Veteran Core Has Dunmore Positioned for Another District 2 Championship Run
Dunmore enters the 2026 season with experience at nearly every position, one of the Lackawanna Football Conference’s most productive returning quarterbacks and unfinished business after falling one victory short of a district championship.
The Bucks finished 8-4 last season and went 4-1 in Lackawanna Football Conference Division II play. Dunmore reached the District 2 Class 2A championship game after avenging an early-season loss to Riverside with a convincing 27-7 semifinal victory.
The season ended one week later with a 27-7 loss to Lakeland in the district final.
That defeat provided a difficult conclusion, but it did not erase a year in which the Bucks demonstrated their ability to compete with the strongest teams in the region. Dunmore won eight of its final 10 games before the district championship, scoring at least 35 points six times and holding five opponents to 14 points or fewer.
Head coach Kevin McHale enters 2026 with most of that production returning.
Quarterback Weston Yannone is back after accounting for 1,446 yards of total offense and 15 touchdowns. Xavier Burke and Brandon Mecca return in the backfield, while the Bucks bring back their leading receivers and four experienced offensive linemen.
The defensive outlook may be even more encouraging.
Dunmore returns productive veterans at all three levels, including Burke and Mecca at linebacker, Logan Miller and Ethyn Durst along the defensive front and a secondary that created numerous turnovers last season.
The Bucks must replace Ryan Mecca, Thomas Fazio, Keegan Oprisko and Johnley Jean, but this is not a rebuilding team.
With an experienced senior class, multiple two-way playmakers and depth throughout the roster, Dunmore should again contend for the Lackawanna Football Conference Division II title and the District 2 Class 2A championship.
Yannone Gives Dunmore a Dynamic Dual-Threat Quarterback
Senior Weston Yannone returns after establishing himself as one of Dunmore’s most important offensive players.
Yannone completed 44 of 79 passes for 590 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. He was even more productive as a runner, carrying 103 times for 856 yards and 11 touchdowns.
His 8.3 yards per carry illustrate how dangerous he can be when he escapes the pocket or becomes part of the designed rushing attack.
Yannone accounted for 1,446 total yards and 15 touchdowns despite playing in an offense that distributed carries among several different backs.
His dual-threat ability creates a difficult challenge for opposing defenses.
Defenders must respect Dunmore’s traditional rushing attack while also accounting for the quarterback on every snap. If the defense commits too many players to the interior, Yannone can reach the perimeter. If it overreacts to his running ability, he has experienced receivers capable of creating plays downfield.
The Bucks also return senior Josh Dudick, who can contribute at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.
Dudick rushed 16 times for 49 yards and caught five passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. His versatility gives Dunmore another option capable of handling the football in multiple formations.
The return of two quarterbacks allows the coaching staff to remain creative and adapt its approach from week to week.
Burke and Mecca Form Productive Backfield Tandem
Dunmore returns two experienced and productive runners in senior Xavier Burke and junior Brandon Mecca.
Burke carried 64 times for 438 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. He also caught three passes for 20 yards.
Mecca rushed 59 times for 404 yards and seven touchdowns while matching Burke’s average of 6.8 yards per carry. He also caught four passes for 26 yards and a score.
Together, Burke and Mecca produced 842 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Their return gives Dunmore a physical and balanced backfield capable of controlling games.
Burke brings experience, vision and explosiveness, while Mecca gives the Bucks a powerful option at fullback. Both players are also outstanding linebackers, making them central figures on each side of the football.
Dunmore does not need to depend on a single ball carrier.
Yannone, Burke and Mecca all present legitimate rushing threats. Dudick can also contribute, giving the Bucks enough depth to keep players fresh and attack defenses in different ways.
Experienced Receivers Give Passing Game Options
The Bucks return all of their primary receivers, creating an experienced group around Yannone.
Senior Jack McHale led the team with 21 receptions for 221 yards and a touchdown. His scoring catch came during Dunmore’s Senior Night victory over West Scranton.
McHale provides a dependable target who can work underneath coverage and help the offense stay on schedule.
Senior Jake Costanzo caught four passes for 148 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 37 yards per reception. He also rushed 15 times for 81 yards.
Costanzo’s numbers demonstrate his big-play ability. Although he was limited by injury, he has the speed and versatility to create explosive gains as a receiver, runner and return option.
Senior tight end Logan Miller caught 14 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 14.9 yards per reception. His size and ability to work through the middle of the field make him an important part of the passing game.
