This is the eighth edition of our Five To Watch series. We thank Mansfield University for coming aboard again as a sponsor on the network and our title sponsor for Five To Watch. There are 34 teams in the WVC and LFC so it’s impossible to recognize every single player in this list. The players we do list are some of the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up in 2019 for their team. For players who don’t make the list, we hope you strive to make our lists at the end of the season because that’s the ones that really count.
Next up, defensive backs:
Matt Fisher, Sr. – Hazleton Area @fisher_10_
Fisher made his mark in the secondary last year for the Cougars but also was the backup quarterback and had to jump in at receiver due to injuries. Although he will be the starting quarterback, his presence on defense will be important with a young Hazleton squad. Fisher is an excellent tackler and very cerebaral (4.0 GPA & 1440 SATs).
Fisher Highlights
Casey Kaminski, Sr. – Lake-Lehman @caseykaminsk
Kaminski is another athlete who stays on the field all game. Last year, he was a playmaker for the Black Knights on both sides of the ball and made big plays when the defense needed them. Kaminski was an NPF WVC Small School First Team defensive back.
Kaminski Highlights
Carter Odell, Sr. – Scranton Prep @Carter_Odell
Scranton Prep’s defense has been outstanding the past several season and Odell was one of the best players on that unit last season. He had 64 tackles last season, but his strength was his cover skills. He also was big contributor on special teams. Odell was an NPF LFC Division II First Team defensive back in 2018.
Odell Highlights
J.T. Tirjan, Sr. – Wallenpaupack
Tirjan was all over the field and the seven interceptions shows that. He has the speed and agility to make plays and he is one of the better cover men in the LFC. Tirjan was an NPF LFC Division I First Team defensive back last season.
Tirjan Highlights
Teagan Wilk, Sr. – Berwick @TeaganWilk9
The East Carolina commit has the measureables. His shuttle run of 3.9 and vertical of 37 is off the charts. He also is a sure tackler and made big plays for a very good Dawgs defense. Wilk was an NPF All-District and WVC Big School First Team defensive back.
Wilk Highlights
SLEEPER
Mike Pidgeon, Jr. – Lakeland
If you know Lakeland football, you know the Pidgeon family. Mike will try to follow in his father’s and brother’s footsteps as an impact player for the Chiefs. He had a good sophomore season at defensive back, but will be expected to do more in 2019. Pidgeon was an NPF LFC Division III Honorable Mention defensive back.
Pidgeon Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Sebastian Brudnicki, Sr. – Mid Valley
Zach Darbenzio, Sr. – West Scranton
Dallas Greiss, S0. – Williamsport
Jason Thorpe-Adams, Sr. – Scranton
Charles Valvano, Sr. – Dunmore
