Every week, we will give you a capsule preview of every game involving WVC and LFC teams presented by Dickson City Hyundai. The games will be listed based on how competitive they are, rivalry impact and storylines. So, if you are looking for a game to go watch, this guide will help you each week.
Matchup Scale
Must-see: Four Footballs Rating
Great: Three Footballs Rating
Good: Two Footballs Rating
Fair: One Football Rating
WEEK 5
Lakeland Chiefs (4-0) at Old Forge Blue Devils (2-2)
Old Forge Veterans Memorial Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover
Series: Lakeland 7-5-1
Last Meeting: 2018 – Lakeland 34-13
Last Week: Lakeland 63, Susquehanna 7; Old Forge 33, Mid Valley 7
Players To Watch
Lakeland: TE Lacota Dippre; Old Forge: WR Nico Killino
The Skinny: When looking at this game at the beginning of the season, it appeared this would be a showdown of two big-time small school programs. Lakeland has lived up to those expectations while Old Forge has shown some vulnerabilities. The Chiefs will try to throw the ball all over the lot so for the Devils to stay in the game, they will have to find a way to slow down the Lakeland offense. Not an easy task.
Key Matchup: Lakeland receivers vs. Old Forge secondary
Favorite: Lakeland by 15
Dunmore Bucks (3-1) at Lackawanna Trail Lions (3-1)
Lions Pride Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover
Series: Dunmore 9-3
Last Meeting: 2021 – Lackawanna Trail 14-10
Last Week: Dunmore 40, Riverside 22; Honesdale 14, Lackawanna Trail 12
Players to Watch
Dunmore: LB Nick DonVito; Lackawanna Trail: RB Demetrius Douglas
The Skinny: This is a rematch of last year’s District 2 Class 2A title game. The Lions got the victory and a regular season win over the Bucks as well. Dunmore has proven to be an offensive juggernaut in 2022 while Trail has used their defense to win three out of their first four games. There won’t be a rematch this time around as the Lions have moved to Class 1A.
Key Matchup: Dunmore passing attack vs. Trail pass rush
Favorite: Dunmore by 12
Scranton Prep Cavaliers (2-2) at Delaware Valley Warriors (1-3)
Warriors Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I
Series: Delaware Valley 5-3
Last Meeting: 2015 – Scranton Prep 23-0
Last Week: Scranton 21, Scranton Prep 9; Delaware Valley 42, Wallenpaupack 10
Players to Watch
Scranton Prep: QB Louis Paris; Delaware Valley: LB Justin Kalitsnik
The Skinny: So this game features two teams that usually end up the season with winning records, but have already suffered 5 losses in eight games. Both teams are defending district champions and are favorites to repeat, and they are definitely two of the most sucessful programs in NEPA over the past 10 years. However, it appears Prep is the team with something to prove as DV’s slow starts are common with the tough schedule the Warriors play.
Key Matchup: Prep’s offensive line vs. DV’s linebackers
Favorite: Delaware Valley by 13
Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (2-2) at Berwick Bulldogs (2-2)
Crispin Field (Turf), Friday, 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 1
Series: Berwick 2-0
Last Meeting: 2021 – Berwick 28-7
Last Week: Hazleton Area 20, Wilkes-Barre 7; Berwick 34, Williamsport 10
Players to Watch
Wilkes-Barre: QB Jake Howe; Berwick: WR Drey Wilk
The Skinny: The Wolfpack gave No. 1 Hazleton a scare last week, but couldn’t muster up enough offense to pull the upset. The Dawgs have won two straight over lesser opponents so this could be an opportunity to strengthen their resume and seeding in Class 4A. Should be a competitive game.
Key Matchup: Wilkes-Barre running game vs. Berwick defensive front
Favorite: Berwick by 8
Hanover Area Hawkeyes (1-3) at Wyoming Area Warriors (2-2)
Jake Sobeski Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2
Series: Wyoming Area 32-9
Last Meeting: 2019 – Wyoming Area 56-0
Last Week: Pittston Area 40, Hanover Area 12; Wyoming Area 26, Nanticoke 13
Players To Watch
Hanover Area: WR Rahmel Currie; Wyoming Area: RB Aaron Crossley
The Skinny: Even though the Warriors are fielding a young team, the pedigree dictates they are still one of the favorites in WVC Division 2. Hanover could make their season by heading into ‘The Jake’ and pulling the upset. The Hawkeyes are improved from last year but is that enough to hang with the Warriors?
Key Matchup: Hanover linebackers vs. Wyoming Area offensive line
Favorite: Wyoming Area by 20
Lake-Lehman Black Knights (1-3) at Nanticoke Trojans (1-3)
Frank Chicknoski Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2
Series: Lake-Lehman 26-24
Last Meeting: 2021 – Lake-Lehman 15-0
Last Week: Lake-Lehman 22, Holy Redeemer 20; Wyoming Area 26, Nanticoke 13
Players To Watch
Lake-Lehman: RB Javon Borger; Nanticoke: FB Alex Fine
The Skinny: It took a late rally and a two-point conversion to get the Black Knights in the win column so they are hoping that creates some momentum in mid-season. The Trojans have lost three straight after winning their opener and have had some heartbreak along the way. This is a key game for Nanticoke as Lehman has had success over the past decade in division play. So, if the Trojans want to get to that level, this is a game they need to win.
