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Lakeland and Riverside are among the most successful programs in the Lackawanna Football Conference, with the last five seasons bringing championships.
On Friday, the two Division II and Class 2A powerhouses clash for a midseason showcase between undefeated teams.
Lakeland (5-0), the defending division and district champion, visits Riverside (5-0), the 2024 district champion, at 7 p.m. at Riverside Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“We are pumped,” Riverside multi-talented athlete Brayden Rose said. “They are a good team. It will be energetic. We can’t wait.”
Since 2022, Lakeland and Riverside each played in two District 2 Class 2A title games. Lakeland won a combined 23 games in 2022 (12) and 2025 (11), and Riverside reached the PIAA Class 2A semifinals in 2024.
“This is exciting,” Lakeland quarterback Jackson Pochas said. “Being able to play a top-ranked opponent makes it something to play for. We have to go out and perform and play our best football.”
Despite an avalanche of injuries to starters, including quarterback Rocco Spataro, Lakeland revamped its lineup and has five straight wins. The offense is gaining momentum and confidence, scoring more than 40 ...