WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN At St. Anthony’s Park up on the hill in Dunmore, it is never an easy place to play softball. The wind was doing its thing all afternoon, with a cold breeze cutting through the field as the temperature sat in the low 50s. Every now and then, the sun tried to…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Throop — What looked on paper like it might be a routine Mid Valley win over Lakeland turned into anything but that for much of the afternoon. For the first 4 1/2 innings, this was no easy Mid Valley Spartanettes victory. Lakeland came in as the clear underdog, but the Lady…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Long before Valley View ace Abbi Call ever picked up a softball — before she learned to walk, talk, or even throw — the foundation was already there. The Call family roots run deep in this valley. Deep enough to hit coal. This is a family shaped by hard work, sacrifice,…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN DUNMORE – Old Forge came into this one as what many would call the underdog against a giant in Holy Cross — a heavily favored team and one of the area’s true powerhouses over the last few years. And on paper, it was easy to understand why. Holy Cross opened the…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN The Riverside Vikings came into this one hungry. You could feel it before the first pitch. This is a team that has been grinding over the last few weeks, trying to fight its way through a tough stretch after dropping three straight games. There has been no quit in this group…

🧠 AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH — MY STORY Written by: Jeric Yurkanin March 13th, 2026…I found out I was diagnosed with autism — Level 1. And honestly…my whole life suddenly made sense. I was raised in evangelical Christianity.Fear of hell. End-times. Sin.What most people would call “normal” American Christianity. I didn’t question it.I trusted it. Then…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN After taking a tough 21-1 loss to Montrose last week, the Raiders did not just need another game on the schedule — they needed a response. They needed a chance to remind themselves, and everyone watching, who they really are. And that is exactly what they gave. Blue Ridge dug deep…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN After an hour trip up to Binghamton from Jessup, Pennsylvania near Scranton Pennsylvania area, to cover the Binghamton Bearcats taking on Albany, the drive itself felt like part of the story. About halfway there, the highway turned rough — bumpy, full of potholes, and not exactly the kind of ride that…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Mid Valley Spartanettes lost the majority of their infield starters from last season — a team that made a run all the way to the state semifinals. It was a real concern around the program. You could feel it. I remember standing along the fence during warmups before last year’s league…

BY: JERIC YURKANIN (Update 4/2/26, 8:00 a.m. — About seven hours after the article was published, the game was officially called, making Abington Heights the winner by a 10-3 final score.) ———————- On a strange, almost eerie afternoon at St. Anthony’s Field, the weather felt like it was in charge from the very beginning. A…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Lakeland came into this season with something to prove. After finishing 6-14 a year ago, the Lady Chiefs knew that record did not tell the full story. Too many of those losses were close. Too many games felt like they were right there, only to slip away. A season like that…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Valley View’s Lady Cougars made the trip down to Wilkes-Barre on Monday afternoon for a showdown with Holy Redeemer, last season’s District 2 Class 2A champions. But this one felt a whole lot different than the Cougars’ season opener. The sun was out. Temperatures sat in the mid-60s. For one of…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Down at John Derenick Park, home of the Riverside Lady Vikings, only a handful of fans had made their way in early on this chilly Sunday afternoon. But as game time got closer… they came. Cars pulled up. Doors slammed. Jackets zipped tight. Fans walked in with hands tucked in pockets,…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN On a Saturday when, once again, most of the area’s softball games were wiped out by Mother Nature, Abington Heights finally got its chance. For the second Saturday in a row, winter reached down and disrupted the schedule, refusing to loosen its grip. From December through February in northeastern Pennsylvania, snow…

