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Articles by Mason Smith
East Stroudsburg University football defeats Kutztown in OT thriller
EAST STROUDSBURG – It took the entire game, and then some, for East Stroudsburg University football in its senior day game against Kutztown, but the Warriors stand strong at the end to win an overtime classic, topping the Golden Bears 32-25. This is the first time ESU has beaten Kutztown since 2013, and with the win, the Warriors move to the top of the PSAC East Division and punch their ticket to the conference championship vs. Slippery Rock on Nov. 14.
Pocono high school football Week 10 scores, updates, highlights
It comes down to this. Week 10, the final week of the Pocono high school football season, is here. The district playoff hopes are already locked in for the six area schools, but for three teams, a shot at the EPC Monroe title is still on the line. Follow along for scores, live updates and highlights from Week 10, and follow Pocono Record sports reporter Mason Smith on X/Twitter, who'll be at Stroudsburg vs. Pleasant Valley.
Welcome home, Brant Byers: Chambersburg native gets chance to play for Penn State basketball Original
Updated Oct. 30, 2026, 2:44 p.m. ET STATE COLLEGE — If Brant Byers had a dollar for every time someone asked him about playing for Penn State basketball in the last few months, he wouldn’t need any NIL. But the Chambersburg native is still excited to play for the Nittany Lions this season.
Stakes are high, but East Stroudsburg football keeps it cool preparing for Kutztown
EAST STROUDSBURG — It's hard to ignore the stakes surrounding East Stroudsburg University's Week 9 showdown vs. Kutztown on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Warriors, nationally ranked for the first time in over 15 years, will host the No. 3 ranked Golden Bears inside Eiler-Martin Stadium. A Top 25 matchup that will likely determine which team will represent the PSAC East in the conference championship. ESU head coach Jimmy Terwilliger is aware of the stakes, but his plan isn’t to feed into the fanfare.
Mike Rhoades wants a 'tough' identity for Penn State basketball
Oct. 28, 2026, 4:34 p.m. ET STATE COLLEGE — If nothing else, Mike Rhoades wants this year's edition of Penn State basketball to be tougher. The fourth-year head coach spoke at local media day on Wednesday, Oct. 28, inside the Bryce Jordan Center, where an almost entirely new roster is set to take the floor Nov. 2 against Canisius for its season opener. During his presser, Rhoades was asked what he wants the identity of this year's team to be "Tough. We got to be tough and physical," Rhoades said.
Mike Rhoades wants a 'tough' identity for Penn State basketball
STATE COLLEGE — If nothing else, Mike Rhoades wants this year's edition of Penn State basketball to be tougher. The fourth-year head coach spoke at local media day on Wednesday, Oct. 28, inside the Bryce Jordan Center, where an almost entirely new roster is set to take the floor Nov. 2 against Canisius for its season opener. During his presser, Rhoades was asked what he wants the identity of this year's team to be "Tough. We got to be tough and physical," Rhoades said.
EPC announces boys, girls soccer All-Conference teams, All-Monroe teams
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference announced its 2026 girls and boys soccer All-Stars, which include first, second and third teams, as well as divisional teams. East Stroudsburg South senior forward Lyla Bulay was the only Pocono area player to receive All-EPC First Team honors. She is one of five players from the mountain to earn all-league honors. Seven boys from Pocono-area schools received all-league mention, including three on the second team.
East Stroudsburg football ranked in AFCA poll for first time in 16 years
It took over 15 years, but East Stroudsburg University football is back in the top 25. The Warriors are ranked No. 24 in the Week 8 edition of the Division II AFCA Coaches Poll after their 31-7 win over Shepherd. It is the first time inside the top 25 since the program was ranked No. 25 in 2010, and it is the first time ESU is ranked under head coach Jimmy Terwilliger. ESU has flirted with being ranked for the last several years.
Vote for the Pocono Eye Associates Athlete of the Week for Oct. 19-23
It's time to vote for the Athlete of the Week, presented by Pocono Eye Associates! We've taken some of the best performances from Oct. 19-23, and now it's your turn to vote for your favorite. The polls are open until noon on Friday, Oct. 30.
