Patriots, Wildcats play for first time in 12 years

PITTSTON — It’s been 12 years since the Duryea Wildcats met the Pittston Junior Patriots on the mini football gridiron. That all changed when the two teams met on Oct. 24 in Pittston.

The Wildcats came out with a 24-0 win in the A team contest, which was the only game played between the two teams.

The Wildcats and the Patriots are in two different conferences and do not get a chance to play each other often. The idea came from Junior Patriots Vice President John Symons.

“All these kids go to school together,” Symons said. “They are all friends. They played each other in the past when they were part of the same conference. We wanted to bring PA back together.”

Symons said the game was a defensive battle until Duryea was able to beak through. He is hoping to have a trophy in place next season for the winner of the game. He also believes all four age divisions will play each other instead of just the A team playing, like this season.

Duryea is part of the Wyoming Valley West Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference. The Junior Patriots, however, are part of the Wyoming Valley Junior Football Conference.

Four Junior Patriots were selected to play in a special all-star game, which will be held at Hanover Area at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28. Players John Symons Jr., Kyle Norton, John Dezinski, Chris Holl and Zachay Stokes will all participate. The conference all-stars will play against an all-star team from Dallas, Texas. In the past, the conference and the Junior Patriots traveled to Texas for the game.

Pittston Junior Patriot Kyle Norton, left, carries the ball against Duryea in mini-football action in Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD110115Football_1.jpgPittston Junior Patriot Kyle Norton, left, carries the ball against Duryea in mini-football action in Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Duryea quarterback Tannon Kraklio, right, runs down the left sideline for a touchdown against the Pittston Junior Patriots in Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD110115Football_2.jpgDuryea quarterback Tannon Kraklio, right, runs down the left sideline for a touchdown against the Pittston Junior Patriots in Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston fullback John Symons Jr., center, runs the ball against the Duryea swarming defense.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD110115Football_3.jpgPittston fullback John Symons Jr., center, runs the ball against the Duryea swarming defense. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Duryea’s Dimitri Brown, right, runs for a two-point conversion against the Pittston Junior Patriots.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD110115Football_4.jpgDuryea’s Dimitri Brown, right, runs for a two-point conversion against the Pittston Junior Patriots. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Duryea’s Brandon Overman makes a catch for a touchdown against Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD110115Football_5.jpgDuryea’s Brandon Overman makes a catch for a touchdown against Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Junior Patriots quarterbacl Zachary Stokes reaches back to pass against the Duryea Wildcats in mini football action in Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_PSD110115Football_6.jpgPittston Junior Patriots quarterbacl Zachary Stokes reaches back to pass against the Duryea Wildcats in mini football action in Pittston. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch