This is the 12th edition of our Five To Watch series. We thank Attorney Michael Ossont of The Mattioli Law Firm for returning as our title sponsor for Five To Watch. There are 33 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 2023 for their team. Players will be recognized at only one position, even if they are capable two-way players. 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 linebackers:
Lincoln Bibla, Jr. – Crestwood
Height: 6-0 Weight 205
@biblalincoln
Bibla helped the Comets win a district title last season, but will now take on a bigger role as Crestwood was hit hard by graduation including his brother. He recorded 68 tackles last season including 13 tackles for loss and four sacks. Bibla has good size and strength which makes him one of the premier run-stoppers in the WVC. He also will play at fullback on offense. Bibla was named a WVC Division 1 Second Team linebacker and Honorable Mention fullback in 2022.
Bibla Highlights
Nick Donvito, Sr. – Dunmore
Height: 5-10 Weight 190
@donvito_nick
Donvito was the heart and soul of the Dunmore defense last year and should be even better in 2023. He led the Bucks in tackles with 111 including 18 tackles for loss. Donvito also had four interceptions, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and three sacks He also was productive on special teams which included three blocked kicks. Donvito was named an LFC Division II First Team linebacker in 2022.
Donvito Highlights
Nick Farrell, Sr. – Dallas
Height: 6-3 Weight 185
Farrell is long and athletic and will move from defensive end to outside linebacker for this season. Last year, he recorded 46 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. Farrell covers a lot of ground quickly and should be a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. He also caught 12 passes which produced five touchdowns from the tight end position. Farrell also is key a contributor on special teams.
Farrell Highlights
Robby Garvey, Sr. – Riverside
Height: 6-0 Weight 205
@robby_garvey
Garvey has developed into one of the LFC’s premier playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. He is an explosive linebacker with the speed and versaility to defend the pass like a defensive back. Garvey is also an excellent pass rusher. Offensively, he has the ability to impact the game on every levels – running, receiving, and blocking. Garvey was named an LFC Division III First Team linebacker in 2022.
Garvey Highlights
Harrison Snyder, Sr. – Berwick
Height: 6-3 Weight 215
@HarrisonSnyder3
Berwick’s lost some very good defensive players to graduation, but Snyder was the most consistent player on that side of the ball for the ‘Dawgs in 2022. A two-year starter at defensive end, he had 50 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. He will move to linebacker for 2023 and continue to start on offense as one of the Berwick’s tackles. Snyder was named a WVC Division 1 Second Team defensive lineman last season.Snyder Highlights
SLEEPER
Ryan Marsh, Sr. – North Poconio
Height: 6-0 Weight 185
The linebackers were a strength for the Trojans the past several seasons, but that group has graduated. Marsh will be counted on to step in and continue that productivity. He has good speed and has the ability to be around the ball. Marsh will also have to take a leadership role on defense and the coaches feel he is up to the task.
Marsh Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Bradley Bibalo, Jr. – Honesdale – Highlights | Twitter
Luke Kopec, Sr. – Holy Redeemer – Highlights | Twitter
Alonzo Rice, Sr. – Williamsport – Highlights
Logan Rolles, Sr. – Crestwood – Highlights
Kolbee Soltis, Sr. – Lackawanna Trail – Highlights
