Pocono Record High School Sports Instagram: See our latest stories here

Welcome from the Pocono Record High School Sports Instagram page! If you're looking for features from around the Poconos, sports updates and the latest news that affects you, you've come to the right place.

Check the latest stories that our team has written below.

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Vote: Athletes of the Week Aug. 29 to Sept. 4

Vote:Pocono Record Athletes of the Week for Aug. 29 to Sept. 4

🔒Ready to Rumble: High school football Week 1 predictions

Week 1 is here.

The standings are level with each team at 0-0, and a full slate of games ahead fills everyone with optimism.

Not every team can win, though, so the Pocono Record is here to break down this week's games and predict who will leave the gridiron victorious.

Ready to rumble:Week 1 high school football predictions

🔒Preseason high school football power rankings

With football season on the horizon, the Pocono Record breaks down what to expect from the local gridiron with high school football power rankings.

Time to right the ship:Pocono Record No. 6 high school football team

Searching for consistency:Pocono Record No. 5 high school football team

Just keep improving:Pocono Record No. 4 high school football team

Treading new water:Pocono Record No. 3 high school football team

Most explosive offense?:Pocono Record No. 2 high school football team

Championship defense campaign:Pocono Record No. 1 high school football team

🔒 Pocono Record football players to watch

August is here, and that means the varsity football season is getting fired up.

Plenty of graduates from schools around the Poconos means a crop of new leaders taking the gridiron by storm. From explosive running backs to shutdown defenders, there's plenty of talent to keep an eye on.

Here's a look at players to watch from each team.

Check out the list:Pocono Record's 34 football players to watch in 2022

🔒 2021-22 Pocono Record boys basketball All-Stars and Player of the Year

When the overtime clock at Pocono Mountain West High School on March 10 hit 0.0 seconds, a legendary Monroe County varsity athletics career came to an end.

A raging fourth-quarter comeback couldn't save West, which lost to Abington in the opening round of the PIAA boys basketball tournament. The heartbreaking loss, though, will serve as no more than a footnote on the resume of an all-time great Panther — Christian Fermin.

More:Here are the 2021-22 Pocono Record boys basketball All-Stars and Player of the Year

🔒 2021-22 Pocono Record girls basketball All-Stars and Player of the Year

Vatijah Davis is nowhere near her peak.

Although the Pocono Mountain West junior's season ended with a disappointing 41-38 loss to Parkland in the district quarterfinals, Davis was far and away the top girls basketball player — not only in the Poconos, but across the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and arguably all of District 11. Her domination knew no limits this winter.

More:Here are your 2021-22 Pocono Record girls basketball All-Stars and Player of the Year

VOTE: Pocono Record Athletes of the Week for Feb. 7-13

Speedy swimmers and league MVPs: Vote for Pocono Record Athletes of the Week, Feb. 7-13

Make your picks: EPC hoops tournaments

Check it out: Make your picks: EPC releases boys and girls basketball league tournament brackets

Athletes of the Week for Jan. 24-30

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish Athletes of the Week polls online. The polls will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m.

VOTE: Double-double machines: Pocono Record Athletes of the Week, Jan. 24-30

🔒Scouting report: Top 16 Pocono underclassman stars and contributors this season

With February on the horizon, most varsity basketball teams in the Poconos have about 15 games in the books and underclassmen have had the chance to prove themselves.

The Pocono Mountain West and Pleasant Valley boys squads have allocated significant minutes pretty much solely to upperclassmen, but otherwise there's plenty of young talent around the EPC North.

Some of the most exciting players in hoops are only getting started, with 13 sophomores and three freshmen in particular previewing the future of local varsity basketball.

Check out the list: Top 16 Pocono underclassman stars and contributors this season

WINNERS: Athletes of the Week for Jan. 3-9

Check it out: Here's your Pocono Record Athletes of the Week for Jan. 3-9

VOTE: Athletes of the Week for Jan. 3-9

The link to vote follows this embedded Instagram post.

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish Athletes of the Week polls online. The polls will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Voting is restricted to once daily through public IP addresses.

