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Pride, hard work carry Minersby Mike Deitzer LACKAWANNA COUNTY - The NEPA Miners, competitors in the North American Football League (NAFL), concluded its inaugural season on October 6 with a 14-6 loss to the South Jersey Lynx. The NAFL is one of the largest football minor leagues in the world, with more than 100 teams. The Miners’ first- round playoff loss was disappointing to most but considered a success for a team in its first season of play. “It always hurts when you lose, twice as much in the playoffs,” said Dan LaMagna, Miners’ owner and head coach. “That hurt was put on hold, with pride, as I know the guys played hard until the last whistle.” The Miners ended this season with an 8-4 record with their four losses coming by a total of just 31 points. “We had a chance in the four losses, as each game was close,” said LaMagna. “With a few breaks, this team could have been 12-0. But you are what your record is.” The Miners efforts this season were led by Donnie Jackson-Bey at running back and Matthew Pfancook at wide receiver. Jackson-Bey is a minor league football veteran and surpassed the all-time rushing record this season. With a career dating back to 1987, Jackson-Bey brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to a team, helping to form its identity. Pfancook added another dimension to the Miner offensive attack with his ability to go deep and stretch the defense to open up the running game. Pfancook, as a rookie, led the team in receiving yards and amassed 209 yards in a game versus the Chambersburg Cardinals. “Pfancook was a kid who never played minor league ball and was the first one to practice and the last one to leave,” said LaMagna. Pfancook’s efforts on the field were only outdone by his accomplishments off the field during the Miners community service events. “We received a letter from a cancer survivor that was at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life where he gave the lady a hug out of the kindness of his heart and she appreciated how he made her feel,” said LaMagna. “Matt is a great kid with a bright future.” Defensively, the Miners were led by league sack leader Malcolm Singleton. Singleton averaged nearly two sacks a game, totaling 20 sacks in 11 games. As the owner and head coach, LaMagna admits that there was a daily struggle as to how he divided up his time. Along with his duties as owner and coach, LaMagna juggled his family life and a professional career in child services. “Luckily I have great support from my wife Michele, who is also the General Manager, and some outstanding professionals on our advisory committee and coaching staff that share some responsibilities,” said LaMagna. “In the meantime, I just sleep less.” LaMagna looks forward to the Miners first full off-season and some of the changes he will administer to make the Miners second season more successful. “We plan on expanding our front office to help raise needed money and increase community service,” said LaMagna. “We are also working on the unveiling of our mascot and other surprises to provide a family night of fun and value at our home games.” 
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