THE ROOTS OF ROYAL BLUE — THE DELUCA LINEAGE THAT BUILT SOPHIA When you dig into the DeLuca family tree, you don’t just find relatives — you find generations of grit. There’s no shortage of talent here. It doesn’t fade. It doesn’t skip. It doesn’t weaken with time. It grows. It expands. It gets handed…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN On a day when pouring rain washed out much of the high school softball slate, Mid Valley never blinked. While fields around the area were soaked and games were postponed, the Spartanettes had the luxury of a turf field — and they made the most of it. As fans filtered in…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN — Junior standout, team-first competitor, and emerging emotional anchor is the kind of player every coach wants and every teammate trusts There’s an old phrase that has echoed through dugouts, locker rooms, and postgame celebrations for generations: leaders aren’t made — they’re born. It’s the kind of quote that can feel…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Lackawanna College’s bats didn’t just wake up Tuesday afternoon — they took over the game. What felt like a tight, back-and-forth battle early quickly turned into something loud, relentless, and completely one-sided. In one inning, everything changed. Lackawanna erupted for 11 runs in the fourth and rolled past Wake Tech, 13–2,…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN From the opening tip, it was clear the University of Scranton Royals had one goal in mind — control the pace, dictate the rhythm, and put Concordia–Moorhead on their heels early. And that is exactly what happened. Playing with confidence and sharp execution on both ends of the floor, Scranton delivered…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN The early afternoon sun hung high over the diamond at the Community College of Baltimore County on Tuesday, casting long shadows across the infield as the Lackawanna College Falcons stepped onto the field with something to prove. College softball seasons move fast. Games stack on top of each other. Momentum can…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN The early morning air in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina carried a different feeling for the Keystone Giants on Monday. The sun slowly climbed over the coastal ballfields as the breeze coming off the Atlantic rolled across the complex. It was cool, calm, and quiet — the kind of morning that…

Written by: Jeric Yurkanin In big games all season long, the University of Scranton women’s basketball team has shown exactly who they are — and what kind of team they can become when the moment demands it. The proof came long before the postseason lights ever turned on. Back in November, during a preseason scrimmage…

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin Across the diamonds of college softball, there are afternoons where everything clicks — where the pitching is sharp, the bats come alive, and momentum builds inning after inning until the outcome feels inevitable. Friday in Binghamton was one of those afternoons. Under cloudy early-season skies and with the 2026 season still…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Lackawanna College came out hot and swinging today against Salem Community College (NJ) — and they did it on one of those miserable softball days where you’re basically playing the weather as much as the opponent. Dark skies. Steady damp rain popping in and out. A wet field. Not exactly “perfect…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN | AGAPE FREEDOM MEDIA Archbald — On paper, Saturday’s District 2 Class 4A semifinal between Valley View and Nanticoke looked like a mirror staring back at itself. Two complete teams. Two programs built on defense first. Two offenses averaging around 52 points per game. Two defenses holding opponents in the early-to-mid…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Some kids are born into a sport. Some kids get assigned one — like it’s stitched into the family last name, sewn into the bloodline, locked into a legacy they didn’t choose but are expected to carry. And sometimes that legacy comes with baggage. Pressure. Expectations. A spotlight you didn’t ask…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Penn State didn’t lose this one quietly. It slipped away in a rush — the kind of game that lives in your chest long after the final out, because it never stopped feeling winnable. On a warm February afternoon in Houston, the Nittany Lions traded punches with an unbeaten Incarnate Word…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN The box score will say Bradley 9, Binghamton 3, but that final line barely hints at how this game actually breathed, twisted, and tilted over seven innings in Auburn, Alabama. For four innings, it was a grind. A chess match. One of those games where every at-bat feels like it’s being…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Illinois and Binghamton didn’t walk onto Jane B. Moore Field Friday morning like two teams expecting an 11–5 finish. It was 8:57 a.m. in Auburn, Alabama. The air sat at 52 degrees. The sun was bright but still low. That early-game feel was there — quiet dugouts, pitchers setting a tone,…

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin Penn State didn’t ease into the season — they kicked the door in. The Nittany Lions opened opening weekend with a doubleheader sweep, grinding out a 7–4 extra-inning win over Missouri and then coming right back to blank Boston College 7–0. Two games. Two wins. And a whole lot of early-season…

By: Jeric Yurkanin Saturday at Valley View High School was one of those feel-good, heart-full events you don’t forget — Coaches vs. Cancer: Faculty vs. the Valley View Girls Basketball team — and it was all for something bigger than the scoreboard. The money raised is going to the Cure for Cancer Foundation, and let’s…

By: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports LLC If you’re from the Mid Valley area and your last name is Cortazar—and you’ve got that Cortazar DNA—you almost feel obligated to play sports the minute you’re born. It’s not really a decision. It’s a family tradition you don’t sign up for… you just inherit it. Before…

By: Jeric Yurkanin Back in August, I landed the job I’d been chasing for the past year — a Valley View maintenance position, right inside a school building, right in the middle of a community that lives and breathes sports. I’m a Lakeland Class of 2002 grad, and yeah… I still root for the Chiefs…

By: Jeric Yurkanin The 19th Annual Lou Camoni Tournament championship night turned into anything but what you’d expect from a title-game buildup. Before the lights ever hit tip-off, Valley View’s girls were already winning the moment. They sat together up on the bleachers — not split up, not locked in silence, not glued to their…