Vote for Athletes of the Week: Ballers, swimming studs and wrestling stars

Pocono Record Sports winter sports stats

Winter stats: Check out hoops scores, stats, standings

Vote for Pocono Record readers' fall sports Athlete of the Year

VOTE: Select the Pocono Record readers' fall sports Athlete of the Year

Pocono Record fall sports Players of the Year and All-Star teams

Boys soccer: Gilmore regains form

Girls soccer: Merklin, Pleasant Valley steal the show

Field hockey: Zauck is smooth, clutch and calculated

Volleyball: 'How'd she make that play?': Klipp leaves coach in awe

🔒Football: 'A born winner,' our football Player of the Year is much more than a district champion

🔒Football All-Stars: See which players made our best of the best list

🔒Piscani: East Stroudsburg South's legendary comeback a symbol of what makes sports great

If I'm lucky, I'll be working in sports for a long time.

At 22 years old, I'm in my 10th month of working for the Pocono Record and am less than a year removed from my college graduation.

I might never again report on a game as dramatic as Friday's District 11 Class 5A football championship.

Column: East Stroudsburg South's legendary comeback a symbol of what makes sports great

District 11 Class 5A football championship Player of the Game: Bobby McClosky

🔒How big of a problem is violence against referees in high school athletics?

Pat Gebhart said the positive experiences outweighed the negative during his 25 years officiating high school basketball in York County.

But he won't deny that negative experiences are an issue.

And negative experiences can sometimes go beyond verbal abuse.

That happened this fall when Spring Grove football player Tyree Brooks attacked 17-year veteran referee Richard Delaughter at the conclusion of a game against Dover on Oct. 1. Brooks was charged with one felony of aggravated assault and two misdemeanors of simple assault and assault on a sports official.

Incidents like that are rare, but the concern of them potentially occurring is a major reason why the PIAA — like many state associations — has struggled to retain and recruit new officials in recent years.

More: How big of a problem is violence against referees in high school athletics?

East Stroudsburg South pulls off miraculous district championship victory

For anyone who didn't believe in miracles before Friday night, East Stroudsburg South's football team changed that.

South claimed victory to the District 11 Class 5A championship with a thrilling 47-41 overtime victory over Whitehall that at times seemed hopeless for the Cavaliers.

Both the defense and offense came out flat, first allowing an opening-drive touchdown to Whitehall before going three-and-out, then again allowing Whitehall quarterback Trey Dogmanits to connect with Bryce Bashore for a touchdown.

The tide seemed to turn after falling down 13-0 as South quarterback Bobby McClosky found Colin Burdian for a touchdown and the defense forced a punt, but a Ron Blake goal line fumble and unsportsmanlike conduct penalty from South head coach Matt Walters set Whitehall up for a five-play, 65-yard drive and a touchdown.

Keep reading: See how East Stroudsburg South won an overtime thriller to earn the district title

🔒 East Stroudsburg South football gets its shot at Whitehall, championship

The 2020 East Stroudsburg South Cavaliers might have been the school's best football team in its 129-year history.

South has three District 11 championships since 1985 (the farthest back District 11 records go) but appeared to be a on a collision course to face Whitehall for the 2020 title. South looked unstoppable, scoring a whopping 248 points compared to just seven points allowed on its way to a 4-0 regular seawo.

Call it what you want. Annihilation. Carnage. Decimation. Demolition. Destruction. Ravaging. Crushing.

So when COVID-19 concerns shut down South's season just five hours before District 11 playoffs kicked off, South's quest for a fourth district title came to a screeching halt.

Read on: One year later, East Stroudsburg South football gets its shot at Whitehall, championship

VOTE: Athletes of the Week Oct. 25-31

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish Athletes of the Week polls online. The polls will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Voting is restricted to once per day. Featured athletes are chosen based on results provided by coaches.

VOTE: Staying alive and advancing to states: Vote for Monroe Athletes of the Week Oct. 25-31

District 11 updates: East Stroudsburg South survives extra-time thriller

For a moment, it looked like their season might be over.

The East Stroudsburg South Cavaliers rallied, though, and sent visitor Saucon Valley packing in a 3-2 extra-time thriller. Three different Cavaliers scored Thursday night, first Aaron Juszynski to tie the game 1-1, then Tobias Golab to tie it 2-2 and finally Jony Klu with the game-winner in extra time.