Dudick adds another versatile target after averaging 23.6 yards per catch.
With McHale, Costanzo, Miller and Dudick all returning, the Bucks can attack defenses from multiple formations and distribute the football based on matchups.
Offensive Line Returns Four Starters
Dunmore’s confidence offensively begins with the experience returning along the line.
Senior Carter Davies, senior Ethyn Durst, Brayden Shigo and Patrick Dickel all return after starting last season.
That continuity should allow the Bucks to remain physical and consistent up front.
The offensive line helped Dunmore average more than 35 points during its eight victories. The Bucks surpassed 40 points against Old Forge, Susquehanna, Carbondale, West Scranton and Honesdale.
Returning four starters should help Dunmore maintain its rushing identity while also improving its balance.
The line must replace at least one experienced starter, but the overall foundation is strong.
Communication, pass protection and avoiding penalties will remain major priorities. With so many skill players returning, the offensive line does not need to create something spectacular on every play. It needs to consistently provide the space and time required for Dunmore’s playmakers to operate.
Offense Plans to Remain Balanced
Dunmore believes it has the personnel to attack defenses through the run and the pass.
The Bucks return their quarterback, top running backs, leading receivers and most of the offensive line. That experience allows the coaching staff to enter each game with multiple options.
Some opponents may require a physical rushing approach built around Yannone, Burke and Mecca. Others may create opportunities for McHale, Costanzo, Miller and Dudick in the passing game.
Balance does not necessarily mean an equal number of runs and passes.
It means having the ability to take advantage of what a defense allows.
Dunmore also has multiple players capable of producing explosive plays. Yannone can break long runs, Costanzo and Dudick can stretch the field, and Burke and Mecca can turn small openings into significant gains.
The next step is becoming consistently productive against elite opponents.
The Bucks scored 14 points or fewer in each of their four losses last season. Improving execution in those games will be one of the offense’s biggest objectives.
Defensive Line Brings Back Three Experienced Starters
Dunmore returns a strong and productive defensive front.
Senior Logan Miller recorded 50 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks in 12 games.
Miller’s ability to pressure the quarterback and defend the run makes him one of the most important players on the defense. He brings experience, size and a proven ability to create negative plays.
Senior Ethyn Durst returns at defensive end after recording 25 tackles and four tackles for loss. Durst also forced a fumble against Carbondale and started 11 games.
Senior Carter Davies returns at defensive tackle after producing 17 tackles and three tackles for loss while starting all 12 games.
Together, Miller, Durst and Davies give Dunmore a veteran foundation along the defensive front.
The Bucks want to play at a high level defensively, and that begins by controlling the line of scrimmage.
If the front can consistently occupy blockers and generate pressure, Dunmore’s experienced linebackers will have opportunities to make plays.
Burke Returns After 101-Tackle Season
Burke enters 2026 as one of the top returning linebackers in the Lackawanna Football Conference.
He recorded 101 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven stops inside the 30-yard line.
One of his interceptions was returned 49 yards for a touchdown against Western Wayne.
Burke’s production reflects his instincts and versatility.
He can defend the run, drop into coverage, create turnovers and turn defensive plays into immediate points.
His experience will be essential to a unit that expects to become one of the team’s strengths.
Burke will also be asked to provide leadership. With so many seniors returning, Dunmore should have strong communication throughout the defense, and Burke will be central to that process.
Mecca and Harding Add Production at Linebacker
Mecca also returns after an outstanding sophomore season at linebacker.
He recorded 93 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks. Mecca recovered a fumble against Carbondale and added two stops inside the 30-yard line.
His ability to contribute at a high level on both sides of the football makes him one of the Bucks’ most valuable players.
Senior Jackson Harding returns after recording 54 tackles and a team-leading 10 tackles for loss. He also made seven stops inside the 30-yard line and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
The combination of Burke, Mecca and Harding gives Dunmore an experienced and productive linebacker unit.
Together, they recorded 248 tackles and 26 tackles for loss last season.
That level of returning production should allow the Bucks to play aggressively against the run while also using different pressure packages.
Secondary Features Proven Ball Hawks
Dunmore’s secondary returns several players who demonstrated the ability to create turnovers.
Senior Josh Dudick led the team with four interceptions. He recorded an interception in three consecutive games against Mid Valley, West Scranton and Honesdale.
Dudick also finished with 20 tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery.
