NAME: Ben Dial
SCHOOL: North Pocono
LAST SEASON: 2016
POSITIONS: LB/WR

North Pocono’s success in 2016 was powered by a defense that was one of the best of the decade and Ben Dial was the leader of that defense. The senior captain led the team in tackles (124), fumble recoveries (3) and blocked kicks (2); shared the lead in forced fumbles (2), ranked second in total tackles for losses (18), finished third in sacks (4) and was tied for third in interceptions (3).  He helped the Trojans win the PIAA District 2 Class 4A title. Dial also caught 15 passes for 210 yards. For his career, he had 220 tackles.

Dial was named 2016 NPF District 2 Defense Player of the Year and was also NPF Lackawanna Football Conference Division II Defense Player of the Year and a first-team linebacker. Dial received recognition as a second-team all-state linebacker by the Pennsylvania Football News. He was also named an honorable mention linebacker by EasternPAFootball.com. Dial participated in the Lions Club Dream Game and continued his football career at Division 2 Bloomsburg University.

North Pocono coach Greg Dolhon on Dial: “He was always where he was supposed to be. … very strong, sure tackler and you feel comfortable with a kid like him on your side. Another great leader in our program because of actions, he was a very quiet kid but very emotional. In the big games he showed up and lead by example.”

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