The win propels South into the District 11 Class 3A semifinals, which it will play Tuesday against No. 1 seed Northwestern Lehigh. The teams will play at the neutral site of Parkland High School at 7 p.m.

Catch up on the drama: East Stroudsburg South boys soccer survives extra time

Thursday night lights: Pleasant Valley clinches spot in districts with win over Stroudsburg

The night ended in cheers and tears.

First, for Pleasant Valley in cheers. PV defeated rival Stroudsburg 14-10 in an old-school run-heavy gridiron clash.

It wasn't just any win, as Pleasant Valley clinched its spot in the District 11 Class 6A playoffs. Getting there simply required the Bears returning to the roots behind their early-season success.

For Stroudsburg, the loss meant tears. Even with the possibility of competing in the Eastern Football Conference Championship, the game compares not to the quest for a District 11 title.

Continue: Pleasant Valley clinches District 11 playoff spot with win over Stroudsburg

District 11 updates: PM East girls soccer advances with win over Stroudsburg

After 270 minutes of soccer — three full games and two periods of extra time — Pocono Mountain East and Stroudsburg were all tied up on the season.

East had won the first matchup, a 1-0 nail-biter on Sept. 9. Stroudsburg got revenge on Oct. 6 with a 2-1 win.

So it's only fitting that in their third matchup — a pigtail bout in the District 11 Class 4A bracket — East and Stroudsburg would need a penalty shootout to decide the winner of a 2-2 tie. And it's only fitting that both squad scored on each of their first four attempts.

Keep reading: District 11 playoffs live updates: Pocono Mountain East girls soccer prevails in penalties

🔒 Week 10 football previews, predictions

Week 10 of the football season has arrived, which means some teams get their final tune-up before playoffs while others play their final game of the season.

Pleasant Valley takes on Stroudsburg in the Pocono Record Game of the Week, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The winner of the game will likely take the final districts playoff spot for Class 6A, and the loser's season will likely be over.

Pocono Mountain East travels to Pocono Mountain West for the 20th Pride of the Mountain rivalry game. Originally scheduled to be the game of the week, the lack of playoff implications flexed it out of the primetime slot.

Both games moved up to Thursday because of weather expectations for Friday, although the battle of the two East Stroudsburg Area School District teams is still on for Friday.

With just one more week to go, each team's season comes down to this.

Continue: Do-or-die football and a rivalry anniversary: Week 10 football previews and predictions

Friday night lights: ES South defends Little Brown Jug against Stroudsburg

For the first 4 minutes and 59 seconds, East Stroudsburg South and Stroudsburg appeared on pace for an all-time great Battle for the Little Brown Jug.

South's Gary Welge rushed for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth down. Stroudsburg running back Andre Reames Jr. countered with an explosive 74-yard score. South hit right back with a 28-yard rushing touchdown from Ron Blake.

All in just 4 minutes and 59 seconds.

Then, the script changed.

More on the Jug, scores from the Poconos: Friday night highlights: East Stroudsburg South obliterates Stroudsburg, defends Brown Jug

WATCH: Week 9 Pocono Record Player of the Game: East Stroudsburg South's Colin Burdian

Freshman becomes first Stroudsburg male golfer to compete in PIAA championship since 1990

For the first time in 31 years, a male golfer from Stroudsburg competed in the PIAA golf tournament.

Freshman Hunter Probst, 14, achieved the feat on Tuesday, when he shot an 83 at Heritage Hills Resort in York. Finishing 12 over par, Probst tied for 55th in the tournament.

The championship appearance caps a phenomenal season for the Stroudsburg golfer, who twice scored in the 60s this year. Probst golfed a 69 at Shawnee and a 68 at Pocono Hills.

Keep reading: Freshman becomes first Stroudsburg male golfer to compete in PIAA championship since 1990

🔒Week 9 football predictions and previews

The varsity football season is somehow nearly over, with Week 1 feeling not long ago at all.

The final two weeks bring do-or-die games for Stroudsburg, Pleasant Valley and Pocono Mountain West, plus plenty of rivalry football between the Little Brown Jug and Pride of the Mountain games.

Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg South will play the Pocono Record's Week 9 Game of the Week.

Pocono Mountain East and East Stroudsburg North will seek to earn elusive wins with the season coming to a close.