By: Jeric Yurkanin In the Losers’ Consolation Game tonight, the Lakeland Lady Chiefs and Carbondale Area squared off for Round 2 — a rematch of that early-December heartbreaker where the Chargerettes escaped 43–41 in a nail-biter. Lakeland came in hungry. Not just to win… but to answer. But the opening half? Whew. It was rough.…

By: Jeric Yurkanin Carbondale — At the 53rd Turonis / NBT Bank Holiday Classic, two rival programs collided in the opening round with more than just a bracket spot on the line — there was tournament pride in the air. And with a packed gym on hand tonight, fans were more than ready to get…

GAME PREVIEW: Lakeland Lady Chiefs at Valley View Cougars By: Jeric Yurkanin When: Friday, Dec. 27 • 6:30 PM Where: Valley View High School Valley View and Lakeland meet up tonight with two very different identities — and that contrast is what makes this one intriguing. Valley View has been built around a steady, disciplined…

Written by: Jeric Yurkanin Penn State Harrisburg came out swinging defensively in a true David-vs.-Goliath matchup. With the University of Scranton entering undefeated at 10-0, the Lions held the Lady Royals scoreless for the first two minutes. But Scranton eventually settled in, found its rhythm, and used a quick run to grab a 7-2 lead…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN FROM WEST SIDE GYM RAT TO DISTRICT 2 ICON. LEGENDS AREN’T BORN — THEY’RE BUILT: VINCE BUCCIARELLI’S 700-WIN JOURNEY. Built through work. Built through discipline. Built through failure, fight, and flat-out fire. Seven hundred wins. Four decades. One standard. Vince Bucciarelli didn’t chase glory — he built it. Practice by practice.…

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin Final: Dunmore 57, Valley View 44 Tonight inside the Dunmore gym — with a loud, early-season crowd packed in for a December showdown — we got everything you want in a girls basketball opener: defensive grit, momentum swings, young talent stepping into the spotlight, and a Dunmore team announcing loud and…

WYOMING VALLEY CLUTCH – GAME OF THE WEEK PREGAME RECAP: VALLEY VIEW AT DUNMORE – GIRLS BASKETBALL WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Tonight’s a special one. I’m off work, I’m getting holiday pay, and I get to spend my night exactly where I love being—inside a gym, covering my first high school basketball game of the…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN SCRANTON, PA — The day didn’t start well for the Houghton Lady Highlanders. Somewhere on the long stretch of highway between Houghton, New York and Scranton, Pennsylvania, their bus broke down. Not exactly the omen you want before a big game. By the time they got rolling again and pulled into…

WRITTEN BY: JERIC YURKANIN Credits to The Heart Photography for several of the photos used in this post. If you grew up in NEPA, you already know: Lakeland vs. Dunmore hits different. It doesn’t feel like a game week — it feels like a chapter being written. A chapter your dad remembers, your uncle argued…

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin (Email): AgapeFreedomsports@Yahoo.com The night before every game, Naomi Rude’s room looks like a locker room ready for battle. Her jersey? Folded neatly. Cleats? Aligned just right. Socks, shin guards, and water bottle—everything in perfect order. Perhaps It’s her pregame ritual. Her quiet focus. Across the hall, Perhaps her younger sister Natalie…

Written by Founder & General Manager, Agape Freedom Warriors 18U Travel Softball Team — Jeric Yurkanin What if the very moment you’re ready to walk away is the same moment where growth is waiting to happen? I’ve been challenged many times in my life — both personally and as a coach. When I was running…

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff When your last name is Tochelli in Lakeland athletics, expectations follow. For nearly three decades, legendary coach Phil Tochelli built one of the most respected track and cross country programs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. From 1979 to 2007, his track and field teams captured 21 Lackawanna Conference titles, 18 Jordan…

Written By: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | In the fall, Northeastern Pennsylvania beats to the drum of football. Friday nights under the lights, Saturday afternoons at college stadiums, and Sundays packed into living rooms and bars where diehards scream at TV screens—it’s tradition. NEPA bleeds football. Earlier today, I grabbed lunch at Benny’s…

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Sports Staff September 15 2025: Some families pass down heirlooms. Others pass down recipes. The Bradleys, Schmidts, and Stalicas? They pass down championships. Baseballs, softballs, and fastballs are stitched into their DNA, and the results are everywhere—record books rewritten, college rosters filled, and a reputation that has become one of…

