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 is the offensive line:
Jacob Albaugh, Sr. – Delaware Valley
Height: 6-6 Weight 265
@jalbaugh77
Size is just one of the many positive traits Albaugh possesses as an offensive lineman for Delaware Valley. At 6-6, 270 lbs, you won’t find many bigger bodies up front in the LFC. But he also exhibits excellent technique and is experienced. Last season, he helped lead Delaware Valley to over 2,400 rushing yards. He also was very good in pass protection for the Warriors. Another factor is his ability on the defensive line as a run stopper. Albaugh was named an LFC Division I First Team offensive lineman in 2022.
Albaugh Highlights
Lyndon Bello, Sr. – Lakeland
Height: 6-0 Weight 250
@LyndonBello2
Lakeland had one of the better offensive lines in District 2 that helped lead them to an unbeaten regular season and district title. Graduation has hit the Chiefs hard up front so Bello will be counted on to be the leader for Lakeland in their quest to defend their titles. Last season, he excelled in pass protection, but he will have to run-block more in 2023 based on the personnel the team returns. Bello was named an LFC Division II Honorable Mention offensive lineman last year.
Bello Highlights
Brayan Calcano,Sr. – Hazleton Area
Height: 5-10 Weight 250
@brayanbeengrind
As a junior, Calcano was one of the leadera of an offensive line unit that helped the Cougars become one of the most explosive offensive units in the WVC last season. Hazleton averaged 167 rushing yards per game and 190 passing yards per game. Calcano excels in both run blocking and pass blocking. He will be counted on for his leadership as the Cougars have to replace a core of skill players and linemen. Calcano was a WVC Division I Honorable Mention offensive lineman in 2022.
Calcano Highlights
Ben Ostroski, Sr. – Wallenpaupack
Height: 6-3 Weight 270
@BenOstroski
Size and strength are key assets that Ostroski possesses that allows him to be effective on both sides of the ball. It will be his third year starting at left tackle and his role is even more important for the Buckhorns as they took their lumps last year with a young roster, but bring back many key components of the offense. Ostroski has good leadership skills and can dominate with his physical attributes. He is expected to see more time on the defensive line in 2023.
Ostroski Highlights
Ryan Wiaterowski, Sr. – Nanticoke
Height: 6-2 Weight 275
@ryanwiaterowski
Nanticoke has been playing many of the players from the Class of 2024 since they were freshman including Wiaterowski. He has been their most consistent lineman over the past two seasons. Wiaterowski has great size and is athletic for his body build. The Trojans like his leadership and he also should contribute on the defensive side of the ball. Wiaterowski was named a WVC Division 2 First Team offensive lineman in 2022.
Wiaterowski Highlights
SLEEPER
Chase DeSanto, Jr. – Wyoming Area
Height: 6-4 Weight 265
@chasedesanto
Wyoming Area’s offensive line was a work-in-progress last season and one of the players that made an impact leading into the season that had the coaching staff excited was DeSanto. However, he ended up only playing two games last season because of injury. The junior is already getting looks from Division 1 schools because of his measureables and he should be the leader up front for the Warriors in 2023.
DeSanto Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Jimmy Gryskewicz, Jr. – Wilkes-Barre Highlights |Twitter
Chris Petrucci, Sr. – Holy Cross
Nick Tullio, Sr. – Dunmore – Highlights
Jerry Wasilchak, Sr. – Valley View – Highlights |Twitter
Gunnar Zaledonis, So. – Pittston Area – Highlights | Twitter