Continue: Fighting to stay alive and Little Brown Jug week: Week 9 football previews and predictions

Vote: Athletes of the Week for Oct. 11-17

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish Athletes of the Week polls online. The polls will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Voting is restricted to once per day.

VOTE NOW: A school record, division winner and O-line love: Vote for athletes of the week Oct. 11-17

Friday night highlights: Eastburg South ends PM West win streak

In the thick of separate playoff races, East Stroudsburg South and Pocono Mountain West both needed a win.

South took over early in what amounted to a 44-8 win, and it was never really close. The Panthers defense that powered West to a four-game win streak just couldn't find an answer for a potent Cavaliers offense.

The game's most explosive player was Jose Almonte, who broke free deep and caught touchdown passes from Bobby McClosky of 23, 39 and 79 yards. A week after dominating an imposing Parkland defense with 66- and 70-yard touchdown receptions, Almonte seemingly found open space at-will against West.

Continue: Friday night highlights: East Stroudsburg South puts a stop to PM West's win streak

VOTE: Which team makes the Class 6A football playoffs?

Make your pick: Which football team has the best shot at making Class 6A playoffs?

🔒Down to the wire: Which football teams are likely playoff-bound?

Week 8 of the varsity football season has arrived, and with it, the drama of a playoff chase.

Three Monroe County teams sit right on the bubble of qualifying for District 11's Class 6A playoffs, setting up three final weeks of nail-biting, popcorn eating, edge-of-your-seats football.

Class 5A is a bit less exciting, although there is one team that could make a miracle run into the tournament — improbable, but not impossible.

Keep reading: What to expect in the Poconos as football district playoffs near

🔒Playoff push: Previews and predictions for Week 8 of high school football in the Poconos

As district playoffs near, several football teams in the Poconos will need to fight their way into the postseason.

East Stroudsburg South, Pocono Mountain West and Pleasant Valley all currently hold playoff spots, while Stroudsburg sits just outside the bubble coming off a win over East Stroudsburg North. Even Pocono Mountain East, at 1-4, still has a shot at earning a district game with a strong finish.

South and West will face off in the Pocono Record's Game of the Week, while Pleasant Valley gets a difficult road game at Freedom, and Stroudsburg gets to host the lowly William Allen Canaries for its senior night.

While Northampton has run away with the EPC North crown, each team in the division has something worth fighting for in the season's final three weeks.

Continue reading: Playoff push: Previews and predictions for Week 8 of high school football in the Poconos

Vote: Athletes of the Week from Oct. 4-10

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish Athletes of the Week polls online. The polls will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Voting is restricted to once per day.

Vote: Brick-wall goalkeepers and a district champion: Athletes of the week Oct. 4-10

Football top plays: Stroudsburg vs. East Stroudsburg North

Check it out: Highlights from Stroudsburg vs. East Stroudsburg North Week 7 football

Friday night highlights: Stroudsburg crashes ES North homecoming

East Stroudsburg North football player Andre Weeks got to celebrate Friday night.

The Timberwolves lost 63-8 to Stroudsburg, but, during halftime, Weeks was free to celebrate.

Friday was North's homecoming game celebration, and Weeks won the crown of homecoming king. Senior field hockey player Gilyse Rivera won homecoming queen.

The crowd welcomed the pair with rowdy cheers before the winning couple was even announced. When the school revealed Weeks and Rivera as the winners, North's student section erupted with glee.

Friday night highlights: Stroudsburg crashes East Stroudsburg North homecoming, dominates in win

Pocono Mountain East cancels Dieruff game

Dave Stoudt knew what the call would be about as soon as he saw his phone ring.

With a football game scheduled against Pocono Mountain East less than 24 hours away, the Louis E. Dieruff athletic director knew a call from East athletic director Matthew Frailey couldn't bear good news.

East had to cancel the game due to COVID-19 affecting the team, Stoudt told the Pocono Record of his conversation with Frailey. East confirmed the cancellation of its Week 7 football game against Louis Dieruff, East in an email late Friday morning.

Attempts to reach Frailey, East head coach Dan Burns and Pocono Mountain School District public relations director Wendy Frable were not immediately returned.

