DUNMORE – Jack McHale has been a Dunmore Buck since birth.
For as long as he can remember, he has been a part of the tradition-rich football program. With his father, Kevin, as first an assistant and now head coach, he has been on the sidelines as a team manager, water boy, and now as a valuable player preparing for his senior season.
This summer, both son and father are cherishing the time spent together, working toward championship goals.
“It is amazing,” said Jack, while practicing at Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium on the fourth day of heat acclimatization week. “My dad was the defensive coordinator back in the day, and I was always on the sideline for games and living that tradition. It truly is an honor to be a part of this tradition. I can’t wait to give it one more run this season.”
The younger McHale is looking to live up to the lofty expectations at Dunmore, a program that has more than 700 wins in its history. Jack understands all that it means to represent the Bucks. He has heard all the stories of when his father was an all-star fullback and linebacker from 1993 to 1995 and a two-time District 2 Class 2A champion, under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Jack Henzes.
“I look back at his highlights on YouTube, and I think about what kind of player he was,” Jack said. “I want to live up to that standard. I want to play at his level and work to be better than he was. He means a lot to me and is a great inspiration to me.”
Being able to add to the team’s history is very important to the defensive back/wide receiver, who has contributed to two teams that reached the District 2 Class 2A final.
Last season, Jack had 21 receptions for 221 yards, with a touchdown for the Bucks, who finished 8-4.
“Some people may say that they wouldn’t want to have their dad as their coach, but for me it is an advantage,” Jack said. “I get to watch film with him. I get to come down and get in the gym when I want. Obviously, he is going to be tougher on me, but that makes me a better player overall.
“I am very grateful for him. He means the world to me, and I am blessed to have him as a coach.”
For coach McHale, experiencing these years with his son as a player is something he will never forget.
He appreciates the dedication and commitment his son made, helping to build the team into a serious contender for the LFC Division II and District 2 Class 2A championships in 2026.
“Just to be an alumnus of the program and to see your son go through it is special,” coach McHale said. “As a coach, it has been a pleasure to work with him, just like most of these guys here. He is very accountable, very driven, and goal-oriented. He also demonstrates strong teamwork skills.
“As a parent, he is a great kid. He does well academically, and he is a good person. That is what makes me most proud as a dad and as a coach.”
In addition to Jack returning, this Dunmore team is talented, experienced, and determined.
Jack is one of many weapons returning on offense. Quarterback Weston Yannone, athlete Josh Dudick, and receiver Jacob Costanzo won PIAA Class 2A track and field medals in the spring. They are gifted athletically, and each has outstanding speed.
“That really built a lot of confidence with all of us,” Costanzo said. “It wasn’t just me. A lot of our successful track runners were all great starters on the football team, too. We are kind of building off that momentum. Put in the work all summer and stayed in shape, still doing all of those workouts. Hopefully we will have a great season.”
With all of that explosive talent, the Bucks also return a powerful line.
Carter Davies, Ethyn Durst, Patrick Dickel, and Brayden Shigo started all 12 games for Dunmore last season. The group averages 6 feet 1 inch and 239 pounds.
“We have a strong bond together,” Shigo said. “We have four of our five offensive linemen coming back. Throughout the offseason, the winter, spring, and summer, we put in a lot of work, coming in at 5:30. We put in the work together and build the chemistry while getting ready for the season.”
Dunmore will scrimmage against Dallas on Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. at Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Bucks open the season on Aug. 28 at home against Wyoming Area at 7 p.m.
Sabers ready to make jump in standings
One year after reacquainting themselves with head coach Kyle Cook, who returned to the sidelines in 2025, Susquehanna players are familiar, comfortable, and confident.
On the fifth and final day of head acclimatization, the Sabers looked like a more seasoned group, ready to make a statement in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division III.
“We are way more ahead than last year,” Susquehanna quarterback/running back Gabe Maby said. “Last year, we kind of fell back a bit. We didn’t do as many drills and things. This year, we have a great group of guys. We have a couple of seniors, like Mason (Keyes), who is the main senior; he has been probably our best target. We have a really good group of guys, and we should be pretty good this year.”
Maby is one of seven starters returning on offense and defense. Last season, he had 139 yards rushing with three touchdowns and gained some experience as a quarterback.
Keyes is a three-year starter. He is an explosive playmaker who had five catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns last season. He has proven to be an impact player for the Sabers, catching 12 passes for 419 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore.
“The past five days have been great for us,” Keyes said. “We came out a lot better than last year. We look strong, physical, and mentally tough.”
Caedon Stone also took snaps at quarterback at Friday’s practice. He is a physical player who had 33 yards rushing and 17 completions for 197 yards and a touchdown. He will also contribute at tight end.
“We have a bunch of energetic guys,” Stone said. “We all come out here and play every day. It is just a really exciting group. We really stretch on the family aspect and try to put that into our system here at Susquehanna.
“It’s looking good. I’m excited, and I am ready to go.”
Susquehanna will scrimmage at home against Wilson Area on Aug. 22 at noon. The Sabers open the regular season with a nonleague game at Riverside on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
