Two seasons ago, North Pocono coaches saw the potential for the future with a sophomore class that had talent and a history of success through the junior football ranks.

The group had size, speed, and athleticism, and several made an impact during the 2023 season. Now they are seniors, mature and confident, and playing at a high level.

On Friday, the top-seeded Trojans (11-0) will host third-seeded Dallas (6-5) in the District 2 Class 4A championship game. The team looks to make history, win the first district title since 2016, and have a 12-0 record for the first time since 1991.

“This is everything that we have dreamed about since last year, after our (Eastern Conference) win over Hamburg at the end of the season,” North Pocono defensive end and tight end Evan Wolff said. “We wanted to play for a district championship, and to play for it at home.

“This is what we have worked to experience.”

North Pocono started its 2025 quest with optimism and confidence. Last season, the Trojans got off to a fast start with three straight wins but lost some starters due to injuries. They also lost games on the scoreboard. Their record fell to 4-6, and the Trojans failed to qualify for the District 2 Class 4A playoffs.

The team had two good efforts in Weeks 9 and 10 of the regular season. The Trojans gave Delaware Valley all it could handle in a 38-26 loss, then battled eventual LFC Division I champion Scranton Prep before falling, 21-7.

North Pocono accepted a bid to play in the Eastern Conference Class 4A game against Hamburg. The Trojans dominated in a 41-0 win, which set in motion the process to build toward a championship run this fall.

North Pocono has defeated four teams that are playing on Championship Friday, including Dallas, 35-14, in Week 6.

Chase Zimmerman is the most efficient passer in District 2 with a rating of 201.6. He has thrown for 782 yards and eight touchdowns this season. In the first meeting against Dallas, the senior completed six of nine passes for 169 yards and a touchdown.

Cole West, who was a freshman on the 2023 team, is having an outstanding all-around season, doing whatever is asked on both sides of the ball.

He has 501 yards rushing and six touchdowns out of the Wildcat formation, and he has 20 receptions for 422 yards and four touchdowns. He caught five passes for 146 yards and a touchdown against Dallas in Week 6.

In a win over Scranton Prep, he threw the game-winning touchdown to Zimmerman.

Defensively, West has seven interceptions.

Josiah Gray ran for 195 yards and scored two touchdowns last week against Crestwood and has 761 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

Defensively, North Pocono has risen to the challenge week after week. Aidan Maguire and Evan Wolff have been outstanding and lead the team in tackles. In the win over Dallas in the regular season, Wolff had 11 tackles and Maguire had six.

Cole Zimmerman had a sack, and Max LaFave had two interceptions against the Mountaineers.

“In the first game, we played very well,” Wolff said. “But that was six weeks ago, and we know that they are a very different team. They are playing at a very high level, so we have to be prepared for everything they will throw at us.

“It’s going to be a great game.”

Dallas had a record of 1-5 after the loss to North Pocono. Things turned around from there. The Mountaineers thumped Wyoming Valley West to ignite a five-game winning streak.

Last week, Sam Kelley ran for 115 yards, and quarterback Talan Geskey threw for 46 yards and a touchdown in a 17-0 upset of Valley View.

Dallas’ defense limited Valley View’s potent running game to 93 yards on 31 carries in the shutout win.

DISTRICT 2 CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP

3-Dallas (6-5) at 1-North Pocono (11-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: North Pocono Trojans Stadium.

Last: North Pocono, 35-14 (2025).

Up next: The winner advances to the PIAA Class 4A first round to play the winner of the District 1 championship game between Bishop Shanahan and Pope John Paul II.

The buzz: Dallas is in the District 2 Class 3A final for the third straight season and will play for a district championship for an 11th time. The Mountaineers have five District 2 championships all-time and have reached the PIAA championship games in 1993, when they won in Class 2A, and 2019 and 2023 in Class 4A. North Pocono is seeking its first District 2 championship since 2016 and its first 12-0 record since 1991. North Pocono is 5-0 against teams from the Wyoming Valley Conference this season and outscored them, 215-56.