More: COVID-19 forces Pocono Mountain East to cancel football game against Dieruff

Photos: Pleasant Valley boys soccer visits East Stroudsburg South for EPC North showdown

🔒Week 7 Football previews, predictions

With October football in full swing, varsity teams from around the Poconos will soon show their true colors.

Teams still have plenty to prove with four weeks remaining. Stroudsburg could right the ship; Pleasant Valley or East Stroudsburg South could prove itself against a top team; West could keep its Cinderella win streak alive.

What teams do now can make up for first-half mistakes or erase early successes.

Week 7 football predictions, previews: Stroudsburg's must-win game and West's Cinderella win streak

Vote: Athletes of the Week for Sept. 27 to Oct. 3

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish its Athletes of the Week polls online. The polls will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m. Voting is restricted to once per day.

To nominate a student-athlete for next week's poll, email Pocono Record sports reporter Frank Piscani at fpiscani@gannett.com. Featured athletes are chosen based on results provided by coaches.

VOTE: Lockdown defense, gold medals and TDs: Vote for athletes of the week Sept. 27 to Oct. 3

Friday night highlights: Pleasant Valley defends the Bucket

Pleasant Valley’s senior core is something special.

A year after ending Pocono Mountain East's three-year win streak, Pleasant Valley successfully defended the Old Oaken Bucket. The Bears beat the Cardinals 42-8 in the historic rivalry's 61st installment.

Stellar performances from PV's crop of three-year starters — plus a dynamic first-year running back — propelled the Bears to its own bucket win streak.

Keep reading: Friday night highlights: Pleasant Valley holds off PM East for Old Oaken Bucket

Vote for midseason football MVP

EPC varsity football has reached the midway point, so it's time to vote for a midseason most valuable player!

Readers have  until 11:59 p.m. Sunday to vote for who they think the season's top football player from the Poconos has been.

VOTE: Pocono Record midseason football most valuable player award

🔒 How has East Stroudsburg South's 'Madden' like play-calling fared so far? Here's our take

East Stroudsburg South hasn't kicked a field goal. It's only scored two extra points and attempts onside kicks more often than most teams.

So how does South have a top offense in the EPC? How are the Cavaliers 4-1?

Keep reading: How has East Stroudsburg South's 'Madden' like play-calling fared so far? Here's our take

🔒Week 6 football previews, predictions

Week 6. It feels as if the season just started yesterday, yet here we are.

The second half.

The dust is settling, and the playoff race is taking shape as some teams have shown flashes of their true forms while others are still emerging.

It's been fun so far, but now it's time for the second half.

Week 6 football predictions: Rivalry football and a clash of EPC North titans

Vote for Athletes of the Week for Sept. 20-26

The varsity fall sports season has reached its midpoint for some sports and is entering EPC playoff mode for golf and tennis, and local athletes are putting on shows.

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish Athletes of the Week polls online. The polls will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m. Voting is restricted to once per day.

To nominate a student-athlete for next week's poll, email Pocono Record sports reporter Frank Piscani at fpiscani@gannett.com. Featured athletes are chosen based on results provided by coaches.

VOTE NOW: Goals galore, shutdown 'D' and undefeated: Athletes of the week for Sept. 20-26

Pocono Mountain West stuns Stroudsburg with overtime upset

Pocono Mountain West and Stroudsburg put on a defensive clinic Friday night.

By the end of regulation, neither team had scored a single touchdown. Individual field goals meant a measly three points apiece heading into overtime.

On the first play of overtime, it would be Stroudsburg's defense that made the game's first defensive misstep. West head coach Jim McCarroll drew up a rushing play for wide receiver Michael Lawrence, who split the Stroudsburg defense to bring home the 10-yard touchdown.

Stroudsburg's special teams unit kept the game dramatic, however, by blocking West's extra point attempt.

Down six and taking over at the West 10-yard line, Stroudsburg had its fate in its own hands.

Read the whole Week 5 recap: Friday night highlights: Pocono Mountain West pulls off an OT upset vs. Stroudsburg

Vote for Athletes of the Week for Sept. 13-19

Another week of fall sports, another set of Athletes of the Week polls!

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish the polls online. The poll will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m. Voting is restricted to once per day.

To nominate a student-athlete for next week's poll, email Pocono Record sports reporter Frank Piscani at fpiscani@gannett.com. Featured athletes are chosen based on nominations and results provided by coaches.

