DUNMORE — Christopher Conte has a personality as big as he is.
When he arrived at Media Night for the 90th Scranton Lions Club Dream Game at John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium, he made it a point to introduce himself to everyone, offered a powerful grip for a handshake and had a smile on his face the entire time.
On the football field at Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium, a few days later at City all-star practice, the imposing 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end who helped lead Dunmore to the District 2 Class 2A championship and the PIAA semifinals showed his physicality, which was a direct contrast to his engaging first impression.
At the game, Conte looks to make an impact before he moves on to Lackawanna College.
“I am really honored to play in this game,” Conte said. “My dad (Rich) played in it in 1995, and there is a lot of history in this game. It is the longest-running all-star game, so I am really excited and very appreciative that I got picked to play.”
Conte’s size and strength made him a college prospect early in his playing career. So much so, he attended IMG Academy in Florida, the college football private academy that produces dozens of NCAA Division I athletes every year.
He valued the experience.
“It was an eye-opener,” Conte said. “I went down there as a sophomore, and I was living in a dorm, and it was a real college experience. It was really tough for the first couple of months, but I met a great group of buddies. I am still tight with some of them. It was a unique experience and opened me up to really loving the game of football.”
Ahead of his junior year, Conte returned home to Dunmore. Because he was a transfer after his sophomore year, by PIAA rules, he had to miss the first four weeks of the season.
Once he hit the field, he played with intensity. He helped Dunmore reach the District 2 Class 2A final in 2022.
“I was excited to come back,” Conte said. “I had a lot of friends who were also excited to have me back. It stunk sitting the first four weeks, but I got back into the swing of things, and we had a pretty good year.”
As a senior, Conte emerged as the most physical lineman on the defensive side of the ball in the Lackawanna Football Conference. He overpowered opponents and finished with 79 total tackles, with 22 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, three forced fumbles and one blocked punt.
He earned All-Region honors and was named to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class 2A all-state team. Conte also earned the Hookey Reap Award as the top defensive lineman in Lackawanna County.
“It was an awesome year,” Conte said. “During the season and especially through the postseason, you really see the support you get from the town of Dunmore. It was one of the best experiences you could have. The run we made, obviously, I wish it went further, but it was fun playing with my friends at Dunmore.”
As a member of the City all-star team, Conte looks forward to competing with his teammates from Dunmore, his coach Kevin McHale and the new friends he made along the way.
“Dunmore has a big group this year,” Conte said. “I am excited to be on the field with my buddies and do it one last time before everyone heads off on their own ways to college.”
The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