WHAT YOUTH SPORTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE: Written By: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff |Agape Freedom Sports Have you ever reached the point where you just can’t stand youth sports anymore? The way some coaches think. The way some parents act. Honestly—many of us are there. Here’s a thought: the youngest teams are often led by…

🏈🎾⚾️🏐⚽️🏓🥎🥍🏀 Stronger Together: Supporting Local Sports Outlets in NEPA Written by: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff, Agape Sports I began this sports podcast in 2024 out of pure passion and a dream I’ve carried since high school in 2002. Between 2000 and 2005, I ran a free website called JERIC’S Lackawanna Sports. I loved writing, volunteered…

By: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Sports Staff The roar of the crowd. The clash of helmets. The weight of expectation. Scranton quarterback Brody Coyle doesn’t just survive in the middle of it—he thrives. Under the Friday night lights, he’s not just another kid in a Silver-and-red jersey. He’s the next chapter in a football family…

By: Jeric Yurkanin | Staff | Agape Sports The Lakeland Lady Chiefs came out kicking, determined not to hold back after dropping their season opener to Wyoming Seminary Prep. They weren’t about to start the year 0–2. It was a game played with grit and control. From the opposite sideline, the atmosphere carried its own…

🎥 POST-GAME INTERVIEW | Lakeland vs. Holy Cross Final Score: Lakeland 53 – Holy Cross 6 We caught up with four of Lakeland’s standout athletes following their dominant performance: 🏈 Gavin Roberts 🏈 Dylan Loomis 🏈 David Naniewicz 🏈 Jackson Pochas 🏈 Head Coach: Coach P Hear their thoughts on tonight’s game, the team’s chemistry,…

By Jeric Yurkanin | Staff Writer | Agape Freedom Sports 🎾 For 40 Years, It Was Always About the Kids For four decades, Jerry Pickard stood at the helm of the Valley View girls tennis program, quietly building something special since 1986. He took over the boys team in 1995 and spent nearly 40 years…

By Jeric Yurkanin | Staff | Agape Freedom Sports Friday night’s Valley View vs. Scranton Prep matchup was more than just a football game—it was a night of honor. Valley View hosted its annual Salute to Service Night, and while the scoreboard told one story, the meaning behind the evening told another. When you hear…

📅 Date: August 22, 2025 📍 John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium 🏆 Final Score: Valley View 14, Scranton Prep 10 ⸻ Storyline: No. 5 Valley View opened the season with a statement win over No. 1 Scranton Prep in a defensive slugfest. The Cougars overcame two costly fumbles, 102 penalty yards, and a 10-minute Prep drive…

Welcome back to the Hail-Mary Show! This week, we’re diving into TWO of the biggest rivalry games of the week and breaking down the preseason matchups. Plus, we unveil our Top 7 Preseason Countdown — who’s ready to make a statement this season, and which teams could surprise everyone? Subscribe and join us every Thursday…

Valley View opened its girls tennis season with a dominant 5-0 win over Western Wayne on Monday in Lackawanna League play. 🎾 ⭐ Singles Leaders Ella Swingle (VV) def. Wertman, 6-0, 6-0 Josie Checho (VV) def. McClure, 6-0, 7-5 Lucy Ritzco (VV) def. Spewack, 6-2, 6-2 ⭐ Doubles Dahlia Ciullo & Sophia Laboranti (VV) def.…

By: Jeric Yurkanin The Dunmore Bucks football team enters the 2025 season determined to build on its tradition of physical play and strong community support. The Bucks opened last fall in unfamiliar territory — dropping their first four games. It was their first 0–4 start since 1997, when Honesdale handed Dunmore a 50–14 loss. But…

The other day, I stopped by to check out the Valley View Cougars — last year’s 4A District 2 Champions. 💪 Sure, they’ve lost a few key pieces from last season, but make no mistake — this year’s squad isn’t backing down. With hard-hitting linebacker Jeffrey Wasilchak leading the charge, the Cougars have been grinding…

By: Jeric Yurkanin Well, neighbor, grab your sneakers and your favorite sun-block, because today was a wonderful day in the neighborhood of youth football! The Valley View Cougars kicked off their season in style, pouncing their way to an exciting win over the Dunmore Bucks. Leading the parade of paw prints were Schuback and Naughton…

About Dan LaMagna 🏈 Dan LaMagna, Ed.D., has dedicated his life to building teams—on and off the football field. A proud alum of the Lakeland Chiefs, Dan made his mark in high school football before continuing his playing career with the Scranton Eagles semi-pro team. His passion for the game later led him to coach…

