Throughout Poland Seminary’s prolific football history, running the ball has been the backbone of the program. Dave 21 and 28 have established this valued history. However, when a quarterback as successful as Poland’s own comes around, tendencies can change. 

Dom Pagano, a senior at Poland Seminary, was the foremost of this. Pagano, a WKBN Big 22 Contender, has shown his dominance throughout the early part of the football season. Heading into Poland’s Week 2 Match up against the Howland Tigers, hopes were high for Pagano at the helm. Dom delivered, leading the Bulldogs to a 41-0 victory over the Tigers.

As a result of this impressive victory, Pagano received the honor of “Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Valley” Award for Week 2 of high school football. This is an honor that was given for his strong leadership qualities.

When asked what leadership qualities have been most crucial for the success of his team, he responded, “The biggest one with leadership really is just to lift your boys up. When something bad  happens, bad play, blown coverage, you just always gotta be there for them. Give them a boost so they can get back to their game.”

Pagano’s lifelong friend and teammate, JD Memo, was asked about his feelings regarding Dom’s phenomenal leadership qualities.

Memo mentions, “Dom is just a great player, he’s a big leader though, that’s why he’s a captain, great player but even better leader.”

Memo and Pagano had selflessly worked for the entire off-season to try and propel the Bulldogs to a more successful season. The Bulldogs 21-22 record was 5-6, and they have already already met this benchmark. 

This award for Pagano is a personal achievement, but Pagano has been nothing short of unselfish team player for the Bulldogs this year. The season is long from being over, but Pagano and the Bulldogs have already achieved so much this season. However, the Bulldogs are not done, and neither is Dom Pagano.