JERMYN, Pa. — The Lakeland football program has a rich history.
They’ve produced more than two dozen division championships, and eight district championships.
The Chiefs beat Dunmore last Friday for the District II 'AA' title. It's a major accomplishment for the team after finishing last season with a (3-8) record.
“We've been working hard since pretty much the end of last season since we lost in the first-round last year, so you know it's been a long time coming. We worked hard, we set that goal on the bus ride back, and it feels great to have it accomplished,” said quarterback, David Naniewicz.
Naniewicz, a senior, is a dual threat for the Chiefs. He’s thrown more than 1,600 passing yards and is closing in on 1,000 rushing yards this season.
However, the team has more than just a great quarterback.
“I feel like any of these kids could score at any given time and it makes it hard for teams to, you know- you can't focus on one kid,” said head coach, David Piwowarczyk. “If you want to try to take away Dave, we have Gavin Roberts and Rocco Spotero, Jackson Poaches, Chase Rosencrantz, Luke McFarlane, Kody Miller, and the list goes on and on,” said Piwowarczyk.
Piwowarczyk added that the team’s defense has also been a strong point all season.
“Not one of these kids is selfish. You know, not one of them is asking for the ball. They, whenever they get it, they just go at it 100%, and it's awesome,” said Piwowarczyk.
In the middle of their defense stands Kody Miller at 6’0ft, 200 pounds. Miller, like most of the team, plays both ways. He’s been on the receiving end of a couple of Naniewicz’s throws this year, while helping the defense get off the field.
“Our defense has been playing great. Dave being able to play quarterback and do his thing on defense too, I mean, he's been playing like crazy this whole year. I think we're a great all-around team on defense. It's all 11 guys usually trying to make the tackle, so that's what we really need,” said Miller.
The Chiefs have celebrated their district championship long enough. They’re preparing for their first-round opponent in Lansdale Catholic (9-2).
“We know they have a lot of athletic players, so we just have to match their athleticism. We don't really care where we have to play, we'll play any team, anywhere at any time, so we're excited for the opportunity and I can't wait to get after it,” said Piwowarczyk.
The Chiefs will get that chance when they kick off against the Crusaders at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.