Dunmorean of the Month: Vic Fangio

Posted on March 5, 2025 by The Dunmorean

Dunmore’s Vic Fangio gets his Super Bowl ring

By Steve Svetovich

Vic Fangio is making Dunmore proud.

He started his coaching career at the age of 21 in 1979 as a linebacker coach for late Dunmore legendary football coach Jack Henzes.

Two more years as a defensive coordinator under Henzes, one year as defensive coordinator at Milford Academy in Connecticut, a year as a graduate assistant at North Carolina, and two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL got him ready for the NFL.

At age 28 in 1986 he was hired as linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints where he spent nine years.

The coaching jobs never stopped. He served as either linebackers coach or defensive coordinator from 1995 through 2018 for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears before becoming head football coach of the Denver Broncos from 2019 through 2021.

After a season as consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles, he became defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins in 2023.

In 2024, at age 66 he returned to the Philadelphia Eagles as defensive coordinator, leading the team as the No. 1 defense in the NFL.

And this past February 9, at age 66, Fangio earned his first Super Bowl ring as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was Super Bowl MVP, completing 17-of-22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 71 yards on 11 carries and another touchdown.

But there were more than a few who were calling Fangio the MVP as the Eagles tough defense held down Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes for most of the game and limited Kansas City to only 49 yards on the ground.

At one point, the Eagles held a convincing 40-6 lead.

Mahomes managed three touchdown passes, but two came late when the game was out of hand. Mahomes was intercepted twice, including one in which Eagles defensive back Cooper De Jean returned 38 yards for a touchdown. A visibly frustrated Mahomes was sacked six times and hit 11 times by a relentless Eagles defense.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliott contributed field goals from 29, 48, 48 and 50 yards out.

With 46 years of coaching experience, including 39 in the NFL, Fangio has been a defensive coordinator for about half of those years.

He reflected on earning his first Super Bowl ring.

“It was very satisfying and a sense of accomplishment,” he said. “Many great coaches and players have never been to a Super Bowl, so to be a part of the winning team is a blessing.”

He talked about stopping the Chiefs running game.

“They didn’t have many running attempts,” he said. “They called some RPO’s that turned into passes. They only had one first down in the first half, so they didn’t have the normal amount of plays to get the running game going. But first and foremost, our guys did a good job playing the run against them.”

Fangio said the defensive scheme used to stop the passing game of Mahomes was “our pass rush and a mix of different coverages.”

Winning Super Bowl defense coach Vic Fangio is shown as one of the backfield players for the Dunmore Bucks in the 1970s (back row, second from left). Shown kneeling from left are teammates Tony Valvano, Mike Loretti, Ricky Caglia, Bob Mesko, and Bill Butler. Standing, same order: Frank Gianzanti, Vic Fangio, Joe Marrazzo, Corey Meade, and Bob Judge.

Earning the Super Bowl ring is something Fangio started thinking about when he entered the NFL in 1986.

“I never thought about it until reaching the NFL. Then you have to be good enough to qualify for the playoffs and advance. At that point it becomes more realistic. There are many great players and coaches who never make it to the Super Bowl, let alone win one.”

The 1976 Dunmore graduate both played and coached under Henzes. Fangio spoke of the influence Henzes had on him. “Coach Henzes passion for the game, along with his knowledge, is what first turned me on to football and the coaching side of it.”

Fangio last month was named NFL defensive coordinator of the year. “I wasn’t aware of that,” he said. “Awards are more special when it’s with a team that won the Super Bowl.”

Fangio praised Hurts, the Super Bowl MVP. “I thought Jalen played a great game in all the ways that make him a special player.,He had a good day throwing to multiple players. He ran the ball, he scrambled and ran. It was a vintage Jalen game.”

Former Dunmore councilman Paul Nardozzi is a former classmate of Fangio. “Knowing Vic all these years,” he said, “he probably is not basking in the glory he so rightfully deserves. He’s a master defensive strategist, and being from Dunmore, where he was a star defensive back in high school, makes all of us proud in Bucktown. We called him Hector years ago. So congratulations to Hector on his first Super Bowl ring.”

Former Dunmore councilman Joe Tomko praised Fangio. “Vic’s success is a combination of his vast knowledge of the game and the hard work he puts in on a daily basis. His work ethic is clearly a reflection of where he grew up and the coach he learned from.”

Former Dunmore Mayor Patrick “Nibs” Loughney, now a Dunmore councilman, is a close friend of Fangio. “I would like to congratulate Vic and the rest of the Eagles on a great Super Bowl win. Vic is very knowledgeable about the game and it really showed.

“I’m thrilled he got his first Super Bowl ring. He is so deserving of it. He is a great Dunmorean and friend.”

Athlete of the Month: Sophia Talutto

Posted on March 5, 2025 by The Dunmorean

By Steve Svetovich

Dunmore senior guard Sophia Talutto once again led the way for the Lady Bucks. The senior standout led the girls basketball team with 24 points in the a hotly contested District 2 AAA championship win 49-44 on March 1 at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, to help defeat Holy Redeemer, 49-44.

Her teammates Amanda Dempsey and Michelle Nidoh added nine points each. The Lady Bucks now advance to the PIAA Class eA tournament which begins on Friday (March 7).

Senior standout Talutto previously led the Lady Bucks with 17 points in Dunmore’s 58-17 win over Montrose in the semifinal round of the District 2 Class AAA playoffs Friday, February 21, at Dunmore. The Lady Bucks had a first round bye.

Michelle Nidoh scored 14 points for the Lady Bucks. Amanda Dempsey scored 11 points for Dunmore. Jackie Brown added eight points.