Key Matchup: Lake-Lehman linebackers vs. Nanticoke Wing-T
Favorite: Nanticoke by 5
Valley View Cougars (3-1) at Pittston Area Patriots (2-2)
Charlie Trippi Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover
Series: Valley View 11-5-1
Last Meeting: 2019 – Valley View 48-0
Last Week: Valley View 33, North Pocono 13; Pittston Area 40, Hanover Area 12
Players To Watch
Valley View: FB Preston Reed; Pittston Area: DL David Sudo
The Skinny: The Cougars starting defense has given up only 10 points over the last two weeks while the offense has seemed to find an identity. The Patriots have won two straight in impressive fashion but the wins came over two teams with a combined 1-7 record. Pittston can make a statement with a home win. Valley View can win their fourth straight after a Week 1 loss.
Key Matchup: Valley View pass rush vs. Pittston offensive line
Favorite: Valley View by 13
Scranton Knights (4-0) at North Pocono Trojans (2-2)
North Pocono Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division I
Series: Scranton 16-13
Last Meeting: 2021 – North Pocono 21-0
Last Week: Scranton 21, Scranton Prep 9; Valley View 33, North Pocono 13
Players To Watch
Scranton: DL Jacob Martinez; North Pocono: LB Ty LaFave
The Skinny: They are still celebrating in the Electric City after the dominating win over Prep by Scranton. The Knights are one of four District 2 unbeatens and can complete a perfect first half of 2022 with a win. North Pocono was dominated last Friday and two of their stars, QB Noah West and LB Ty LaFave, were injured and didn’t play the second half. They will need both if they want to knock Scranton from the ranks of the unbeatens.
Key Matchup: Scranton speed vs. North Pocono offensive line
Favorite: Scranton by 6
Honesdale Hornets (2-2) at Tunkhannock Tigers (1-3)
Tunkhannock Memorial Field (Grass), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover
Series: Tied 4-4
Last Meeting: 2020 – Tunkhannock 41-20
Last Week: Honesdale 14, Lackawanna Trail 12; Carbondale Area 29, Tunkhannock 22
Players To Watch
Honesdale: WR Kole Fries; Tunkhannock: WR Colin Madan
The Skinny: Tunkhannock likes to chuck the ball all over the field. Honesdale has a stingy defense. If the Tigers can’t protect QB Ben Chilson, the Hornets should prevail. However, Honesdale needs more offense as they haven’t score more than 21 in any game this season.
Key Matchup: Honesdale secondary vs. Tunkhannock passing game
Favorite: Honesdale by 10
Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (1-3) at Abington Heights Comets (0-4)
Comets Stadium (Grass), Saturday 1pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I
Series: Abington Heights 18-4
Last Meeting: 2021 – Wallenpaupack 21-14
Last Week: Delaware Valley 42, Wallenpaupack 10; Western Wayne 28, Abington Heights 21
Players To Watch
Wallenpaupack: RB Mark Nilson; Abington Heights: QB Shawn Theodore
The Skinny: Two teams that have struggled this year although the Comets gave ranked Western Wayne a scare last week. Both teams are very young and the experience this season will help down the road. However, with the upcoming second half schedules, this is the best chance to get a win for both teams.
Key Matchup: Wallenpaupack secondary vs. Abington receivers
Favorite: Abington Heights by 10
Williamsport Millionaires (1-3) at Crestwood Comets (3-1)
Crestwood Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1
Series: Williamsport 6-5
Last Meeting: 2021 – Williamsport 33-13
Last Week: Berwick 34, Williamsport 10; Crestwood 49, Wyoming Valley West 21
Players To Watch
Williamsport: QB Caleb Williamson; Crestwood: WR Josh Hilpp
The Skinny: Williamsport is having trouble generating any offense. Crestwood is scoring a ton of points while running the football as good as anyone in the district. Not sure the Millionaires have the personnel to stop the Comets running game.
Key Matchup: Williamsport defensive line vs. Crestwood run offense
Favorite: Crestwood by 20
Western Wayne Wildcats (3-1) at Carbondale Area Chargers (2-2)
Cerra Sports Complex (Grass), Friday 7pm
LFC Division Crossover
Series: Carbondale Area 28-11
Last Meeting: 2017 – Western Wayne 35-0
Last Week: Western Wayne 28, Abington Heights 21; Carbondale 229, Tunkhannock 22
Players To Watch
Western Wayne: RB Josh Vinton; Carbondale: WR Malachi DeBarry
The Skinny: Carbondale has won two straight and so has Western Wayne. Usually, we have a matchup of two running backs in a game but in this case, let’s say four. The Wildcats have Luke Janiszewski and Josh Vinton while the Chargers have Vincent DePalma and Jonathan Orta. So maybe the team that makes a couple splash plays in the passing game will have the upper hand.
