Tag Archives: Dunmore Bucks

Athlete of the Month: Gabe Franek

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Gabe Franek, left, is joined in this picture by his brother, Luke, who is a sophomore at Dunmore High.

By Steve Svetovich

The Dunmore Bucks football team started the season 0-4, but a second half surge landed the team in district playoff action.

Dunmore senior tailback/defensive back Gabe Franek was one of the big reasons the Bucks made it to the District 2 Class 2A championship game, a 24-6 loss to Riverside, Friday, November 8, at Riverside Veterans Memorial Stadium. The senior standout scored Dunmore’s lone touchdown on an eight-yard run.

The 5-10, 165-pound tailback scored four touchdowns, three on runs of 10, 10 and 37 yards and another on a two-yard pass from quarterback Jack McNeff, in Dunmore’s 47-34 win over Susquehanna in the district semifinal Saturday, November 2. Gabe rushed for 110 yards in the win.

Dunmore back Izaiah Parker also scored three rushing touchdowns in the win over Susquehanna.

After an 0-4 start, the Bucks won five of their next seven games, including the district playoff win over Susquehanna.

“We never gave up,” Gabe said. “We’re a close knit team. We went to practice every single day and worked harder. We practiced like a 4-0 team. We practiced like a winner and it paid off.”

Son of Tom and Angela Franek, the senior stalwart said his parents push him to be the best.

“They tell me to go out there every day and be accountable. Go all out every play.”

Gabe, 18, rushed for 705 yards on 166 carries and nine touchdowns for Dunmore this season. He also caught 12 passes for 128 yards and two more touchdowns. He led the Bucks in points scored with 66.

The shifty senior also excels from his defensive back position where he was selected as an all-star as a junior.

A four-year member of the Dunmore football team, Gabe will be entering his fourth season on the track and field team in the spring.

Outstanding in track and field, he earned all-star recognition in the hurdles last year and he and his teammates placed seventh in the state in the 4 X 14.

Gabe said he is thinking about running track in college. He is not sure where he will attend college yet, but would like to major in marketing.

The scholar-athlete has a 3.7 academic average. His best academic subject is statistics.

He talked about what it takes to excel as a tailback in high school.

“You need to be able to read the defense. We put a lot of time in the weight room, too. Our fullback Xavier Burke and I always lift together. We put the time in to get better. We push each other.”

The tough-minded senior said he works equally as hard to excel at defensive back.

“You need to read the opponent’s offense well, be smart and quick and see when the receiver is coming.”

The multi-talented senior said he likes listening to music in his spare time and would like to see The Beastie Boys in concert.

He talked about his future goals. “I want to graduate college, get a good job, and make good money.”

Gabe said he has learned a lot from Dunmore veteran football coach Kevin McHale.

“He teaches me to work hard on the field, be a good teammate and help everyone.”

The hard-working senior said he is enjoying his experience at Dunmore High School.

“It’s been great,” he said. “It’s like a family here. Everyone here knows each other.”

Athlete of the Month: Jack McNeff

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November Athlete of the Month Jack McNeff is pictured with Coach Lenny Burke.

Dunmore senior quarterback Jack McNeff transitions into role

By Steve Svetovich

Dunmore senior Jack McNeff spent his first three football seasons as a wide receiver-safety for the Bucks, but this year made a smooth transition as the starting quarterback.

A standout at his free safety spot on defense, Jack showed continued improvement as the starting quarterback in learning a new position as the season rolled along. The Bucks started slow, but finished the season with a 4-6 record and spot in the district playoffs.

Son of John and Jennifer McNeff, Dunmore, Jack passed for close to 700 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season. He rushed for one touchdown. On the defensive side, he had one interception. Last year he had two interceptions as a defensive safety.

Jack talked about making the transition from receiver to quarterback this season.

“You need to play yourself into the role to make it a success. You just step into the role. In some aspects, it could be difficult. I love it though. I love being in charge and the leadership role that comes with it.

“Having previously played wide receiver, there are some aspects that help. One of those aspects is finding the open spots on defense.”

Dunmore quarterback Jack McNeff, at left, is shown with Bucks teammates, Xavier Burke, Gabe Franek, and Coach Kevin McHale.

One of the Dunmore captains, he talked about what it takes to excel at the free safety position.

“It takes a lot of hustle and studying film. You need leadership skills. You see the whole field and line your teammates up on defense.”

Bright and well-spoken, Jack has a 3.8 grade point average at Dunmore. His best subject is English. He is a three-year member of the Dunmore basketball team as a center and a member of the yearbook staff.

Jack said he learned a lot from Dunmore football coach Kevin McHale. “He tells us we can accomplish anything with hard work. He tells us anyone can come back with hard work when your back is against the wall.”

The senior scholar-athlete said his parents taught him a lot.

“They tell me to always respect people and have good manners. Never act like you are above or better than anybody.”

Jack said he is not sure where he will attend college yet, but wants to major in finance. He wants to become a financial advisor.

“I want to go to college, get my degree and work in finance. My goal is to get a good job in the financial field.”

The talented and versatile senior signal caller said his team is ready for the district playoffs. “I think we have a great shot to win the districts.”

The confident captain said he enjoys listening to music in his spare time. He would like to see Drake in concert.

He talked about the turn-around of the team after the slow start.

“It came at the right time after a players’ only meeting with the team captains. We held the meeting to figure things out and we did. It all worked out and we started playing better football as a team.”

Jack said he is enjoying his high school years at Dunmore as his senior year continues. “I’ve made so many friends through sports and also in school classes. I’ve made friends from other sports. I’ve just made a variety of really good friends here. It’s been a great experience.”