It marked Dunmore’s 15th consecutive win and 17th straight home victory.

The Lady Bucks started out the first quarter with a 24-4 lead, with Sophia scoring 11 of Dunmore’s points.

Daughter of Joseph and Lori Talutto, Sophia has already been a major part of two district title teams and a state championship for the Dunmore Lady Bucks basketball team.

Sophia is a two-time All Regional selection and Lackawanna League first-team all-star selection. She was named to the first-team All-Defensive team last season.

She won Player of the Year honors in Lackawanna League Division III in each of the past two seasons.

The highly talented senior averaged 18.1 points per game last season. She is averaging close to 18 points per contest this year. Sophia also averages over six assists and close to four steals a game.

She scored her 1,000th career point in the district championship game last season and now has over 1,400 career points.

The scrappy point guard was named Times-Tribune Athlete of the Week on January 21 after she scored 28 points in Dunmore’s 60-26 win over Holy Cross and 21 points in the Lady Bucks 59-48 win over Honesdale.

A member of the National Honor Society, Sophia has a highly impressive 3.85 grade point average at Dunmore. Her best academic subject is math.

She is a member of the Earth Club, SADD, Art Club, Bowling Club, treasurer of the French Club and coordinator of TACT.

She talked about the team’s success so far this season.

“We worked hard in the off-season,” she said. “We worked hard in the gym and did some heavy lifting with weights.

“Our team is playing great. We want to win the district title and go as far as possible in the state playoffs.”

The confident senior talked about what it takes to excel at the point guard position in high school basketball.

“It’s all about trusting my teammates,” she said. “You need to get the basketball to your open teammates.”

The scholar-athlete said she learned a lot from her parents.

“They tell me to stay humble and grounded. Always strive to improve yourself in life. Even with any accolades, continue to stay humble.”

The hard-working senior guard said Dunmore basketball coach Carrie Bowen Toomey taught her a lot.

“She teaches us to work hard. The focus should always be to get better, be disciplined, and have a strong work ethic. That’s the Lady Bucks way. If it’s not going your way, maintain your focus and keep working harder.”

Sophia’s sister, Anna Talutto, now 22 and a manager in the University of Scranton basketball program, was also a standout basketball player at Dunmore. She will be in the physical therapy program at the University of Scranton next year.

Sophia enjoys listening to music in her spare time and would love to see Bruno Mars in concert.

The talented senior said she will study business/marketing at the University of Scranton next year and will play basketball for the Lady Royals under former Dunmore basketball coach Ben O’Brien who coached Sophia as a freshman.

“I think it’s going to be fun playing for Coach O’Brien again,” she said. “I know a lot of the players there. It’s a big community. The Dunmore community supports the program and goes to the games. It’s going to be nice having that same community support. It’s a great basketball program. I’m looking forward to it.”

As she approaches the final months of her senior year, Sophia reflects on great memories.

“It’s been memorable here at Dunmore. We won a state championship. Coming to Dunmore was the best. It’s like a big community. Everybody has your back. I will cherish these memories forever and take them with me to college.”

Michael Hughes is strong leader for Holy Cross

Posted on March 5, 2025 by The Dunmorean

By Steve Svetovich

Holy Cross senior guard Michael Hughes is a leader and strong producer for the Holy Cross Crusaders basketball team.

Named Lackawanna League Division III Player of the Year last season, the talented senior guard picked up right where he left off.

Son of Michael and Michele Hughes, Michael, Jr. is averaging 15.0 points and close to four assists per game for the Crusaders. He also averages 3.5 rebounds per contest as a guard.

With a 22-3 record at press time, Michael is the point guard and floor general who so far this season led Holy Cross to a league championship and two wins in the district playoffs for a shot at the district title.

Michael scored 12 points in the league championship win over Riverside, 60-57.

He scored 16 points in his team’s 86-47 win over Lakeland in the first round of the district playoffs.

Michael poured in 15 points in the Crusaders convincing 80-49 win over Elk Lake in the district semi final contest Saturday, February 22.

The win earned Holy Cross a shot at the district championship.

The scholar-athlete has a highly impressive 3.9 grade point average at Holy Cross. His best academic subject is math.

Besides being Player of the Year last season, Michael was named All Region, first-team All State, and first-team Lackawanna League Coaches’ all-star.

The hard-working senior is undecided about a college yet, but wants to play college basketball and study business/finance.

He talked about his goals. “I want to keep my grades up in high school and college,” he said. “I want to win a state basketball title this year. I want to go to college, work hard, play basketball, and be a success in life.”

The tough-minded, mature senior said he learned a lot from his parents. “They tell me to work hard all the time and listen to the good people who surround you. And, don’t compare yourself to others, because comparison is the thief of joy.”

The sharp shooter has over 1,100 career points at Holy Cross. He scored his 1,000th career point against Old Forge.

Michael talked about what it takes to excel at the point guard position.

“You need to be a good floor general. You need to knock down the shot and also create for others.”

The senior standout said Holy Cross basketball coach Al Callejas, Jr. teaches him a lot.

“He tells us to go as hard as you can all the time. He tells us not to take any game or situation for granted. Go as hard as you can on every play and don’t give up on a play.”

Michael enjoys listening to music in his spare time and would like to see Drake in concert.

Personable, with a positive attitude, Michael said he has enjoyed his experience at Holy Cross as the final months of his senior year approach.

“It’s been a very fun and exciting experience from day one,” he said. “We made a deep run in the state playoffs last year. It was a lot of fun. We have a great school band that brings us a lot of energy. They bring the energy every game. We want to win a state championship this year. That’s the goal. Holy Cross is a great experience.”