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.
Up first, our 2019 quarterbacks:
Janasaah Boone, Sr. – Valley View @JanaasahB
As a first year starter at quarterback, Boone received accolades from around the region including an all-state nod as an athlete and an honorable mention QB for LFC Division II. He threw for 1,220 yards and ran for 826. Boone accounted for 33 touchdowns last season, leading the Cougars to a second straight District 2 title. He is being recruited by Division I schools as a defensive back which he will play for Valley View in 2019 after just playing offense last season. Boone was named to the PennLive Top College Prospects for Class of 2020.
Boone Highlights
Dominic DeLuca, Sr. – Wyoming Area @dominic_deluca9
DeLuca returns for his senior season as a four-year starter for Randy Spencer’s Warriors. He was named WVC Small School 1st team on both sides on the ball and was an All-District 2 defensive back. DeLuca threw for 871 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 528 yards and another 11 touchdowns. Next up for DeLuca will be to try to bring home a District 2 title in 2019. He has Division I schools looking at him at multiple positions on defense and also lacrosse. DeLuca was named to the PennLive Top College Prospects for Class of 2020.
DeLuca Highlights
C.J. Dippre, Jr. – Lakeland @CjDippre
Dippre made a splash for the Chiefs his sophomore year throwing for 1,381 yards and 12 touchdowns. This performance got him noticed as well as his 6-5, 250 pound frame. He has received offers from both Boston College and Bowling Green. Dippre also makes his presence known on the defensive side of the ball as a lineman. He was the NPF LFC Division III First Team at quarterback in 2018.
Dippre Highlights
Dante Lucarelli, Jr. – Old Forge @DLuke2112
Coach Mike Schuback doesn’t get many three-year starters at QB at Old Forge, but he is getting one this season in Lucarelli. The junior will be a catalyst on offense after throwing for 1,382 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. He was named a NPF LFC Division IV Honorable Mention quarterback as he tries to get Old Forge back on top Class 1A in District 2.
Lucarelli Highlights
Michael Starbuck, Sr. – Dallas @sbuckx4
When you see Starbuck on the field, you might understimate him because of his size. But his numbers tell how good he was in 2018 and how good he could be in 2019. Starbuck threw for 1,454 yards and 20 touchdowns in helping the Mountaineers get to the District 2 Class 4A title game. For his effort, he was named NPF WVC Big School Second Team quarterback.
Starbuck Highlights
SLEEPER
Cayden Merrifield, Jr. – West Scranton
Merrfield did get some playing time last season behind veteran Nick Gioia, but now it’s turn to take over an offense that will have a young and talented stable of skill players for him to use. The Invaders could be a dark horse in Class 4A but only if Merrifield can make the plays he needs to.
Merrifield Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Ethan Adams, Jr. – Lake-Lehman
Johnny Gilchrist, Jr. – Riverside
Michael Nocito, Sr. – Pittston Area
Zach Scillia, Sr. – Delaware Valley
Matt Valanda, Sr. – Western Wayne
