys and who was going to step up,” he said.

“Our team has been outstanding all year long, but we really showcased it against Lakeland. Joe Wolff especially stepped up. I believe he sent a message to the whole district with that performance.”

Senior stalwart Xavier Burke has dominated both at fullback and linebacker all season.

“The team’s performance all season just speaks to the level of the community we have here in Dunmore,” he said. “We won 10 straight Mercy Rule games in a row. It shows the excellence in this team from top to bottom.

“It’s not just our football team, but the band, cheerleaders, coaching staff, and fans. It’s truly an honor to be a part of such an amazing season. I can’t wait to keep it going.”

All-purpose senior Weston Yannone, who has excelled as a back, receiver, safety and punt and kick returner, did not play in the win over Lakeland. Still, he was just as elated and satisfied as his teammates.

”It was a great win with the team firing on all cylinders,” he said. “Joe Wolff had an amazing night. And all of the line played amazing as always. It was a great win.”

The Bucks pulverized opponents in every single regular season contest this year. Dunmore won by scores of 42-0, 62-7, 63-7, 35-0, 50-6, 56-0, 72-0, 63-11, 58-6 and 53-6. The top-seeded Bucks have outscored opponents by a margin of 563 to 43.

It’s complete domination and a credit to Coach McHale, his staff and the entire Dunmore football roster.