Penn State football tickets vs Purdue | Best remaining seats for Halloween
Oct. 26, 2026, 4:02 a.m. ET It's been a long time since tickets for a Penn State football game are this cheap this late into the season, but given how the year has unfolded, it's not surprising. Depending on the ticket vendor of choice, fans wanting to watch the Nittany Lions take on Purdue inside Beaver Stadium could do so for less than a lunch deal at most restaurants, with tickets starting around $9-$11.
Penn State football tickets vs Purdue | Best remaining seats for Halloween
It's been a long time since tickets for a Penn State football game are this cheap this late into the season, but given how the year has unfolded, it's not surprising. Depending on the ticket vendor of choice, fans wanting to watch the Nittany Lions take on Purdue inside Beaver Stadium could do so for less than a lunch deal at most restaurants, with tickets starting around $9-$11.
Pocono high school football Week 9 scores, live updates, highlights
Only two games remain in the regular season for Pocono high school football, and plenty is on the line Friday night in Week 9. The 82nd Battle for the Little Brown Jug takes center stage as Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg South are fighting for EPC Monroe supremacy and District 11 playoff positioning. In fact, both Friday night contests carry weight as multiple teams are tied atop the division, a fact that will change significantly once Week 9 has concluded.
East Stroudsburg South, Stroudsburg football meet for 82nd Jug Game with EPC stakes
EAST STROUDSBURG — Almost all the attention Friday night will be on East Stroudsburg as Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg South football take the field for the 82nd Battle for the Little Brown Jug. The Jug is an anticipated game every football season, but with the added implications for the EPC Monroe championship and district playoff positioning, there’s a lot more at stake between the Cavaliers (3-5, 2-1 EPC Monroe) and the Mountaineers (4-4, 2-1 EPC Monroe).
After starting at zero, Tanisha Wright built Penn State women's basketball from scratch
STATE COLLEGE – Penn State women's basketball coach Tanisha Wright was a college head coach with no players on the roster at one point. Now, with the season opener less than a month away, Wright and Penn State women's basketball are ready for the start of a new era. Prior to Vitória Santana's return on Sept.
After starting at zero, Tanisha Wright built Penn State women's basketball from scratch
Oct. 19, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET STATE COLLEGE – Penn State women's basketball coach Tanisha Wright was a college head coach with no players on the roster at one point. Now, with the season opener less than a month away, Wright and Penn State women’s basketball are ready for the start of a new era. Prior to Vitória Santana’s return on Sept.
Chase Sowell delivers a dazzling performance on a disappointing day for Penn State football
It's hard to see a bright spot for Penn State football after dropping its fourth straight game in a turnover-riddled performance to Michigan on the road, but if there is one, it would easily be Chase Sowell. In the Nittany Lions ' 21-18 loss to the Wolverines , the redshirt senior and Iowa State transfer was the best wide receiver on the field from either team, recording 11 catched for 151 yards and a touchdown.
Penn State football loses fourth straight Big Ten game vs Michigan
The woes for Penn State football continue as the Nittany Lions lose their fourth straight game on the road, falling to Michigan 21-18 in the Big House. It was a poor performance from the starting quarterbacks as both Rocco Becht and Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood threw two interceptions apiece. Underwood was ultimately benched for true freshman Tommy Carr, who recorded only 83 total yards, but scored a rushing touchdown.
Chase Sowell delivers a dazzling performance on a disappointing day for Penn State football
It's hard to see a bright spot for Penn State football after dropping its fourth straight game in a turnover-riddled performance to Michigan on the road, but if there is one, it would easily be Chase Sowell. In the Nittany Lions' 21-18 loss to the Wolverines, the redshirt senior and Iowa State transfer was the best wide receiver on the field from either team, recording 11 catched for 151 yards and a touchdown.
Pleasant Valley football reclaims the bucket behind five Chris Ward touchdowns
SWIFTWATER — After two years away, the Old Oaken Bucket belongs to Pleasant Valley football once again. The Bears shocked the mountain community as they defeated Pocono Mountain East 35-11 to win the 66th meeting between the two programs. It was shocking because many predicted the game would be close, and the difference might as well have been a coin flip. Then Chris Ward happened.
