The games started back in August and every team dreams of playing in Hershey for a state title. Lackawanna Trail was one of the teams to achieve that goal in 2018.
After knocking off Juniata Valley, the Lions moved on and made school history with their first state championship appearance in Hershey.
Head Coach Steve Jervis talked about 2018, “The best quality of this year’s team was how well we played as a team. We had a great group of seniors who provided us with the necessary leadership, as well a nice mix of underclassmen that filled critical roles that were lost to graduation. This group of seniors were sophomores in the 2016 team that won the district championship and qualified for the PIAA state playoffs. I believe that experience definitely helped in that the stage was not too big for them. With a roster of only 27 players, this team also displayed a great deal of resiliency. Due to injury/sickness, we had many kids that needed to step up and play multiple positions at different times throughout the season and did so at a very high level.”
Steve has coached for 17 years as a head coach and his overall record is 94-84.
Coaching Bio
2002 – 2007 Tunkhannock Record 23-39
2008 – Present. Lackawanna Trail 71-45
Coaching Staff
Jim Becchetti Defensive Coordinator
Jeff Stage WR/DB
Chad Gibbs Defensive Line
Matt Landsiedel Offensive Line
Steve Jervis, Sr. Kickers/Punters
Tim Ronchi Head Freshman Coach
Ben Simmons Assistant Freshman Coach
Brett Stage Assistant Freshman Coach
Rich Ronchi, Quality Control
“Our coaching staff is a tight knit group that genuinely enjoys coaching football and spending time together. Coach Becchetti, Coach Stage (who spent the last three seasons at Scranton Prep) and Coach Gibbs do a phenomenal job of teaching our defense and preparing our defense on a week to week basis. Coach Landsiedel (who played for me 2004-2006) and I work together on the offensive game plan. My father, Coach J, does a fantastic job with our kickers and punters as both our kicker, Nathan Rolka, and our punter, Zac Cost, were All Regional and All State selections. Freshman coaches, Coach Ronchi, Coach Simmons and Coach Brett Stage do a great job with our scout teams during week to week preparation. Lastly, Coach Rich Ronchi, who was the head coach at Lackawanna Trail from 1974-1983, filled in wherever needed.”
“At Lackawanna Trail, we are so fortunate to have a wonderful community. Our district is made up of the small towns of Factoryville, Dalton, Nicholson and Fleetville. Since I have been coaching at Lackawanna Trail, it is unique how supportive these towns are towards all of our teams. However, the way in which these towns came together to support our team this year was like nothing that I have ever experienced. It made an already memorable experience even that much more special. I truly feel honored and fortunate to teach and coach at Lackawanna Trail within this community.”
His team finished 14-2.
