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, offensive lineman:
Noah Craig, Sr. – Berwick @Noah_craig79
Craig will be the leader on the Dawgs offensive line. The 6-0, 240 pound guard will be key in Berwick’s ability to run the ball like they did in 2018. The Bulldogs know to win Class 4A, they have to match Dallas and Valley View in the trenches and that has been their goal in the offseason. Craig was an NPF WVC Big School First Team offensive lineman last season.
Craig Highlights
Cross Douglas, Jr. – Lakeland @CrocifissoDoug1
Douglas has great size for a small school guard at 6-1, 280 pounds. He emerged as one of the best two-way lineman in the LFC his sophomore season and will lead a unit that will try to dethrone Scranton Prep in Class 3A. Douglas was an NPF LFC Division III First Team offensive lineman and defensive lineman in 2018.
Douglas Highlights
Mark Dunckle, Sr. – Lackawanna Trail
Trail marched their way to Hershey last season with a dynamic offense and a line that brought it all together to become a very adhesive unit. Dunckle was the best of the group and returns for his senior season. At 5-10, 230 pounds, he was technically as sound as you could be on both sides of the ball. Dunckle was NPF LFC Division IV Lineman of the Year and also received First Team offensive and defensive line accolades.
Dunckle Highlights
Brandon King, Sr. – Wallenpaupack
King jumps out at you with his huge frame – 6-3, 300 pounds. He will return as the center of an offensive unit that will see plenty of new faces after graduating 23 seniors. The Buckhorns will rely on him to lead a balance offense that will compete in Class 5A. King was an NPF LFC Division I Honorable Mention offensive lineman.
King Highlights
John Shnipes, Sr. – Valley View
Valley View dominated the line of scrimmage last season as they won their second straight district title. Shnipes might have gotten lost in the shuffle with four seniors in that unit but will the be main blocker up front. At 6-3, 260 pounds, he is getting Division I looks. Shnipes was an NPF LFC Honorable Mention offensive lineman.
Shnipes Highlights
SLEEPER
Seamus Cadden, Sr. – Dunmore
Dunmore is an offensive linemen factory and even when they graduate a successful group of seniors, four last season, they reload. Cadden will be the lone returning starter up front for the Bucks and don’t be surprised if Dunmore is dominant up front again.
Cadden Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Randal Bednar, Sr. – Wilkes-Barre
Jason Biever, Jr. – Hazleton Area
Walker Carney, Sr. – Honesdale
Connor James, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Brandon Tirado, Sr. – Wyoming Valley West
