In the heart of the summer, a mild stir of excitement sparked among the West Scranton football community.

Led by a rising freshman quarterback, the Invaders captured the 7-on-7 title at the Big Man Challenge camp at Wilkes University’s Ralston Athletic Complex. The victory energized a storied program fighting years of frustration in the Lackawanna Football Conference.

Austin Sostre, a 14-year-old, would pilot the Invaders as the team’s starting signal caller. A young athlete, he knew he could lean on his brother, Jonyae, for support as he faced daunting competition with the Invaders jumping up to Division I in 2026.

A pair of wins to open the season fueled enthusiasm, but West Scranton found the competition against the established powers overwhelming at times. Still, the Invaders stayed on course, remained positive, and worked for the optimistic goals they set in July.

West Scranton snapped a long losing streak to rival Scranton and claimed the Bell Trophy late in the regular season. Then, despite finishing with two straight losses, the Invaders qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2018.

On Friday, No. 4 West Scranton (3-7) plays at top-seeded Williamsport (7-3) in the District 2-4 Class 6A subregional semifinals at 7 p.m.

“Heading into the year, we kind of knew that we had some athletes, and with Austin stepping in at quarterback as a freshman, he showed some great strides over the summer,” West Scranton head coach Jake Manetti said. “As a group, we have done a nice job of creating plays and protecting him and making him feel comfortable. When you look at guys like Austin and Jonyae, we are certainly in a good spot.

“These two guys come from a good family, and they are the types of guys you want to build a program around. Our guys have rallied around them, and we are in a good position to make some noise in the playoffs.”

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West Scranton made strides during Manetti’s tenure.

In 2025, the Invaders defeated Old Forge and Western Wayne. They closed the regular season with a 41-40 loss to Honesdale.

Jonyae, a junior in his second varsity season, impacted both sides of the ball. He ran for 212 yards and two touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown.

While the varsity team competed in the LFC Division II, the junior high program was winning games. Austin was gaining recognition as a game-breaker. He had come up through the Junior Invaders program, and his athleticism made him a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. His performances led the team to a win over Mid Valley, capping a title-winning season.

Having the Sostres joining forces at the varsity level helped stoke interest in the program and belief that a turnaround could happen.

Playing together for the Invaders was a dream come true for them.

“Having my brother here is great,” Austin said. “We have thought about this since we were young players. It is surreal to play with him as a teammate. He is my mentor and someone who I look up to as a brother and player.”

Jonyae, 16, gave guidance and advice to his younger brother, who proved ready to take the reins of the offense.

“I sat him down and told him playing varsity is a big step from playing junior high; it is not the same game speed,” Jonyae said. “I told him, when I came up as a freshman, I found out it was a totally different game.”

Austin learned, accepted coaching, and developed, knowing success in varsity football is about much more than talent.

“At the start of the season in the summer, I thought that I proved myself,” Austin said. “Throughout camp, winning that tournament was big. I enjoy commanding the offense. I like leading the team and using my voice to encourage the guys.”

Coming out of the summer workouts with the Sostres leading the way, the Invaders were motivated to prove themselves.

In Week 1, both gave fans plenty to talk about.

Jonyae had 76 total yards of offense and three touchdowns, and Austin completed 12 of 28 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown as West Scranton earned a 38-17 win at Hazleton Area, which would prove very beneficial in the district power-rating standings.

“I was nervous,” Austin said. “My brother really helped. He told me to calm my nerves and trust my abilities and my teammates. We really fought and came away with the win.”

West Scranton carried the momentum into the second week. The Invaders earned a 25-20 win over Carbondale Area, the eventual LFC Division III champions and District 2 Class 4A playoff qualifier.

Jonyae ran for 111 yards and caught three passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Austin completed 9 of 16 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns.

However, the young upstarts learned a long season presents many challenges.

Wyoming Valley West defeated the Invaders in Week 3. Then, the LFC Division I gauntlet took its toll. West Scranton lost to Abington Heights, Scranton Prep, Wallenpaupack and Valley View, all playoff qualifiers in their respective classifications.

“Even though we weren’t winning games, we were positive, and you could see good things,” Jonyae said. “Getting the two wins early was a confidence boost. Even in the losses, we knew that we had talent, and we kept working.”

Austin battled injuries, including a strained hamstring, during the physical stretch of games.

“That set me back a little,” Austin said. “I had to trust myself and battle through the adversity. I pushed through some injuries and some pain, worked hard, and regained my strength.”

Then came the Bell Game.

West Scranton had lost seven straight to Scranton in the city rivalry game. After a scoreless first half, the Invaders broke through when Austin scored on a 1-yard run with 3:44 remaining in the third quarter.

Teammate Michael Green added a 42-yard touchdown, Jonyae tacked on a 16-yard touchdown run, and West Scranton claimed the Bell Trophy.

“That was a great moment for the players and our coaching staff,” Jonyae said. “We are so glad to get that win. Our community really came together, and we really got closer as a team.

“I have so much trust in my guys.”

That win alone would have fed the optimism within the program.

Now, the Invaders are playing in the postseason, ending an eight-year drought.

“Everybody went ballistic when we found out,” Austin said. “Coming in as a freshman, I am just going to go out there and play. This is a lot of fun.”

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Jonyae is an energetic leader. He has 300 yards rushing and three touchdowns, and 23 receptions for 249 yards and four touchdowns. He leads the team with seven touchdowns and 42 points.

Austin is 88 for 179 passing for 1,148 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led LFC Division I quarterbacks in passing yards and tied with Valley View’s Colin Dempsey for passing touchdowns.

A playoff game is ahead.

The future is now for the Invaders.

“This is a great opportunity for us,” Jonyae said. “We proved that we can play at a playoff level. It is a great experience to play at this high level of play. My mentality is that it is us against the world.

“This is great for everybody.”