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 sixth in a series of stories covering that event and previewing the upcoming campaign.
OLYPHANT — Greg Dolhon has been a fixture on the local high school football scene for nearly three decades.
Dolhon began his coaching career as an assistant at Wyoming Area before moving on to Dunmore where he served under the legendary Jack Henzes. He was hired by North Pocono to take over as varsity skipper 13 years ago.
On Tuesday, July 30, Dolhon made his annual appearance at the 2024 Lackawanna Football Conference Media Day where he expressed excitement about the upcoming campaign.
“I'm excited because our kids have worked so hard in the weight room,” Dolhon said. “We always have pretty good success in the off-season, but this group may be one of the best.
“We're going to be big, strong and physical this year. And, if we keep that up week-in and week-out, then we definitely give ourselves a chance to compete for the division title.”
The Trojans struggled a bit in Division 1 action last fall, finishing up with an overall record of 4-7. They did qualify for districts, but were eliminated by Wyoming Area in the Class 4A quarterfinals.
“We got outmuscled a couple of times last year and that just can't happen,” Dolhon said. “You don't win many football games if the other team is more physical than you are.
“I really believe that our league is one of the best in the entire state and we know we have something to prove. We know that we're better than what our record was last year and we're out to prove it.”
Veteran leadership
Karson Gibson and Ethan Mensel accompanied their coach to this year's LFC Media Day
Both are seniors and each is expected to play a key role on both sides of the ball this season.
A multi-sport standout who also excels in track, Gibson is hoping to contribute in all three phases of the game. He'll play middle linebacker on defense, fullback on offense and be the long snapper on special teams.
“Long snapping on punts, field goals and extra points is crucial at the high school level,” Dolhon said. “Karson does a fantastic job in that role and I think he's also ready to step up for us at the linebacker position.”
For his part, Gibson feels that North Pocono needs to send a message early on in the 2024 season.
“I think all of us have a little bit of fire burning in our bellies right now,” said Gibson who hopes to continue his athletic career at the college level.
“We're definitely looking to prove something this year. As a middle linebacker, I'm going to try and set the tone by hitting hard and making big plays.”
Mensel will start on both sides of the ball this year. He anchors the Trojan offensive line at guard while also playing run-stopper defensively at nose tackle.
“Ethan is a great kid,” Dolhon said. “He's a very hard worker and a team player. He has a great attitude and does anything you ask of him. Ethan is a pleasure to coach. “
Like Gibson, Mensel believes North Pocono has some unfinished business to take care of following two straight 4-7 seasons.
“This is probably my last hurrah for football, so I definitely want us to go out on top,” said Mensel, who hopes to purse a career in the trades after graduation.
“I've been a lineman my whole life,” he said. “I love it and wouldn't want to play any other position. I like the physicality and hitting people on every play. It's definitely my strong suit.”
On the schedule
North Pocono will be on the field for the first time this year Saturday, Aug. 17 for a scrimmage at home versus Wilkes Barre Area.
The Trojans then kick-off their regular season slate with a non-league game at Nanticoke on Friday, Aug. 23. They'll celebrate their home opener in Week 2 with a much-anticipated battle against Pittston Area.
“We're really excited for that one,” Dolhon said. “It's our home opener so there will be a big crowd. Plus it's Community Night and Military Appreciation Night. Should be a great game and a lot of fun.”
Other key dates on the schedule include an away game at Paupack (Sept. 13), a showdown at home with Abington Heights (Sept. 20) and Homecoming versus Valley View (Oct. 4).
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Gibson and Mensel will lead the charge for North Pocono's football team this fall
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