Penn State football vs Michigan time, TV channel, score, live updates
Penn State football has not been able to run the football like it had hoped — not even close, so far. The Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) are averaging only 78 rushing yards per game during their three-game losing streak. Top tailbacks Carson Hansen and James Peoples haven't even reached the 50-yard mark the past two weeks. Finding some kind of improvement here will be the offense's "biggest focus" in preparing for their upset attempt against the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, Oct.
Penn State football vs Michigan time, TV channel, score, live updates
Penn State football vs Michigan time, TV channel, score, live updates Penn State football has not been able to run the football like it had hoped — not even close, so far. The Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) are averaging only 78 rushing yards per game during their three-game losing streak. Top tailbacks Carson Hansen and James Peoples haven't even reached the 50-yard mark the past two weeks.
Pocono HSFB Week 8 scores, live updates, highlights
It's Week 8 of the Pennsylvania high school football season, and most of the attention will be focused on the Battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. Pleasant Valley will try to take the Bukcet back from Pocono Mountain East, which is trying to win its third consecutive Bucket.
Penn State football linebacker Alex Tatsch to miss rest of the season
Penn State football 's injury situation just got a lot worse as sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch will miss the rest of the season due to injury. The news was first reported on Penn State football play-by-play announcer Steve Jones' radio show. Tatsch missed the USC game due to an injury that was sustained in practice, coach Matt Campbell said on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The Latrobe, Pa. native appeared in four games this season, recording 11 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
Penn State football linebacker Alex Tatsch to miss rest of the season
Penn State football's injury situation just got a lot worse as sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch will miss the rest of the season due to injury. The news was first reported on Penn State football play-by-play announcer Steve Jones' radio show. Tatsch missed the USC game due to an injury that was sustained in practice. The Latrobe, Pa. native appeared in four games this season, recording 11 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
Penn State football linebacker Alex Tatsch to miss rest of the season
As Penn State football prepares for a big road test against Michigan, the Nittany Lions just lost another promising young defender. Penn State football's injury situation just got a lot worse as sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch will miss the rest of the season due to injury. The news was first reported on Penn State football play-by-play announcer Steve Jones' radio show. Tatsch missed the USC game due to an injury that was sustained in practice.
Penn State football linebacker Alex Tatsch to miss rest of the season
Oct. 13, 2026Updated Oct. 14, 2026, 7:32 a.m. ET Penn State football's injury situation just got a lot worse as sophomore linebacker Alex Tatsch will miss the rest of the season due to injury. The news was first reported on Penn State football play-by-play announcer Steve Jones' radio show. Tatsch missed the USC game due to an injury that was sustained in practice, coach Matt Campbell said on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Vote for the Pocono Eye Associates Athletes of the Week for Oct. 5-9
1 / 53 It's time to vote for the Athlete of the Week, presented by Pocono Eye Associates! We've taken some of the best performances from Oct. 5-9, and now it's your turn to vote for your favorite. The polls are open until noon on Friday. First AOTW of '26-'27: Vasoula Skarlis, Stroudsburg girls tennis and MJ Bolinger, Pocono Mountain East football Aug. 31-Sept. 5: Gabby Kutzler, Pleasant Valley field hockey and Jacob George, Pleasant Valley football Sept.
Vote for the Pocono Eye Associates Athletes of the Week for Oct. 5-9
Football and volleyball dominate the polls this week. Vote for the best performance! It's time to vote for the Athlete of the Week, presented by Pocono Eye Associates! We've taken some of the best performances from Oct. 5-9, and now it's your turn to vote for your favorite. The polls are open until noon on Friday.
East golfer Chris Gerheart places 2nd at district, qualifies for state tournament
HELLERTOWN — Chris Gerheart is going to state. The Pocono Mountain East junior finished tied for 2nd place among AAA boys at the 2026 District 11 Golf Tournament with a score of +3 (75) at Steel Club in Hellertown. It was a difficult course that humbled most of the field, but Gerheart managed to earn a silver medal. "Feels great. It's second place again after getting silver at EPCs, but it feels great to have a medal and go to states," Gerheart said.
Stroudsburg, William Allen boys basketball to play opener at East Stroudsburg University
Stroudsburg High School boys basketball will kick off their season inside a college arena, as the Mounties and William Allen High School will compete inside Koehler Fieldhouse at East Stroudsburg University on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. The neutral-site game started out as a passing thought between Stroudsburg AD Richard Baker and William Allen AD Randy Atiyeh, both of whom are ESU graduates.
