SCRANTON – Xaiden Schock has competed since before he started school.
As a youth, the Wallenpaupack graduate played football and wrestled. Through the years, he built a passion for both sports. As a varsity athlete, he built an impressive resume in both, but something had to give.
So, when faced with the decision between the gridiron and the mats, Schock chose to wrestle at Wilkes University. That means when the final horn goes off inside John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium on Wednesday night, his football-playing days will come to an end.
In the days leading up to the 91st Scranton Lions Club Dream Game, Schock soaked in the experience and treasured the final practices in a sport he has committed himself to for more than a decade.
“It is a great honor and a great thing to be able to come out here and play for Wallenpaupack,” Schock said. “I am going to put my heart on the line because this is my last football game.
“I am very thankful to be picked to play.”
As a wrestler, Schock had an outstanding career and helped Wallenpaupack win the Lackawanna Division I, District 2 Class 3A Duals, and District 2 Class 3A Team championships. He was a Lackawanna League Division I all-star and honored as a member of the District 2 Wrestling All-Academic Second Team.
He had a career record of 133-45 with 102 pins, was a District 2 Class 3A champion in 2024 and a four-time PIAA Class 3A Northeast Region qualifier, and decided to continue his athletic career at Wilkes, where he plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
His football success earned him a spot on the City roster for the Dream Game this summer and shifted his focus for just a couple of weeks.
It also rejuvenated him.
During his four-year football stay with the Buckhorns, Schock dominated at linebacker. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder finished with 40 games played and had 367 total tackles with 21 for loss, four sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
Last season, Schock was a Lackawanna Football Conference Division I Coaches’ first-team all-star. He collected 98 total tackles with five for loss.
He is appreciative of how both sports impacted his life.
“You have to come in with the mentality that you want to be the best,” Schock said. “I come in and am giving 110% at every practice. I am having fun, too. I am focused and working, but having fun doing it, because it is crazy and sad that it is coming to an end.
“I started wrestling when I was 3 years old. It is a big thing to me, and the conditioning for wrestling prepared me for football and built my strength. Wrestling and football have shaped every part of my life.”
Like many of the all-stars chosen, Schock was excited about playing one last football game for his school.
He is looking forward to the challenge of playing the County and helping to snap its five-game winning streak.
“I have had a blast,” Schock said. “Every single one of these guys is a great guy. During the season, it’s crazy to think about all the smack that is talked about on the field, and now we come here and we can all be great friends.
“That is because we all have one goal now, and that is to beat the County.”
Originally Published: July 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM EDT