This is the 10th edition of our Five To Watch series. We thank The Mattioli Law Firm for coming aboard as 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 who might be deserving. The players we do list are some of the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up in 2021 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 they are the ones that really count.
Here are the wide receivers:
Matthew Cusatis, Jr. – Hazleton Area
Height: 6-0 Weight 155
@mattg1o
Cusatis emerged as one of best receivers in the WVC during his sophomore year. A three-sport athlete, he has speed and athleticism. When you watch his film, he has very good hands and definitely can beat someone man-to-man on every play. Cusatis had 38 receptions last season that produced 544 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. On defense, he also was recognized as one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the league and is considered the ‘shut-down’ corner back for the Cougars. And special teams was another area he excelled averaging 26.3 yards per return. Cusatis was named a WVC Division 1 first team wide receiver and second team defensive back in 2020. He also was named to the all-state team.
Cusatis Highlights
Reese Gaughan, So. – Riverside
Height: 5-11 Weight 170
Gaughan broke into the high-flying Riverside passing game and ended up with outstanding numbers. He caught 54 passes for 747 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Vikings will have a new quarterback in 2021, but don’t expect the offense to change too much. Gaughan also will return as a starting defensive back and has outstanding cover skills. He was named an LFC Division III honorable mention wide receiver and all-state wide receiver in 2020.
Gaughan Highlights
Sean Mackinder, Sr. – Valley View
Height: 6-0 Weight 175
@mackinder29
Mackinder will lead a very experienced wide receiving corp and is expected to be the Cougars main playmaker. He garnered attention at college summer camps for his explosiveness and route running. Last season, he had 12 receptions in a run-heavy offense, but Valley View is expected to be more balanced with the quarterback and offensive line all returning. Mackinder will also be used in the return game. He was an LFC Division II first team wide receiver in 2020 and is getting attention from Division I FCS and Division II programs.
Mackinder Highlights
Nick Mancuso, Sr. – Lakeland
Height: 5-10 Weight 165
@n_mancuso4
With the top three pass catchers all graduating for the Chiefs, Mancuso will take over as the No. 1 playmaker in the Lakeland offense. He already made a huge impact on special teams (see game-winning punt return vs. Wilkes-Barre with no time on the clock) and as one of the LFC’s best defensive backs. The quarterback is back and this should give the Chiefs even more confidence in the passing game. Mancuso was an LFC Division III honorable mention defensive back.
Mancuso Highlights
Robert Rossi, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Height: 6-4 Weight 190
@Robert_Rossi11
Rossi has been an impact wide receiver for the Cavaliers for two years now and has received the attention of college coaches around the northeast. He has 53 receptions for 906 yards and 11 touchdowns. Rossi has great size for 50/50 balls and has increased his speed to be able to use his vertical game even more for this senior season. He also will be the No. 1 defensive back for Prep. Rossi was an LFC Division II first team wide receiver and defensive back last season as well as an All-District 2 at wide receiver.
Rossi Highlights
SLEEPER
Conner Olisewski, Sr. – Wyoming Valley West
Height: 5-11 Weight 155
Wyoming Valley West has had a history of some great receivers and Olisewski has a chance to be added to that list. The Spartans will have a revamped passing game and Olisewski will be the primary option. He had only six receptions last season, but the numbers should go up. In the offseason, he was timed 4.6 40-yard dash at a recent combine. Olisewski will be a starter in the defensive backfield and is expected to be a playmaker on the both sides of the ball.
Olisewski Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Dustin Heinrich, Sr. – Lake-Lehman – Highlights
Matt Jesse, Jr. – Dallas – Highlights
Kyle Marcinkevich, Sr. – Mid Valley – Highlights |Twitter
Zack Perta, Jr. – Holy Redeemer – Highlights | Twitter
Connor Shamany, Jr. – Hazleton Area – Highlights | Twitter
