DALLAS, Pa. — “Through it and to the hands strike high and wide good,” said Rich.
When it mattered most Dallas won the close ones. That pushed them to the 2023 "4A" state final with Aliquippa. Clearly outmatched that drive to correct those mistakes and fill those gaps fueled the Mountaineers and Coach Mannello the entire off-season. Now the focus shifts to 2024 and Jersey Shore in Week 1.
“They are outstanding program obviously. And he has done a great job there. You know that we got some history with them back in 2019 and all they do it win. So, we know when we put Jersey Shore up on the countdown clock back in the winter that caught everybody's attention which is great about playing that type of caliber of opponent in Week 1,” again said Rich.
Brady Zapoticky guides a talented offense with 2nd team All-State Running Back Dylan Geskey back. And with his foot on the gas Dallas should pile up points behind that big offensive line.
“It's definitely here in a blink of an eye. I feel like just yesterday it was the state championship, but I mean it is here and we're all ready for it,” Dylan.
Gavin Lewis and Nate Malarkey are key 2-way players. They will provide leadership in the early part of the season with big games against Wyoming Area, Abington Heights and Wilkes-Barre.
“Yeah the off-season we all put in the grind. We all have been working hard and lifting the weights and we got strong guys up front and we got strong guys all around and it's going to be good,” said Gavin.
“We told the kids and you didn't have to say it often but you walk in this weight room and have a day that might be a little bit off you know that they are not going to, “ added Rich.
Mannello's system is in place. Plug and re-place and you can't create playoff experience you earn it.
“Yeah I mean a lot of weights. A lot of weight. We have a lot of guys in like the 1,000lb club. A lot of guys in the club more than we ever had, so we have been getting stronger and we have been getting faster and we will see where that takes us,” added Dylan.
Super 16 Team #1 The Dallas Mountaineers.
Steve Lloyd Newswatch 16 Sports Luzerne County.