Wayne Highlands Youth Football Organization enjoyed a stellar season
HONESDALE — If the performance of this year’s Wayne Highlands Youth Football Organization teams is any indication, the local gridiron future looks bright indeed.
The Stingers enjoyed an outstanding season in All-County Conference Junior Football League action with all three squads making positive strides on and off the field.
While each group put together a solid season, it was the B-Team that garnered the most headlines. The Stingers finished second in the regular season standings, then advanced all the way to the 2023 league championship game.
And while Wayne Highlands suffered a disappointing loss in the title tilt, officials were thrilled with how far the program has progressed.
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“We are extremely proud of our boys and girls,” said Commissioner Joe Talarico.
“So many great accomplishment this season, none of which could have happened without the dedication and support of our board members, coaches, cheerleaders, fans and community. This wouldn’t be possible without everyone doing their part.”
Memorable achievements
Wayne Highlands kicked-off the 2023 ACCJFL campaign the weekend of August 12-13 with a pair of wins at Dunmore.
The C-Team posted a 19-0 triumph while the B-Team battled its way to a 20-12 victory. Winning would become a theme as the year wore on, much to the delight of local fans who came out in force to support their Stingers.
Season highlights included the highly anticipated transition to home games on the turf. Big crowds packed the bleachers at Honesdale High School to watch Wayne Highlands play in the newly renovated Daniel J. O’Neill Sports Complex.
On Saturday, October 7, the Stingers celebrated their Homecoming with a dominant performance against Carbondale, notching shutouts in both games. These wins catapulted the C and B-Teams into the postseason.
Addison Gallik, the daughter of Steve Gallik and Ashley Batzel, was named 2023 Homecoming Queen. This year’s King is Isaiah Young, son of Tony and Alyssa Young.
Under the direction of Head Coach Andrew Burrell, the C-Team posted an overall record of 8-3. Also lending their expertise on the sidelines were: Zach Mander, Brice Rickard, Tim Shelton, Kristen Kohlshorn and Jeremy Ebert.
The Stingers qualified for the playoffs where they defeated Old Forge, 20-13, in the quarterfinals. Sadly, their season came to an end in semis with a heartbreaking 27-6 loss at the hands of Paupack.
The I-Team also enjoyed a successful season. With Head Coach Ilir Mustafaj calling the shots, the youngest Stingers showed dramatic improvement from Week 1 through the finale.
Paul Miller, Corey Kimble, Tom Wornock, Matthew McCarthy and Brandon Morgan rounded out the I-Team coaching staff.
However, it was the B-Team that dominated the headlines in 2023…
On to the finals
Wayne Highlands used a potent combination of explosive offense and stingy defense en route to a memorable B-Team campaign.
The Stingers rolled to seven wins in nine regular season games, finishing tied for second in the American Conference and earning a spot in the playoffs.
There, with head coach Rick Gardner at the helm, the B-Team powered its way to three more prime time victories. The Stingers defeated Western Wayne in the first round by a score of 33-18, then followed that up with a 31-19 decision over Paupack.
Wayne Highlands eliminated Delaware Valley, 26-7 in the semis, which punched their ticket to the ACCJFL championship game versus West Scranton. This contest took place on Sunday, Nov. 5 at Paupack.
The Junior Invaders wasted no time in flexing their muscles in the title tilt. Austin Sostre got Westside on the board on its first possession. The veteran quarterback called his own number and raced 58 yards down the sidelines for a touchdown.
The Stingers retaliated quickly, though, marching methodically downfield. Tailback Calvin Krupa did the heavy lifting with several key runs, but it was quarterback Colton Mander who punched it in from two yards out.
Krupa turned in an excellent effort on defense as well, recording eight tackles and stopping a Junior Invader drive with a clutch interception.
West clung to a 7-6 lead at intermission, but then pulled away in the second half. Sostre struck again midway through the third quarter via a 37-yard touchdown run.
The Invaders eventually put the game out of reach with an insurance tally. James Gadson III sprinted 38 yards to paydirt, bringing the final score to 20-6.
“Just making it to the Super Bowl is a great achievement,” said Commissioner Talarico. “Only two teams out of 18 get this far, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Rounding out the B-Team coaching staff are: Mike Krupa, Matthew Gilbert and Mirko Brdar.
The spirit of the games
In addition to its on-field achievements, Wayne Highlands also enjoyed success off the field.
The Stingers A-Team cheerleaders took part in the league’s spirit competition, which was held at Old Forge. There, the local girls earned a solid fourth place finish overall.
This year’s cheerleading advisors are: Maria Rylka (A-Team); Danielle Bullions, Danielle Whaley and Heather Fahnestock (B-Team); Heather Utegg (C-Team); Stephanie Schuman, Valerie Ingram and Manda Cox (I-Team).
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wayne Highlands Stingers close out solid ACCJFL season