Written by Jeric Yurkanin Bigger Than a Game: Why August 9th Matters Autism affects millions of kids and adults across the world — and right here in our own communities. People with autism often see the world differently, and while they may face unique challenges, they also carry incredible gifts. Many shine in sports, music,…

Friday, I officially wrap up Year 1 of our podcast journey. Starting this Friday, I’ll be taking a 3-week mental health break—stepping away from posting and podcast work until August 15th. It’s been an incredible first year filled with growth, stories, and community, but it’s time to recharge, reset, and come back refreshed for Year…

🎉 Agape Freedom Sports -“Athlete of the Year” • Kalli Karwowski Meet Kalli Karwowski, a powerhouse shortstop from Valley View High School in Archbald, PA — and your 2025 Athlete of the Year! 🏆 Career Highlights • 3× All-State, All-Region, and All-Area honoree • Helped lead Valley View to its 3rd State Championship in the…

🧢Lackawanna “East” Team –Head Coach: Jeric YurkaninAssistant Coaches: William Sandly and Eugene Gallagher 🥎 Boys Roster: 🥎 Girls Roster: ——————— Autism Awareness Game Roster Lackawanna East.🟥 Lackawanna “West” Roster LACKAWANNA “WEST” ROSTER – RED TEAMHead Coach: Jason Munley ⸻ 🥎 BOYS TEAM ⸻ 🥎 GIRLS TEAM

🆕 NEW FORMAT ANNOUNCEMENT: 💙 AUTISM AWARENESS CO-ED SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL GAME. Hosted by Agape Freedom Sports 📅 Saturday, August 9th⏰ 4:00 PM – First Pitch📍 Jessup Youth Association Field(1 Moosic Lake Rd, Jessup, PA 18434) ⸻——- 🎉 IMPORTANT UPDATE: NOW A CO-ED GAME! We’re bringing the boys and girls together for a fun, inclusive, and…

🎯 Whether it’s a birthday, a big matchup, or just because — make their moment even more memorable. 👇 Choose your game & package today! 🔥 SPECIAL FALL OFFER: All Personal Shoutout Packages are 20% OFF for a limited time until August 15!!! 🎙️ Make Someone’s Game Day Unforgettable!Do you know a player who deserves…

Basketball brilliance. Soccer grit. Championship mindset. Sophia Talutto is the definition of a multi-sport leader whose legacy continues to grow in Dunmore. A 1,000-point scorer, two-time Basketball Player of the Year, and all-league soccer midfielder, Sophia capped off her senior year with the one thing every athlete dreams of—a state championship. Whether it’s setting the…

Meet Kristi Cortazar: a two‐sport dynamo from Mid Valley High School in Throop, PA, ranked #3 on the Athlete of the Year list! Her elite athleticism, relentless drive, and leadership shine on both the diamond and the court. ⸻ 🔥 Softball Standout: • Position: Versatile infielder and was key run‑producer for Mid Valley’s Class 3A softball team.  •…

Meet Kristi Cortazar: a two‐sport dynamo from Mid Valley High School in Throop, PA, ranked #3 on the Athlete of the Year list! Her elite athleticism, relentless drive, and leadership shine on both the diamond and the court. ⸻ 🔥 Softball Standout: • Position: Versatile infielder and was key run‑producer for Mid Valley’s Class 3A…

Get hyped—Tommy Fiorelli, the multi-sport powerhouse out of Valley View High School, earns the #4 Athlete of the Year title! From bulldozing on the line to dominating shot put circles, Tommy’s earned his stripes. ⸻ 🏈 Football Dominance: • Position: Offensive Tackle / Defensive Line (#68) • Accolades: Named to league’s 2nd Team Offensive Tackle; earned…

Get ready to meet one of Pennsylvania’s brightest softball stars—Mia Galella, the dynamic #5 Athlete of the Year! From crushing home runs to overcoming setbacks, Mia’s story is a testament to talent, toughness, and heart. ⸻ 🔥 Quick Stats & Highlights • Position: First Baseman — powerhouse on offense and anchor on defense • High School:…

This fall, Eugene will be covering high school football games across the region—and that’s just the beginning. Eugene Gallagher will also be as a Co-Host of our Hail-Mary Football Show alongside Daniel Bohenek and Jeric Yurkanin! Eugene brings a wealth of experience and football knowledge to the table—both as a former standout athlete and as…