Key Matchup: Western Wayne run defense vs. Carbondale running backs
Favorite: Western Wayne by 17
Mid Valley Spartans (1-3) at Susquehanna Sabers (2-2)
William Emminger Memorial Field (Grass), Saturday 1pm
LFC Division Crossover
Series: Mid Valley 19-9
Last Meeting: 2019 – Mid Valley 27-7
Last Week: Old Forge 33, Mid Valley 7; Lakeland 63, Susquehanna 7
Players To Watch
Mid Valley: WR Jaden Carroll; Susquehanna: LB Kaleb Shimer
The Skinny: The Spartans did have a lead against Old forge before giving up 33 straight points. The Sabers found out how good Lakeland really is last Friday. This one will come down to the quarterbacks. Both teams want to throw the football so whoever does it better probably comes out of this one with a W.
Key Matchup: Mid Valley receivers vs. Susquehanna secondary
Favorite: Susquehanna by 1
Riverside Vikings (1-3) at Mahanoy Area Golden Bears (3-1)
William “Coach Faz” Fazio Field (Grass), Friday 7pm
District Crossover
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Dunmore 40, Riverside 22; Catasauqua 23, Mahanoy Area 0
Players To Watch
Riverside: WR Gary Mrzonski; Mahanoy: DL David Sanchez
The Skinny: This the first time the Vikings and Golden Bears have met. Riverside had a lead last week before giving up 20 straight points. Mahanoy was shut out for their first loss of the season.
Key Matchup: Riverside pass protection vs. Mahanoy front 7
Favorite: Mahanoy Area by 4
Wyoming Valley West Spartans (0-4) at Dallas Mountaineers (4-0)
Mountaineer Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 1
Series: Wyoming Valley West 17-14
Last Meeting: 2021 – Dallas 28-27
Last Week: Crestwood 49, Valley West 21; Dallas 42, West Scranton 13
Players To Watch
Valley West: WR Maki Wells; Dallas: WR Nick Farrell
The Skinny: This game isn’t what we are used to when these two programs meet. For 2022, one is unbeaten. One is winless. Mountaineers need to take care of business quickly and get the JV players in. Valley West needs an offensive spark as teams have shut down Isaiah Cobb this season.
Key Matchup: Valley West run defense vs. Dallas RB Parker Bolesta
Favorite: Dallas by 28
Hazleton Area Cougars (4-0) at West Scranton Invaders (1-3)
Scranton Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover
Series: West Scranton 11-3-1
Last Meeting: 1993 – West Scranton 31-0
Last Week: Hazleton 20, Wilkes-Barre 7; Dallas 42, West Scranton 13
Players To Watch
Hazleton: DB Matthew Cusatis; West Scranton: WR Hunter Baumgardner
The Skinny: The Invaders play their second straight WVC power and although they ended up losing big last Friday, they still put up a good fight. The Cougars offense was held to 20 points which is low for this high-powered offense. West just wants to improve across the board while Hazleton wants to end this one quickly.
Key Matchup: Hazleton receivers vs. West Scranton secondary
Favorite: Hazleton by 38
Holy Cross Crusaders (0-4) at Col-Mont Vo-Tech Rams (1-2)
Vo-Tech Stadium (Grass), Saturday 1pm
District Crossover
Series: Tied 2-2
Last Meeting: 2021 – Holy Cross 43-20
Last Week: Montrose 28, Holy Cross 14; South Williamsport 72, Col-Mont Vo-Tech 6
Players To Watch
Holy Cross: QB Kyle Cortazar; Col-Mont Vo-Tech: RB Shane Tomlinson
The Skinny: This game was one that the Crusaders won last season and they hope it will start a winning streak for 2022. Both teams defenses have struggled. Holy Cross gave up 70 points in a game earlier this season while Col-Mont Vo-Tech gave up 72 last week.
Key Matchup: Holy Cross running game vs. Col-Mont run defense
Favorite: Holy Cross by 6
Milton Panthers (3-1) at Holy Redeemer Royals (2-2)
McCarthy Stadium (Turf), Saturday 7pm
District Crossover
Series: Milton 1-0
Last Meeting: 2021 – Milton 35-12
Last Week: Mt. Carmel 41, Milton 19; Lake-Lehman 22, Holy Redeemer 20
Players To Watch
Milton: RB Xzavier Minium; Holy Redeemer: WR Zach Perta
The Skinny: Milton took care of Redeemer last season, but this is a different Royals team. Expect a closer game although the Panthers are still the heavy favorite.
Key Matchup: Milton running game vs. Redeemer front 7
Favorite: Milton by 20
