First State Playoff Win, Undefeated Regular Season Cap Best Year in School History

WHITEHALL TWP. — North Pocono’s dream season came to an end Friday night, but not before the Trojans cemented their place in school history with the program’s greatest campaign ever.

Cardinal O’Hara handed North Pocono its first loss of the season, 28-6, in the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals at Zephyr Stadium, ending the Trojans’ undefeated run at 13-1.

But for a program that had never won a state playoff game before this season, the defeat doesn’t diminish what North Pocono accomplished in 2025.

“They’re a tough team. Hats off to Cardinal O’Hara,” North Pocono coach Greg Dolhon said. “They did what they had to do to win the football game tonight. But I’m just so proud of our kids. We played a great football team.”

Breaking Through Barriers

North Pocono’s season featured milestone after milestone. The Trojans secured their first undefeated regular season since 1991 — only the third in school history. They averaged 37 points per game behind a high-powered offense led by running back Josiah Gray (1,104 yards, 15 touchdowns) and dual-threat Cole West (over 1,500 all-purpose yards).

Most importantly, they finally broke through in the state playoffs.

The Trojans defeated Bishop Shanahan 40-36 in a first-round thriller that went down to the final minute, with West dragging defenders into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown with 45 seconds left. Seamus Maguire’s sack-fumble sealed it with under a minute remaining.

It was the first state playoff victory in program history — a monkey finally off the school’s back.

Speed Kills

Against Cardinal O’Hara (10-4), North Pocono couldn’t replicate that offensive success. The Lions’ speed on defense stifled the Trojans, holding them to just 155 total yards and preventing their ground game from establishing rhythm.

Cardinal O’Hara quarterback John Welde ran for two touchdowns and passed for another, while running back Amahj Gowans added 103 yards and a score. The Lions built a 21-6 halftime lead after blocking North Pocono’s extra point following the Trojans’ lone touchdown.

Simon Horta’s 53-yard kick return set up Gowans’ 16-yard touchdown run, and Welde hit Horta for a 35-yard score with 30 seconds left in the half to put the game out of reach. Welde added an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.

The Philadelphia Catholic League program advanced to face Southern Lehigh in the state semifinals.

Defensive Foundation

North Pocono’s defense had been the backbone of the undefeated season, allowing just 14 points per game through their first 13 games. Led by linebacker Aidan Maguire (92 tackles), defensive end Evan Wolff (84 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5 sacks), and defensive back Tate Bowen (61 tackles), the unit dominated opponents all season.

“The culture we have built here on the defensive side really helped us throughout the year,” Bowen said before Friday’s game.

That defense controlled the District 2 Class 4A championship against Dallas, holding the Mountaineers to 74 rushing yards. It came up clutch against Bishop Shanahan when Seamus Maguire forced the game-sealing fumble.

But Cardinal O’Hara’s physical offensive line — featuring DeVonte Ferrigon (6-0, 255), Jayden King-Gant (6-3, 290), and Mike Davis (6-1, 260) — controlled the line of scrimmage and kept the Trojans’ defense on the field.

Season to Remember

For a senior class that bought into Dolhon’s vision four years ago, the season delivered on the promise of “something big.”

“Coach Dolhon told me in my freshman year, he said something big will be coming,” outside linebacker Evan Wolff said after the Bishop Shanahan win. “For me and my seniors, it took us four years to get to this point.”

Quarterback Chase Zimmerman finished the season completing 55 of 81 passes for 891 yards and nine touchdowns, while also contributing on the ground. West’s versatility gave North Pocono a weapon in multiple phases, catching 23 passes for 471 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 612 yards and nine scores. He also grabbed nine interceptions on defense.

Kicker Shane Youngblood had a flawless season, converting 55 extra points and three field goals for 64 points.

Community Pride

Throughout the playoff run, North Pocono’s community rallied behind the team. Packed home crowds at Jack Mancini Stadium created an electric atmosphere, with the band and cheerleaders providing energy all season.

“Our community, our band, our cheerleaders, they’re great. They’re there behind us,” Dolhon said.

Even on the road to Downingtown for the Bishop Shanahan game — a journey that included an initial wrong turn to Pope John Paul II High School — Trojan fans showed up in force.

The dedication wasn’t just from the stands. North Pocono’s success stemmed from commitment in the weight room and extra practice sessions that accumulated over months.

What They Built

North Pocono finishes 13-1 with a Lackawanna Football Conference Division I championship, a District 2 Class 4A title, and that historic first state playoff victory.

The Trojans proved they could hang with anyone in Class 4A. The Bishop Shanahan game featured six lead changes and showcased North Pocono’s grit. Against Cardinal O’Hara, they faced a program with battle scars from playing Philadelphia Catholic League powerhouses like Roman Catholic, La Salle College, and St. Joe’s Prep.

“I think that’s grit in the eyes of adversity,” Dolhon said after the Bishop Shanahan win. “We said, hey, let’s win the game — I think you got your money’s worth in watching that game, and we were just thrilled to be a part of it.”

The 2025 Trojans didn’t just have a great season. They rewrote the record books and changed expectations for what North Pocono football can be.

For a program that had waited since 1991 for an undefeated regular season and had never won in the state playoffs, this group of seniors left behind something permanent: proof that North Pocono belongs on the state stage.

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Cardinal O’Hara will face Southern Lehigh in the PIAA Class 4A semifinals. North Pocono concludes its season at 13-1, the best record in program history.