Vote for the Pocono Eye Associates Athlete of the Week to end September
Which student-athlete had the best performance to end September. Cast your vote now! It's time to vote for the Athlete of the Week, presented by Pocono Eye Associates! We've taken some of the best performances from Sept. 28-Oct. 2, and now it's your turn to vote for your favorite. The polls are open until noon on Thursday.
Penn State football tickets vs USC | Best remaining seats for White Out
The White Out is the most anticipated weekend every season for Penn State football , but if the ticket prices are any indication, the 2026 edition might not carry the same enthusiasm. Depending on the ticket site of choice, the get-in cost for the Nittany Lions ' night game vs. the No. 17 USC Trojans ranges from $93-$99, with the prices quickly getting into the triple digits. That is a lot of money, but let's compare it to last year's White Out vs. Oregon. The get-in price for the 2025 night game vs.
ESU QB Harrison Susi breaks Jimmy Terwilliger's rushing TD record vs West Chester
ESU QB Harrison Susi breaks Jimmy Terwilliger's rushing TD record vs West Chester EAST STROUDSBURG — It was more than a homecoming victory for East Stroudsburg University football, it was a record-breaking day for senior quarterback Harrison Susi. The Coatesville native and first-year starter ran for his 14th-career rushing touchdown vs. West Chester, breaking the record previously held by his head coach and program legend, Jimmy Terwilliger.
Penn State football received zero coaches poll votes after embarrassing loss to Northwestern
If Penn State football fans thought things couldn't get any worse for the Nittany Lions, Friday night proved them wrong.
Penn State football received zero coaches poll votes after embarrassing loss to Northwestern
If Penn State football fans thought things couldn't get any worse for the Nittany Lions, Friday night proved them wrong. Not only is Penn State unranked following a blowout loss on the road to Northwestern, the Nittany Lions didn't receive a single vote in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll. Matt Campbell and Co. are searching for answers after a worst-case scenario start to Big Ten play, and it doesn't get any either USC coming to town for the White Out on Oct.
East Stroudsburg University football keeps building on bye week reset with win over West Chester
EAST STROUDSBURG — Jimmy Terwilliger thought the week off in the middle of September would be an opportunity for he and his staff to rest. Instead, the East Stroudsburg University football staff had one of the more rigorous weeks in the seventh-year head coach’s tenure, and it’s paying off. After a shutout victory against Lackawanna to end September, the Warriors continued their strong play with a 27-13 homecoming victory over West Chester inside Eiler-Martin Stadium.
East Stroudsburg South football takes one on the chin vs. Bethlehem Catholic
EAST STROUDSBURG — Matt Walters said it best: "Sometimes the losing team just fell flat against a talented opponent." It certainly felt like that after East Stroudsburg South's 49-14 loss to Bethlehem Catholic at home Friday, Oct. 2. There wasn't a major hindrance — penalties were at a minimum, no turnovers and no busted coverages or blown defensive assignments to really speak of. “I thought the game plan was really good for what Bethlehem Catholic presents, both offensively and defensively.
Pocono Mountain East football has to prove its resiliency after a big loss to Easton
SWIFTWATER – When Dustin Thomas was asked about his postgame message to his team after Pocono Mountain East lost to Easton 39-0, he had to censor his exact verbiage. The Cardinals got a stop on defense for the first possession of the game, but their first offensive play from scrimmage ended with a fumble near the end zone, recovered by running back Evan Garrett before the Red Rovers swarmed him and recorded a safety.
Pa. high school football scores, Pocono live updates from week 6
October is officially here, and with it, Week 6 of the high school football season in Pennsylvania. The football slate is split evenly for the six Pocono schools, with three games Thursday night and three games Friday night. However, all six schools will face an opponent from the Lehigh Valley this week, and given the history of Pocono vs.
