Hazleton at Nazareth

Recap

NAZARETH 46, HAZLETON AREA 7

Nazareth left little doubt in its 2025 season opener, cruising past Hazleton Area 46–7 on Friday night behind a statement performance from quarterback Peyton Falzone.

Falzone accounted for four touchdowns, striking early and often to give the Blue Eagles complete control by halftime. He opened the scoring with an 81-yard strike to Mason Marinelli, then followed it up with a 48-yard rushing touchdown. Later in the first half, Falzone tossed a 9-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Leluga and a 26-yard connection with Lance Zuercher, helping Nazareth build a commanding lead.

By the end of the first quarter, Nazareth was already ahead 20–0. The second quarter was more of the same, as Marquez Wimberly found the end zone from 10 yards out and Jayden Wolf added an 11-yard touchdown run. At the break, the scoreboard read 39–0 in favor of the Blue Eagles.

With the game in hand, Nazareth continued to roll in the second half under the running clock. Wimberly struck again with a 20-yard touchdown run before Hazleton Area finally broke through with a late score to avoid the shutout.

The lopsided win spoiled the coaching debut of Hazleton’s Scott Sacco and showcased why Nazareth is considered one of the top programs in District 11. Falzone’s dual-threat ability, combined with a deep group of playmakers, proved too much for the Cougars to handle.

SCORING SUMMARY

1ST QUARTER

NAZ – Mason Marinelli 81-yd pass from Peyton Falzone (Kick failed) – Nazareth 6-0

NAZ – Falzone 48-yd run (Owen Hall kick) – Nazareth 13-0

NAZ – Matthew Leluga 9-yd pass from Falzone (Hall kick) – Nazareth 20-0

2ND QUARTER

NAZ – Lance Zuercher 26-yd pass from Falzone (Kick failed) – Nazareth 26-0

NAZ – Marquez Wemberly 10-yd run (Hall kick) – Nazareth 33-0

NAZ – Wayden Wolf 11-yd run (Kick failed) – Nazareth 39-0

3RD QUARTER

NAZ – Wimberly 20-yd run (Hall kick) – Nazareth 46-0

HAZ – J.J. Lantigua 10-yd run (Gianni Turse kick) – Nazareth 46-7

4TH QUARTER

None