VOTE: Select the Pocono Record's Monroe County PIAA Athletes of the Week for Sept. 13-19

East Stroudsburg South prevails over Pleasant Valley in EPC North football showdown

Consider this a statement win for East Stroudsburg South.

The Cavaliers were aggressive from the get-go, and it paid off with a 36-14 victory over Pleasant Valley. In a matchup of Monroe County's top two football teams through the season's first three weeks, South asserted itself as the county's top dog.

On the opening kickoff, South recovered an onside kick. That's not how most teams start games, but South head coach Matt Walters said before the season that onside kicks and fourth-down conversions would become a big part of his team's identity.

The aggressive move wouldn't be his last — the next one came just minutes later.

Keep reading: Week 4 football: East Stroudsburg South hands Pleasant Valley first loss of season

'The biggest game PV's played in five years': Week 4 football previews, predictions

Editor's note: The Pocono Record unlocked this article for all readers this week. Interested in reading weekly football previews and predictions and other high school coverage? Subscribe to the Pocono Record today to read subscriber-only content.

Week 4 is on the horizon, and EPC football drama is starting to get juicy.

From COVID-19 postponements to dominant blowouts to second-half meltdowns, Week 3 featured some thrills. The latest slate of football action promises to bring even more excitement to the table.

Monroe County's top two teams meet in the Pocono Record's Game of the Week for an EPC North showdown that could become an instant classic. East Stroudsburg South and Pleasant Valley will play a Saturday game after South played Sunday in Week 3.

Elsewhere around the county, Stroudsburg will look to recover from its loss to Northampton. One of the Poconos' three winless teams should earn its first win of the season, while the other two are likely headed to 0-4.

See? Drama.

Continue: Week 4 football previews, predictions

Shutouts, goals and freshman dominance: Who are the athletes of the week for Sept. 3-13?

With fall sports back in action, it's time for the first Pocono Record Athletes of the Week poll!

Every Monday, the Pocono Record will publish the polls online. The poll will run from Monday at 5 p.m. until Wednesday at 5 p.m. Voting is restricted to once per day.

To nominate a student-athlete for next week's poll, email Pocono Record sports reporter Frank Piscani with the student's name and recent stats to fpiscani@gannett.com.

Stats are as reported by coaches.

VOTE NOW: Pocono Record Athletes of the Week polls for Sept. 3-12

Friday night highlights: Stroudsburg unravels against Northampton

Stroudsburg's first two games were a tale of two teams, and both teams showed up in Friday night's 35-14 loss to Northampton.

In the first half, the Mountaineers looked just like they did Week 2 against Pocono Mountain East.

Andre Reames Jr. ripped off two massive rushing touchdowns. The defense stifled Northampton drive after drive.

In the second half, a different Stroudsburg team took the field.

Read more: Friday night highlights: Stroudsburg unravels after taking early lead against Northampton

Photos: Stroudsburg, Pocono Mountain East meet for Jay Effross Memorial game

🔒 Predictions, previews for Week 3 of PIAA football in Monroe County

Into the win column teams go!

After an opening week full of losing, three Monroe County football teams found the sweet taste of victory.

Pleasant Valley is undefeated after missing its first game of the season, then East Stroudsburg North and Pocono Mountain East and West each fell to 0-2.

Week 3 brings a shorter slate of games after COVID-19 protocols forced North to indefinitely suspend its game against East — a game that would've guaranteed a fourth local team a win on the season.

It won't be an easy week for any team, but at least one team should be able to walk away from Week 3 victorious once again.

Keep reading: Predictions and previews for Week 3 of PIAA football in Monroe County

Friday night highlights: Stroudsburg wins 10th straight against Pocono Mountain East

The first quarter was scoreless. After that, it was all Stroudsburg.

With its 44-0 win over Pocono Mountain East, Stroudsburg returned to form as a top football program in Monroe County. A 51-0 drubbing at the hands of Emmaus Week 1 left questions about Stroudsburg, but three dominant quarters against East put all those questions to rest.

The standout single-player performance belongs to junior running back Andre Reames Jr., who carved up Cardinals defenders for four total touchdowns.