Yannone returns at safety after recording 30 tackles, two sacks, a tackle for loss and three interceptions. He returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns during Dunmore’s victory over Susquehanna.
He also forced a fumble against Mid Valley.
Senior Eli Dougherty returns at safety after making 30 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack.
Costanzo is back at cornerback after recording 12 tackles and recovering a fumble against Lackawanna Trail. He was limited to six games because of injury, and a healthy season would provide a significant boost.
The secondary possesses speed, experience and playmaking ability.
Dunmore’s offseason defensive focus has centered on tackling and creating turnovers. With Dudick, Yannone, Dougherty and Costanzo returning, the Bucks have the personnel to accomplish both goals.
Defense Has Experience at Every Level
Few teams return as much defensive experience as Dunmore.
Miller, Durst and Davies anchor the line. Burke, Mecca and Harding form an outstanding linebacker group. Yannone, Dudick, Dougherty and Costanzo give the secondary a proven collection of playmakers.
That experience should improve communication and allow the Bucks to play faster.
Dunmore does not want defenders hesitating because they are unsure of an assignment. The goal is to recognize formations, trust the scheme and attack the football.
The Bucks also want to create more takeaways.
Turnovers can provide short fields for the offense and completely change the direction of close games. Dunmore already returns players who combined for multiple interceptions, forced fumbles and defensive touchdowns.
If the defense continues improving its tackling while maintaining that ability to create turnovers, it could become one of the strongest units in District 2 Class 2A.
Special Teams Return Important Experience
Dunmore must replace Jean, who shared kicking responsibilities, but the Bucks still return experience throughout their special teams units.
Russell Toole is back after handling kickoffs and sharing the kicking duties last season.
Miller returns as the punter, while Dougherty is back as the long snapper.
That continuity is important.
Reliable snapping and punting can prevent major mistakes and help the Bucks consistently win the field-position battle.
Dunmore also believes it has multiple athletes capable of producing explosive returns.
The return units showed flashes last season, and the coaching staff expects continued improvement in 2026.
Players such as Yannone, Costanzo, Dudick and other skill-position athletes give the Bucks several options in the return game.
Players to Watch
Weston Yannone, Sr., QB/S: Dual-threat quarterback who produced 1,446 total yards and 15 touchdowns while intercepting three passes and returning two for scores.
Xavier Burke, Sr., RB/LB: Two-way standout who rushed for 438 yards and recorded 101 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Brandon Mecca, Jr., FB/LB: Physical two-way contributor who rushed for 404 yards and seven touchdowns while making 93 tackles.
Logan Miller, Sr., TE/DE/P: Productive tight end and defensive end who recorded 209 receiving yards, 50 tackles and four sacks.
Jack McHale, Sr., WR: Leading returning receiver after catching 21 passes for 221 yards.
Jake Costanzo, Sr., WR/CB: Explosive playmaker who averaged 37 yards per reception despite being limited by injury.
Josh Dudick, Sr., QB/RB/WR/CB: Versatile offensive weapon and ball-hawking defender who led the team with four interceptions.
Jackson Harding, Sr., LB: Productive linebacker who recorded 54 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.
Ethyn Durst, Sr., OL/DE: Experienced two-way lineman who started 11 games defensively.
Carter Davies, Sr., OL/DT: Returning starter expected to provide stability along both lines.
Eli Dougherty, Sr., S/LS: Veteran safety and long snapper who contributed 30 tackles and three tackles for loss.
My thoughts on Dunmore
Dunmore enters the 2026 season with the talent and experience needed to compete for championships.
The Bucks return nearly their entire offense, including Yannone, Burke, Mecca and all of their leading receivers. Four starting offensive linemen are also back, giving the unit valuable continuity.
That experience should allow Dunmore to remain physical while becoming more balanced.
Yannone’s dual-threat ability will continue to place pressure on defenses, while Burke and Mecca provide two dependable runners. McHale, Costanzo, Miller and Dudick give the passing game multiple options capable of producing explosive plays.
The defense may be the team’s greatest strength.
Dunmore returns veterans at all three levels, including one of the region’s most productive linebacker groups. Burke, Mecca and Harding combined for 248 tackles last season, while Miller, Durst and Davies provide experience up front.
The secondary also returns several players with proven turnover production.
Dunmore finished 4-1 in league play and reached the District 2 Class 2A final last season. The Bucks know they are capable of competing with the area’s best teams, but their four losses also revealed the importance of consistent offensive execution.