East Stroudsburg South football takes one on the chin vs. Bethlehem Catholic
EAST STROUDSBURG – Matt Walters said it best: sometimes the losing team just fell flat against a talented opponent. It certainly felt like that after East Stroudsburg South’s 49-14 loss to Bethlehem Catholic at home. There wasn’t a major hindrance – penalties were at a minimum, no turnovers, and no busted coverages or blown defensive assignments to really speak of. “I thought the game plan was really good for what Bethlehem Catholic presents, both offensively and defensively.
Pa. high school football scores, Pocono live updates from Week 6
1 / 34 October is officially here, and with it, Week 6 of the high school football season in Pennsylvania. The football slate is split evenly for the six Pocono schools, with three games Thursday night and three games Friday night. However, all six schools will face an opponent from the Lehigh Valley this week, and given the history of Pocono vs. Valley matchups, the mountain teams aren't just looking for a win, but also to defy history in the process.
Pocono high school football teams aim to rewrite history vs. Lehigh Valley
EAST STROUDSBURG – Week 6 of the high school football season brings a set of challenges that run deeper than the games themselves for the Poconos' six football programs. All six schools play an opponent from the Lehigh Valley, and if you ask anyone who's followed football in the area, many will show a look of dread, followed by a lot of the repeated jargon: the schools in the Valley are bigger, they have more kids, more resources, more talent.
Pocono high school football teams aim to rewrite history vs. Lehigh Valley
EAST STROUDSBURG – Week 6 of the high school football season brings a set of challenges that run deeper than the games themselves for the Poconos’ six football programs. All six schools play an opponent from the Lehigh Valley, and if you ask anyone who’s followed football in the area, many will show a look of dread, followed by a lot of the repeated jargon: the schools in the Valley are bigger, they have more kids, more resources, more talent.
Stroudsburg's Fees & Igdalsky qualify for girls district golf final, 10 of 11 boys make the cut
1 / 34 SHAWNEE ON DELAWARE — It was nearly a perfect day for Pocono area golfers during the District 11 golf qualifiers at Shawnee Inn & Resort as 12 of the 13 participants made the cut for next week's District 11 tournament. On the boys side, 10 of the 11 participants qualified for the district championship at Steel Club in Hellertown on Oct. 6.
Stroudsburg's Fees & Igdalsky qualify for girls district golf final, 10 of 11 boys make the cut
SHAWNEE ON DELAWARE — It was nearly a perfect day for Pocono area golfers during the District 11 golf qualifiers at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort as 12 of the 13 participants made the cut for next week's District 11 tournament. On the boys side, 10 of the 11 participants qualified for the district championship at Steel Club in Hellertown on Oct. 6.
13 Pocono golfers to compete in District 11 qualifier at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
1 / 54 Over 100 District 11 golfers will meet at the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort to compete in the 2026 District 11 qualifiers on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in hopes of reaching the District 11 tournament on Oct. 6.
13 Pocono golfers to compete in District 11 qualifier at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
The District 11 golf qualifier is the last chance to reach the tournament, and 13 golfers will have a chance to punch their ticket. Over 100 District 11 golfers will meet at the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort to compete in the 2026 District 11 qualifiers on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in hopes of reaching the District 11 tournament on Oct. 6.
Penn State football tickets vs Northwestern | Best remaining seats for Friday matchup
Penn State football tickets vs Northwestern | Best remaining seats for Friday matchup Despite the shocking meltdown in the Big Ten opening loss to Wisconsin, tickets for Penn State football's road opener vs. Northwestern is still in pretty high demand. No matter what ticket site you choose, every ticket is already north of $140, which is impressive for a Friday night game instead of a traditional Saturday college football game.
Vote for the Pocono Eye Associates Athletes of the Week for Sept. 21-25
It's time to vote for the Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Pocono Eye Associates! We've taken some of the best performances from Sept. 21-25, and now it's your turn to vote for your favorite. The polls are open until noon on Thursday.
Vote for the Pocono Eye Associates Athletes of the Week for Sept. 21-25 Original
Sept. 28, 2026, 5:11 a.m. ET It's time to vote for the Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Pocono Eye Associates! We've taken some of the best performances from Sept. 21-25, and now it's your turn to vote for your favorite. The polls are open until noon on Thursday. Previous Athlete of the Week winners First AOTW of '26-'27: Vasoula Skarlis, Stroudsburg girls tennis and MJ Bolinger, Pocono Mountain East football Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more! Aug.
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