Continue reading: Friday night highlights: Stroudsburg rebounds with dominant win over Pocono Mountain East

🔒Week 2 football previews and predictions

The return of football... did not treat Monroe County kindly.

Week 1 featured inter-conference games against EPC South Conference squads — teams known for their talent and large rosters. It was a dominant showing for the EPC South, which went 7-1 against the EPC North Conference and outscored North squads 357-58.

So, yeah, not the best week for local squads.

The turn to Week 2 leaves room for some optimism, with EPC North teams now playing one another. That means there are at least some wins to go around, right?

Continue reading: Predictions and previews for Week 2 of PIAA football action after misery dominated Week 1

Friday night highlights: East Stroudsburg South falls for first time since 2019

Everything was looking good after the first drive.

The 24-16 final score in East Stroudsburg South's losing effort against Liberty wasn't anyone's expectations after that first drive.

After the coin toss determined South would receive the opening kickoff in its game against Liberty, the Cavaliers marched slowly down the field. Liberty's defense wasn't making it easy, though, as South faced fourth down twice during the drive.

Both times, South converted.

The roughly six-minute drive ended in a rushing touchdown for senior running back Ron Blake. A two-point conversion put South up 8-0 early on.

Then came the injuries.

Continue reading: Friday night highlights: East Stroudsburg South falls for first time since 2019

🔒 Week 1 football previews and predictions

It's the moment we've all been waiting for.

The return of high school football.

Yeah, teams got in scrimmages, but now's the real deal. It's time for gameplay. It's time for Friday night lights. It's time for football.

Week 1 of the regular season features each of Monroe County's six teams going up against EPC South Conference competition. The entire EPC schedule for Week 1 features cross-conference play, then every team has a second game against a South Conference opponent scattered throughout the season.

Take a look at what to expect from the first week of football.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS: Week 1 football previews and predictions

Positive COVID-19 test forces delay to beginning of Pleasant Valley football season

Week 1 will have to wait for Pleasant Valley football.

Pleasant Valley postponed its game against Parkland indefinitely after a PV player tested positive for COVID-19, athletic director Tom Toth announced Wednesday. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 27.

Toth said the player will have to quarantine for 10 days.

POCONO AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Pleasant Valley postpones football game against Parkland indefinitely after positive COVID-19 test

🔒 PIAA fall sports preview: Watch out for these 13 student-athletes in Monroe County

The fall sports season is here, and teams across Monroe County are ready for the action.

Throughout the Poconos, talented upperclassmen and underclassmen alike are set to put together impressive seasons. The Pocono Record is here to break down which student-athletes are going to have the biggest influences on the field or court.

Here's a look at Monroe County's top players (outside of football) to watch this fall:

PIAA FALL SPORTS PREVIEW: Watch out for these 13 student-athletes in Monroe County

Mark your calendar: These are Monroe County's marquee varsity football games. Here's why.

The varsity football preseason kicks off Monday with its heat acclimation week, which means it's the perfect time to look ahead to the regular season.

PIAA squads are set to complete a full 10-game regular season in 2021, giving fans the much-needed return of local football. Let's take a look at this season's must-watch games.

HIGH SCHOOL GAMES TO WATCH: Mark your calendar: These are Monroe County's marquee varsity football games. Here's why.

🔒 PIAA fall sports preview: Here are the 7 most compelling storylines to follow

The fall sports season officially started up on Aug. 16 with varsity practices. Hopefully now lies ahead a full season.

As it stands, the plan for the fall season in every sport is to operate normally. That means all the action and drama of a normal varsity season.

If a normal season truly has arrived, there will be plenty of stories to follow throughout the season. These are the top seven storylines to pay attention to this fall.

PIAA FALL SPORTS PREVIEW: Here are the 7 most compelling storylines to follow

🔒 Football countdown: Power rankings and team previews for Monroe County football teams

The varsity football regular season kicks off on Aug. 27, so let's break down the Monroe County football scene with some preseason power rankings.

POCONO FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN: Monroe County's No. 1 team

POCONO FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN: Monroe County's No. 2 team

POCONO FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN: Monroe County's No. 3 team

POCONO FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN: Monroe County's No. 4 team

POCONO FOOTBALL COUNDTOWN: Monroe County's No. 5 team

POCONO FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN: Monroe County's No. 6 team

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