 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Baranski | Evan Lord | Josh Koval |
TEAM: Wyoming Valley West Spartans
COLORS: Burgundy & Gold
COACH: Jack Baranski, 3rd Season (5-11)
PIAA: Class 5A
2021 CONFERENCE: WVC Division 6A/5A
2020 RECORD: 2-3 (1-3 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 25-26
STADIUM: Spartan Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Pro
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-2-5
2021 PREVIEW
Valley West was rocked hard by COVID-19 issues last season that limited them to 5 games (tied for lowest in the Wyoming Valley Conference) and forced them to cancel a trip to Erie for a state playoff game. However, the games they did play have set them up for some potential success in 2021.
The offensive line is the biggest strength for the Spartans with four starters returning including all-division left guard Evan Lord. Aiden Golightly solidifies the left side at tackle while Mark Raskiewicz and Jaden Swainbank are back on the right side. Only center John McLaughlin is new to the unit. Jason Pearson also got extensive playing time last season and will provide depth.
The skill positions have less experience including the quarterback position where Luke Buss takes over. It’s an entire new backfield as Isaiah Cobb will be the primary ball carrier with Josh Koval leading the way at fullback. Connor Olisewski is a returning starter at wide receiver while Ryan Meyers, Hunter Pries, and Maki Wells will compete to play opposite him. A new tight end will also join the lineup with Nick Giza, Lucas Zdancewicz, and Erick Munoz in the mix.
The defense will be strong at the end position where Pearson and Swainbank were starters last year. Two new defensive tackles will be added to the unit in Golightly and Raskiewicz. Koval and Cobb return to their linebacker positions and will be backed up by McLaughlin and J’Von Gamble. Only Olisewski at safety returns to the secondary with newcomer safties Meyers, Patrick Meade and Paul Riggs could see playing time. Logan Dwyer, Pries, and Wells will be the cornerbacks.
Pries did some placekicking in 2020 and Jonathan Cardona and McLaughlin will also be involved in special teams.
QUOTE FROM COACH BARANSKI: Team has a nice mix of veterans and talented newcomers. Our ability to run the ball and stop the run will be key to our success. We expect to play physical and be competitive week in and week out in a very talented conference.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC DIVISION 1
Second Team Offensive Line – Evan Lord
Second Team Defensive Line – Jaden Swainbank
Second Team Linebacker – Josh Koval
