Note: Tuesday, July 30 marked the official start of the local high school football season as players and coaches from across the Lackawanna Football Conference gathered at the Regal Room for Media Day 2024. This is the third in a series of stories covering that event and previewing the upcoming campaign.
OLYPHANT — For the first time since its inception 15 years ago, someone other than Dr. Mark Watson represented Wallenpaupack Area at the Lackawanna Football Conference Media Day.
This year's edition of the event took place Tuesday, July 30, at the Regal Room in Olyphant. And, heading up the Paupack contingent was rookie head coach Matt Nawrocki.
A multi-sport standout at North Pocono, Nawrocki graduated in 2014 and then headed off to Penn State where he was a fixture on the Nittany Lions track & field team as a thrower.
Nawrocki had been an assistant varsity football coach for four years before being named to succeed Watson, who stepped down at the end of last season.
More: Lackawanna Football Conference Media Day 2024: Honesdale Hornets
Also by Kevin Edwards: Vinton and Dean represent Western Wayne at Lackawanna Football Conference Media Day
“It's been a really smooth transition,” Nawrocki said. “Doc has been great and so has coach (Jerome) Haupt, who's been an assistant for almost 20 years.
“The kids are awesome. They're out there working hard every single day. It's my first year, so obviously I'm taking things one day at a time. But, our main goal is to still be playing football games in November.”
On-field leadership
Conan Kier and Xaiden Schock accompanied Nawrocki to Media Day.
Kier is a senior who will anchor Paupack's offensive line at center. He's a versatile athlete who also excels on the wrestling mat. Kier posted an impressive 35-8 record as a junior and earned a bronze medal at districts.
“They just don't make 'em like Conan anymore,” Nawrocki said. “He's a tough, physical kid who just sets a great example for his teammates. I think that the best wrestlers also make the best football players, so we're expecting big things from Conan.”
For his part, Kier is looking forward to being a two-way starter and a leader on this year's team.
“I'm just going to work hard and get better every day,” said Kier, who is planning to join the United States Navy after graduation with the ultimate goal of becoming a Seal.
“This is going to be my first time playing on the O-line and I'm very excited about it. I love the fact that I'll be touching the ball on every single play. It all starts with me and I love that responsibility.”
Schock is also a two-way starter who will line up at tight end and linebacker. He's a standout wrestler as well, who notched the 100 th win of his varsity career as a junior and brought home a gold medal from districts.
“Xaiden really sets the tone for this team,” Nawrocki said. “I can't say enough about his leadership abilities. Xaiden is the guy that everybody else looks to on the field and off.”
Schock contributed key plays offensively last year, both running the ball and catching it. He's hoping to become a much bigger part of the game plan as a senior.
“I'm really excited to see what we can do this year,” said Schock, who's post-graduation goal is to play football at West Point.
“We worked hard during the offseason, especially in the weight room. I think we've all really come together. Honestly, this is the best I've ever felt about our team going into the season.”
On the calendar
Paupack will kick off its 2024 campaign with a road trip to Western Wayne on August 17 for a scrimmage.
The regular season commences a week later with a non-league home game versus Stroudsburg. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, on the shores of The Big Lake.
When asked which contest local fans should circle on their calendar this fall, Nawrocki was quick to single out two longtime local rivals.
“Every single game to us is the Super Bowl,” Nawrocki said. “But, if I were to tell you what games we have circled, it would have to be the Honesdale and Delaware Valley games. We love the rivalries between the Wayne and Pike County schools.”
Other dates of note on the Paupack football schedule include: North Pocono (Sept. 13); Abington Heights (Oct. 11); Valley View (Oct. 25).
Keys to success
Paupack started off the 2023 season on fire, posting back-to-back wins over Honesdale and Hazleton Area.
Unfortunately for local fans, the Buckhorns then went into a nosedive, losing the last nine straight by a combined margin of 308-114.
Paupack was hit hard by graduation, losing its top running back and receiver. Dylan Podrazil rushed for 841 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Jake Holbert caught 32 passes for 525 yards and three scores.
The good news is that battle-tested senior Drew Kiesendahl is back to lead the offense. A talented and versatile player, Kiesendahl passed for 819 yards and three touchdowns as a junior. He also ran the ball for 542 yards and two more TDS.
Nawrocki also believes that senior Mark Nilsen will provide veteran leadership this fall. A two-sport star who will be continuing his baseball career next year at Wilkes, Nilsen is expected to start at fullback and in the secondary.
“Mark really represents what we want a Paupack football player to be,” Nawrocki said. “He's tough, physical and totally dedicated to the team.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Rookie head coach Matt Nawrocki represents Wallenpaupack Area at LFC Media Day 2024
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