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WEST PITTSTON — You could see the smile on Dominic DeLuca’s face all the way from Hershey.
The senior quarterback, defensive back, punter and kick returner had a grin a mile wide as he and his Wyoming Area teammates rang the victory bell at Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium.
The ringing of the bell is customary after a Warrior victory, but this one was different. This wasn’t just another win. This wasn’t even a rivalry win over Pittston Area.
This one was for the state title.
DeLuca and company were escorted by emergency vehicles on a hero’s welcome back home to West Pittston after defeating Central Valley 21-14 in Saturday’s PIAA 3A state championship game.
The parade began at the Midway Shopping Center in Wyoming, processing down Wyoming Avenue to Sobeski Stadium, where a huge contingent of fans, family members and former players were waiting to salute the newly-crowned state champs.
“I’m speechless right now, we’ve been working so long for this,” DeLuca said.
DeLuca has been the big-play guy for the Warriors all season, and he didn’t let them down on Saturday, scoring the game-winning touchdown himself on a quarterback sneak to erase a 14-0 deficit, seal the deal and bring Wyoming Area its first team state championship ever.
“We had to move the ball down the field and make quick plays, and we did,” DeLuca said.
Fans celebrated as the Warriors made their way off the buses, and marched triumphantly across the field to the victory bell.
After ringing in the victory, the team made their way to the 50-yard-line, where head coach Randy Spencer was waiting.
“I’d like to issue a genuine, heartfelt thank you to Warrior Nation for showing up today in Hershey,” Spencer said.
He had heaps of praise to shower on the whole team, praising their fight and their unwillingness to give up even with their backs against the wall.
“We needed to stay resilient and compete each and every down,” Spencer said. “We needed one play, and we got that play to Riley Rusyn.”
Athletic director Joe Pizano could barely even speak after the game, saying that he “blew out his voice on the first play,” but he had similar praise for the team. He also noted how the Warriors’ matchup with national powerhouse Southern Columbia changed the team for the better.
“I think that Southern Columbia game changed everybody’s mindset on what we could be,” Pizano said.
“I think our kids played their butts off all year…they showed what they could do.”
