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…