Four Wallenpaupack Area graduates dazzle at the 89th Annual Dream Game
PECKVILLE — There’s a long history of Wallenpaupack Area football players taking part at invitational all-star events, and the Dream Game is no exception.
Organized each year by the Scranton Lions Club, the nation’s longest running high school all-star showcase is required viewing for local fans. It marks the end of one season and the start of another.
Recently graduated players from all over the region strap on the pads for one last hurrah before embarking upon the next chapter of their lives.
On Wednesday night at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium in Peckville, four Buckhorns donned the Purple & White for the final time. Tony Iannetta, Mike Fitzgerald, Jacob Gonzalez and Sam Filip each made key contributions to the City in its annual battle with the County.
And although their team suffered a heartbreaking 23-20 overtime loss, Paupack’s longtime skipper had nothing but praise for his graduating seniors.
“I’m very proud of the way they played,” said Dr. Mark Watson. “All four of our kids contributed on the field. I think Tony, Mike, Jacob and Sam represented the school and the program really well.”
More than 7,000 fans turned out to witness this year’s epic battle. With the victory, the County ran its most recent winning streak to four straight and tied the overall series at 42-42-4.
A fitting finale
The City built an early lead at this year’s Dream Game, but the County came roaring back to tie the score and eventually win it in overtime.
Paupack players helped propel the City to that early advantage.
Sam Filip anchored the defensive line on the inside. The 6-2, 350-pound Muhlenberg recruit recorded several key stops in short yardage situations.
“Sam played very well,” Dr. Watson said. “They were double-teaming him all game long, but he still managed to make some big tackles. I think this performance proved to him that he can play at the next level.”
Fitzgerald, who is listed at 6-2 and 320 lbs, was asked to move from guard to tackle on the City’s offensive line.
“That’s a new position for Mike and I think he adjusted really well,” Dr. Watson said. “He accepted the challenge and rose to the occasion. I think he moved really well in open space and was devastating on down blocks.”
Gonzalez earned a starting role at guard for the City and made the most of his opportunity. The 6-1, 270-pounder wreaked havoc in the run game while also offering solid pass protection.
“Jacob did a great job playing guard,” said Dr. Watson. “His ability to get to the second level and block linebackers was evident. I think this game lit a fire in him to try out for spring ball at East Stroudsburg.”
Iannetta turned in an extremely versatile performance, seeing action on offense, defense and special teams.
“Tony definitely impressed me,” Dr. Watson said. “He made some great tackles at linebacker and was flying all over the field with his usual energy. Tony was around the ball all game long.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Four Buckhorns close out their high school football career in style