Coming in at #6 on our Top 10 Athletes of the Year, Matt Lyons is the true definition of a clutch, all-around competitor. A two-sport standout at Holy Cross, Matt played a vital role in leading the Crusaders to back-to-back state semifinal appearances and a trip to the 2024 PIAA State Championship Game. On the…

By Jeric Yurkanin | July 13, 2025 Big-time players show up in big-time moments. And Taylor Cawley didn’t just show up—she owned the biggest stage in Pennsylvania high school softball. With ice in her veins and fire in her arm, she helped bring a state championship back to Valley View, capping off a dominant senior…

By Jeric Yurkanin | July 12, 2025 | Agape Freedom Sports Some athletes make their mark on just one side of the ball. Others shine in a single sport. But Scranton Prep’s Ambrose Rossi made his impact everywhere. A two-way force on the football field and a key presence on the basketball court, Rossi earns…

By Jeric Yurkanin | July 11, 2025 | Agape Freedom Sports Few athletes in Pennsylvania can say they rewrote a school’s record books in one sport and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in another — but Abington Heights junior Nick Bradley did both. A two-sport phenom, Bradley earns the #9 spot on our…

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports In a region steeped in hard-nosed competition and athletic pride, few athletes stood taller in 2024–25 than Dunmore’s Tommy Clark. A three-sport athlete. A school record-holder. An All-American. And now, one of Agape Freedom Sports’ Top 10 Athletes of the Year. ⚽ The Midfield Maestro: Clark was the…

June 28, 2025 Friday night was one of those games you don’t forget. Two youth all-star teams. Ages 9 to 11. Two proud Scranton programs — South vs. West. Two sides of the same city, colliding on a chilly mountain night up at Aston Field in Moscow, PA. These kids didn’t just show up —…

“Coal Region to Greencastle-Antrim: How Mark DeCarli’s Roots Shaped a Title Run” By: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | 6/12/25 There’s an old saying: “Leaders are born, not made.” But perhaps the opposite is more true. Leadership is often a product of the people and culture that shape you—molded not just by natural talent,…

Written by: Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | Some dreams never come true. Some never even begin. But others? They start small—just a flicker in the heart of a child—and with vision, work, and belief, they grow. For some, dreaming begins young. Like my son, who’s about to start first grade at Valley View.…

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | 6/11/25 Great programs don’t start under stadium lights or in front of packed crowds. They begin in the quiet corners of small towns—on fields where fundamentals are taught, confidence is built, and young girls first fall in love with the game. For Valley View, that beginning traces…

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports |Staff Writer May 31, 2025 WILKES-BARRE, PA — Zoe Pecuch doesn’t just play for wins. She plays for something deeper. She plays for legacy. She plays for love. She plays for “PA” If you’ve ever been to a Holy Redeemer softball game, you’ve likely seen him — the…

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports |Staff Writer SCRANTON, PA — On a damp and electric night at the University of Scranton, softball fans packed the bleachers early, anticipating a high-stakes battle between two of the Lackawanna League’s finest: the Mid Valley Spartanettes and the Holy Cross Crusaders. The weathermen had predicted more rain…

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer TAYLOR, PA — Some players take years to find their rhythm at the varsity level. Kate Reynolds needed just one season. The Riverside freshman has burst onto the scene with the poise of a senior and the production of a star. A .429 batting average.…

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer DUNMORE — Under a cloudless sky and the warmth of the spring sun, the Holy Cross Lady Crusaders brought the heat Monday afternoon, blanking the Dunmore Lady Bucks 8-0 in a commanding road victory at Dunmore High School. The spark? That came from sophomore Jules…

By Jeric Yurkanin | Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Some athletes are born into the game. Others are built by it. Payton Laytos is both. The Lackawanna Trail sophomore shortstop has quickly emerged as one of the fiercest competitors in District 2 — a powerful hitter, vocal leader, and driven student-athlete…

Written By: Daniel Bohenek | Staff Writer LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Kirsten Finarelli, a senior standout at Lake-Lehman High has made a name for herself both on the softball field and in the classroom. Finarelli has committed to Penn State University, where she plans to study biobehavioral health. Her ultimate goal is becoming an orthopedic…

By Jeric Yurkanin – Agape Freedom Sports | Staff Writer | May 17, 2025 ARCHBALD, PA — Behind every elite athlete lies a story of doubt, determination, and dreams fulfilled. For Valley View’s standout shortstop Kalli Karwowski, that story is rooted in resilience—a journey from quiet frustration to national recognition and a commitment to Power…