CLINTON TWP. — Lackawanna Trail is coming off an unforgettable high school football season in the program’s history.
As the sun came up Wednesday morning for another summer workout, the Lions took another step away from their run to the PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals and one step forward toward the future.
“Last year, we got to the quarterfinals and gained a lot of experience, and we are coming back with some new guys who I know will do great,” said Lackawanna Trail running back Demitrius Douglas, a starter who gained 808 yards and 11 touchdowns. “We worked hard all summer, putting our heads down and grinding. We want to have the kind of success that we had last year and even better.”
AROUND THE CAMPS: Lackawanna Trail and Western Wayne
Lackawanna Trail finished with a school-record 13-1 overall record and lost to eventual state champion Steelton-Highspire in the postseason.
The Lions lost a lot of production in the backfield. Times-Tribune Offensive Player of the Year Lukas Gumble, four-year starting fullback Hunter Patterson and starting quarterback Stephen Jervis all graduated. Those three gained 2,502 yards and 47 touchdowns on the ground, and Jervis threw for 691 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Douglas is part of a backfield that has speed. He is the school record holder in the 100-meter dash. Isaac Ryon has experience, gained 235 yards and scored two touchdowns last season. Tyler Jervis takes over at quarterback for his brother.
“During the offseason, we worked really hard,” Ryon said. “Lukas Gumble taught me a lot last season. The coaches have really helped me, and we should have a good year.”
Lackawanna Trail excels at the Wing-T offense. This year’s offensive line returns size and experience. There are holes to fill, but Lucas Evans is a solid junior tackle at 6-foot-3, 265 pounds.
“Things are going really well,” said Evans, a Lackawanna Football Conference Division III all-star last season. “We have a lot of the offensive plays in at this point. The younger guys are really starting to get it, and that helps in our rotation. We are confident in the guys, and I think this can be a strong suit for us this year.”
Colin Owens, a 6-1, 230-pound junior, is a physical and quick-pulling guard, which helps spring the deceptive and quick-hitting rushing game.
“Our responsibility as linemen is to protect each other and play for each other,” Owens said. “Our running backs run as hard as they can, so we work as hard as we can to give them openings. Overall, we take a lot of pride in running the football, and we have a lot of fun while we are doing it.”
Lackawanna Trail scrimmages at Pittston Area on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Lions open the regular season at Tunkhannock on Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.
Back on the attack
S. CANAAN TWP. — Sean Owens feared he might not play football again.
He had a neck injury during his sophomore season and had surgery in the spring of 2023 to fuse vertebrae. Initially, it appeared that he would miss his entire junior football season. However, he recuperated so well that Owens returned.
Last fall, Owens eventually became the program’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards in a career. He finished with 31 receptions for 448 yards and added 50 total tackles with 10 interceptions, but didn’t ever feel 100%.
At Tuesday’s afternoon practice with the Wildcats, Owens had a lot of bounce in his step and sported a broad smile.
He is treasuring every minute on the football field playing the sport he loves, which is one of the reasons why Western Wayne is considered one of the top teams in the LFC Division II and in District 2 Class 3A.
“Since last year, I had another surgery to get all the rods and screws out of my back,” said Owens, who starts the season with 76 receptions for 1,286 yards in 28 games. “It feels amazing. Before that surgery, I felt that the rods really limited my movement, but having them out I feel the best that I have ever felt.
“I am ready to go and get my senior year going. I always had a feeling that I was going to get back all the way. I had my mind set on coming back.”
Owens is part of a senior class that has contributed to three successful years for Western Wayne.
Tony Donnini is a lineman with a lot of experience. He’s played 25 games and is one of the big reasons why the Wildcats boast a productive rushing attack. He has 43 total tackles in his career.
Last season, running back Josh Vinton, who is a senior this fall, had 1,547 yards rushing and earned All-Region honors.
“The things that we have done to get ready start with every lineman being around for every practice and every lifting session,” Donnini said. “I learned from the older guys when I was younger, and now I feel great that I can pass what I know down to the younger guys. Every lineman fights and comes out every Friday night and hits as hard as they can to help us win.”
Linebacker James Jimenez is a punishing lead blocker for Vinton. He is also a leader on defense for Western Wayne and had 72 total tackles and an interception last year.
“This group is all about family,” Jimenez said. “We have a tight bond, and the intensity that we play with rubs off on all of the guys. We have to lead the younger guys to have a really good season.”
Western Wayne has a scrimmage against Wallenpaupack on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Wildcats play at Susquehanna on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m.
