HS FOOTBALL: Fangio honored as UNICO Man of the Year

PLAINS TWP. - It's hard for Vic Fangio to pass up an opportunity to return to his roots. While he was a little south of his native Dunmore on Tuesday night, Fangio was in town to help UNICO celebrate the 75th anniversary of its annual all-star game featuring the top senior players from the Wyoming Valley Conference.

In 1976, Fangio was in the same shoes as the players in attendance at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Fangio played in Lackawanna County's Dream Game where he forged lifelong friendships with not only his fellow Dunmore players but also those he competed against throughout his high school career.

Fangio was the recipient of UNICO's Man of the Year and was also the keynote speaker for the event. But just like when Fangio played in high school, football has a way of reuniting the past with the present.

Along with Fangio, the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator, former local high school legends who went on to have NFL careers were also invited to participate in the special event.

Former Meyers stars Rocket Ismail, Qadry Ismail and Quentin Harris were in attendance. As was former GAR star Greg Skepenak and Berwick's Bo Orlando.

"This is a hell of an honor, especially for a guy from Dunmore," Fangio said. "I enjoy anytime I am able to get up here. For the kids, it's a great opportunity to connect with people you competed against growing up in the nearby towns and schools. In a game like this, you can make lifelong friendships. I know I did when I played in the Dream Game in 1976."

Known as a defensive mastermind, Fangio was responsible for a defensive unit that led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. During the Super Bowl run, Fangio's defense recorded 16 sacks and 11 takeaways on their way to the title. The Eagles also held Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to no points and 23 total yards in the first half.

Tuesday night's festivities also gave Fangio an opportunity to reconnect with Rocket Ismail and Skrepenak. When the Carolina Panthers went to the 1996 NFC Championship game, Fangio was the defensive coordinator while Rocket and Skrepenak were on the offensive side of the ball. Another former WVC star, Bucky Greeley, was also on the squad.

"We used to bust each other because he was from Dunmore and I was from Wilkes-Barre," Skrepenak said. "I was always a Philly sports nut. When he came to Philadelphia, I said he was the missing part. You look at the history of his defenses, even when he was the head coach in Denver, the defense was always good. When we were in Carolina together, we were one game away. It's cool that I get to see him. It has been a long time. With guys in football, when you haven't seen each other in a long time, it's like you pick up right where you left off."

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