Riverside, Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland all challenged the Bucks last season. Dunmore responded by avenging the Riverside loss in the district semifinals, but Lakeland ended the Bucks’ season for the second time.
That district championship defeat should provide significant motivation.
With an experienced senior class, a productive junior in Mecca and playmakers throughout the lineup, Dunmore has the pieces to contend for the Lackawanna Football Conference Division II championship, return to the District 2 Class 2A final and challenge for its first district title of this group’s varsity era.
Head Coach: Kevin McHale
Assistant Coaches:
Michael Barrett
Mark Finan Jr.
Cory Frick
Rocco LaCapra
Cameron Young
Jack Dempsey
Josh Sawka
Michael Muracco
Nick Shoemaker
Tony Amendolaro
Derek Forgione
Jim Becchetti
Team Name: Dunmore Bucks
District: 2
Class: 2A
League: Lackawanna Football Conference, Division 2
2025 Record: 8-4 (4-1 in the Lackawanna League Division II Standings)
8/22 Riverside (2) (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-17
8/29 @ Old Forge (1A) 7:00 pm W 45-7
9/05 Susquehanna Community (2A) 7:00 pm W 50-0
9/12 @ Lackawanna Trail (1A) 7:00 pm L 28-30
9/19 @ Carbondale Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 43-14
9/26 Lakeland* (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-28
10/03 Mid Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-13
10/10 West Scranton* (5A) 7:00 pm W 42-7
10/17 @ Honesdale* (4A) 7:00 pm W 50-8
10/24 @ Western Wayne* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-14
10/31 @ Riverside (2) (2A) 7:00 pm W 27-7 District 2 Class 2A Semifinal
11/07 @ Lakeland (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-27 Dist. 2 Class 2A Championship
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 Wyoming Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Lackawanna Trail (1A) 7:00 pm
9/12 @ Holy Cross (1A) 1:00 pm
9/18 Lake-Lehman (3A) 7:00 pm
9/26 @ Susquehanna Community (2A) 1:00 pm
10/02 @ Mid Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Western Wayne* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Honesdale* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 @ Riverside (2)* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 Lakeland* (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters lost:
Ryan Mecca
Thomas Fazio
Keegan Oprisko
Johnley Jean
Offensive Starters Returning:
Weston Yannone (Quarterback)
Xavier Burke (Running Back)
Brandon Mecca (Fullback)
Jack McHale (Wide Receiver)
Jake Costanzo (Wide Receiver)
Logan Miller (Tight End)
Carter Davies (Offensive Lineman)
Brayden Shigo (Offensive Lineman)
Ethyn Durst (Offensive Lineman)
Patrick Dickel (Offensive Lineman)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Logan Miller (Defensive End)
Carter Davies (Defensive Tackle)
Ethyn Durst (Defensive End)
Xavier Burke (Linebacker)
Brandon Mecca (Linebacker)
Jackson Harding (Linebacker)
Jake Costanzo (Defensive Back)
Eli Dougherty (Defensive Back)
Weston Yannone (Defensive Back)
Special Team Starters Returning:
Russell Toole (Kicker on Kickoffs; Shared the duties with Johnley Jean who graduated last month)
Eli Dougherty (Long Snapper)
Logan Miller (Punter)
Key Newcomers:
Josef Wolff
Michael Dempsey Jr.
Will Haun
Landen White
The latter three are on the offensive line while Josef Wolff will be our featured running back.
2026 Returning Player Stats:
9-WESTON YANNONE, SENIOR QUARTERBACK: Completed 44 out of 79 Passes (55.7% Completion Percentage) for 590 Passing Yards with 4 Touchdowns and 3 Interceptions; Rushed 103 times for 856 Rushing Yards (8.3 Average Yards Per Carry) with 11 Rushing Touchdowns.
46- XAVIER BURKE, SENIOR RUNNING BACK: Ran 64 times for 438 Rushing Yards (6.8 Average Yards Per Carry) with 3 Rushing Touchdowns; Connected on 3 Catches for 20 Yards (6.7 Average Yards Per Catch) with 0 Receiving Touchdowns.
0- BRANDON MECCA, JUNIOR FULLBACK: Rushed 59 times for 404 Rushing Yards (6.8 Average Yards Per Carry) with 7 Rushing Touchdowns; Caught 4 Passes for 26 Receiving Yards (6.5 Average Yards Per Reception) with 1 Receiving Touchdown.
