Local guys. Real football. Saturday nights under the lights at Iron Valley Memorial Stadium — hard hits, hometown pride, and a team this valley can call its own.
The Bad News Bears were founded in 2018 by a group of former high school and small-college players who weren't ready to hang up their cleats — and who believed the Iron Valley deserved a football team of its own on Saturday nights.
Every player on the roster lives and works within 30 miles of Iron Valley. They're warehouse supervisors, HVAC techs, teachers, and firefighters during the week. On Saturdays, they put on the navy and silver and play for the neighborhoods they grew up in — no contracts, no paychecks, just pride.
Since that first season, the Bears have grown from borrowed practice fields to a home at Iron Valley Memorial Stadium, two league titles, and one of the loudest home crowds in semi-pro football. Off the field, the team runs free youth clinics every summer and shows up for the community that shows up for them.
Roster spots go to Iron Valley players first. If you played under Friday night lights here, there's a place for you here.
Free youth clinics, charity games, and school visits — the Bears give back more Saturdays than they take.
Open tryouts every spring. Nobody's spot is guaranteed, and everybody's spot can be taken.
“Play hard, stay local, and give this valley a team worth cheering for.”
The Bears exist to keep competitive football alive for local athletes after school ends, to give families an affordable Saturday night out, and to put Iron Valley's name on the field with pride — every snap, every season.
The core of the Bears. Full 38-man roster available at the gate on game day.
Team captain and three-year starter. Threw for 2,140 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2026. By day, he's a phys-ed teacher in Hanover Township.
North-south runner who led the league with 1,180 rushing yards last season. Works the overnight shift at a distribution center in Pittston.
The Bears' deep threat — nine touchdown catches in 2026, including the game-winner in the league semifinal. HVAC technician from Plains.
Slot receiver and punt returner with a knack for third-down conversions. Owns a barbershop on South Main Street in Iron Valley.
Two-way threat who blocks like a tackle and catches like a receiver. Six TDs in 2026. Firefighter with the Iron Valley Fire Department.
Anchor of the offensive line and the man who makes every protection call. Hasn't missed a start in four seasons. Union electrician.
Protects Morrison's blind side and sets the tone in the run game. Played two years of Division III ball before coming home to Swoyersville.
League-leading 11 sacks in 2026. Relentless off the edge and the first guy in the weight room every morning. Warehouse supervisor in Hanover.
Run-stuffer in the middle who eats double teams so the linebackers can eat. Third-generation Bears fan turned player. Plumber from Exeter.
Defensive captain and leading tackler two seasons running (112 tackles in 2026). Calls the defense and coaches youth football in Edwardsville.
Sideline-to-sideline speed with four interceptions last year — rare for an outside backer. Auto mechanic and weekend dirt-track racer from Larksville.
Shutdown corner who travels with the other team's best receiver every week. Gave up just two touchdowns all of 2026. Postal carrier in Forty Fort.
Ball-hawking free safety and special teams ace. His fourth-quarter pick sealed the 2026 league title game. Corrections officer from Iron Valley.
Automatic inside 45 yards — 14 of 16 on field goals in 2026, long of 48. Former college soccer player from Pittston who found his leg translates.
Eight games, May through July. All home games at Iron Valley Memorial Stadium — kickoff 7:00 PM unless noted.
Playoffs begin Saturday, July 17, 2027. Home playoff games are included free with every Season Pass.
Affordable Saturday nights for the whole family. Kids 12 and under get in free at every regular-season home game.
Tell us what you need and our ticket office will get back to you within one business day to confirm and arrange payment.
Local businesses keep the lights on and the pads popping. Support the businesses that support the Bears.
Want your business on this page and on the stadium fence? Sponsorship packages start at $250 for the season — email sponsors@badnewsbearsfootball.com or call (570) 555-0147.
The latest from the den.
The Bears closed 2026 at 7–1, capped by a 24–17 win over Scranton in the league title game — Derek Lawson's fourth-quarter interception sealed it with 41 seconds left. Jake Morrison was named league Offensive Player of the Year, and a team-record 2,300 fans packed the home finale. Thank you, Bears Nation.
Think you can play? Open tryouts for the 2027 roster are Saturday, March 20 at 10:00 AM at Iron Valley Memorial Stadium. Bring cleats, a copy of your ID, and a $25 tryout fee (waived for returning players). All positions open — especially offensive line and special teams. Helmets and pads provided for the day.
Twenty-two Bears players and coaches spent December 19 delivering toys and winter coats to 140 local kids through the team's annual Bears Give Back drive, in partnership with Valley Auto Group. The team also raised $4,800 for the Iron Valley food bank at the holiday charity flag-football game.
Players, coaches, trainers, and volunteers — if you're 18 or older, live in the Iron Valley, and want to be part of Bears football, we want to hear from you. Tryouts are every March, but the door is open year-round for the right people.
Not a player? We always need chain crews, film help, game-day staff, and booster club volunteers.