11- JACK MCHALE, SENIOR WIDE RECEIVER: Caught 21 passes for 221 Receiving Yards (10.5 Average Yards Per Reception) with 1 Receiving Touchdown, which came on Senior Night 2025 against West Scranton on October 10 at Dunmore Veterans Stadium.
15- JAKE COSTANZO, SENIOR WIDE RECEIVER: Had 4 Receptions for 148 Receiving Yards (37.0 Average Yards Per Catch) and 1 Receiving Touchdown; Ran 15 Times for 81 Yards on the Ground (5.4 Average Yards Per Carry) and 0 Rushing Touchdowns.
85- LOGAN MILLER, SENIOR TIGHT END: Recorded 14 catches for 209 Receiving Yards (14.9 Average Yards Per Reception) with 2 Receiving Touchdowns; Recorded his only rushing touchdown of the season on recovering teammate Brandon Mecca’s fumble in the end zone in Week No. 6 of the 2026 season against Lakeland on September 26.
41- JOSH DUDICK, SENIOR QUARTERBACK/RUNNING BACK/WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK): Rushed 16 times for 49 yards (3.1 Average Yards Per Carry) with 0 Rushing Touchdowns; Caught 5 passes for 118 receiving yards (23.6 Average Yards Per Reception) with one Receiving Touchdown.
2026 Returning Player Stats (DEFENSE): 78- ETHYN DURST, SENIOR DEFENSIVE END: Recorded 25 Tackles, 4 Tackles for a Loss; Forced a fumble in Week No. 5 of the regular season against Carbondale Area on September 19. Started 11 games on the defensive line for us in 2025.
85- LOGAN MILLER, SENIOR DEFENSIVE END: Collected 50 Tackles, 6 Tackles for Loss, 4 Quarterback Sacks in 12 Games Played for the Bucks in 2025.
77- CARTER DAVIES, SENIOR DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Picked up 17 Tackles, 3 Tackles for Loss as he started all 12 games on the defensive line for us in 2025.
46- XAVIER BURKE, SENIOR LINEBACKER: Made 101 Tackles, 9 Tackles for Loss, picked off 2 passes (One Returned for a touchdown from 49 Yards out in Week No. 10 against Western Wayne on October 24), 2 forced fumbles and 7 hits inside the 30-yard line in 2025.
0-BRANDON MECCA, JUNIOR LINEBACKER: Had 93 Tackles, 7 Tackles for Loss, 2 Quarterback Sacks, recovered a Fumble in Week No. 5 against Carbondale Area High School on September 19 and picked up two hits inside the 30-yard line this season.
5- JACKSON HARDING, SENIOR LINEBACKER: Recorded 54 Tackles, 10 Tackles for Loss and Made 7 Hits Inside the 30-Yard Line in all 13 games played for the Dunmore Bucks; He also recovered a fumble for a touchdown last month.
15- JAKE COSTANZO, SENIOR CORNERBACK: Had 12 Tackles, Recovered a fumble against Lackawanna Trail in Week No. 4 of the regular season on September 12. He was limited to six games this year due to injury.
22- ELI DOUGHERTY, SENIOR SAFETY: Picked up 30 Tackles, 3 Tackles for Loss, One Quarterback Sack and 1 Hit Inside the 30-Yard Line in all 12 games played for the Bucks in 2025.
41- JOSH DUDICK, SENIOR CORNERBACK: Made 20 Tackles, Team-Leading Four Interceptions (A three-game streak starting with Mid Valley in Week 7 and ending with Honesdale in Week 9), 1 Tackle for Loss, Recovered his lone fumble of the season in Week 8 against West Scranton on Senior Night 2025.
9- WESTON YANNONE, SENIOR SAFETY: Had 30 Tackles, 2 Quarterback Sacks, 1 Tackle for Loss, 3 Interceptions (2 of them were returned for touchdowns) in Week No. 3 of the regular season against Susquehanna on September 5 and a forced fumble on October 3 against Mid Valley.
2026 Outlook:
Offense: We feel good about being balanced offensively. We return the core of our Offensive Line, Running Backs and all of our wide receivers along with two quarterbacks. We have multiple people who can make big plays.
Defense: We hope to play at a high level defensively. We return veterans at all three levels. Tackling and causing turnovers has been our focus in the offseason.
Special Teams: We return one of our kickers and all of our punters. Our returners did a nice job in some games last year and we feel like we have some plays that can make big plays on special teams in 2026.