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 wide receivers:
Domenic DeSando, Sr. – Dunmore
Height: 5-9 Weight 155
Dunmore’s passing game has evolved during Coach Kevin McHale’s tenure to make the Bucks offense more balanced than their tradition pound-the-football philsophy. DeSando has been one of the recipients of the advanced passing game and should be the No. 1 target in the offense this season. He had 20 receptions last year for 318 yards and four touchdowns. DeSando was named an LFC Division II Honorable Mention wide receiver in 2022.
DeSando Highlights
Mason Fedor, Sr. – Abington Heights
Height: 6-4 Weight 180
@fedormason
Fedor is a physical presence who is getting looks from college programs who are impressed with his athleticism and height. He will be the second leading returning receiver as far as receptions are concerned this upcoming season. Fedor caught 49 passes for 660 yards and six touchdowns. He should be the no-doubt No. 1 receiver for the Comets as the other three top receivers all graduated. Fedor was named an LFC Division I First Team wide receiver last season.
Fedor Highlights
Reese Gaughan, Sr. – Riverside
Height: 6-0 Weight 180
@Reese_Gaughan
Gaughan already has become the top receiver in LFC history as he surpassed former Lackawanna Trail and Pitt player Yogi Roth. A three-year starter, Gaughan now has 171 career receptions for 2,265 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns. He has also rushed for 663 yards and last season he returned four special teams touchdowns. Gaughan was also one of the best defensive backs in the LFC. He is currently getting looks from Patriot League schools. Gaughan was an All-District 2 and LFC Division III First Team wide receiver in 2022 . He as also was named LFC Division III Offense Player of the Year and earned a First Team nod at defensive back in the division.
Gaughan Highlights
Jayden Ramirez, Sr. – Delaware Valley
Height: 5-9 Weight 147
@JayR422
Ramirez is the third leading receiver in District 2 coming back this season. He caught 36 passes for 534 yards and four touchdowns. Ramirez averaged 14.8 yards per catch and was known for his big plays. He is a true vertical threat with his speed and the Warriors passing game should be even better this season with their quarterbacks returning. Ramirez was named an LFC Division I Second Team wide receiver last season.
Ramirez Highlights
Riley Rovinsky, Sr. – Lakeland
Height: 6-1 Weight 175
@rileyrovinsky1
With the top two receivers and tight end graduating, Rovinsky becomes the No. 1 option in the Chiefs passing game. As the third receiver, he had 17 receptions for 214 yards. Rovinsky is very athletic and runs excellent routes. Lakeland will need playmakers as they were hit hard by graduation. He will also be the leader in the secondary at the safety position.
Rovinsky Highlights
SLEEPER
Ethan Grodack, Sr. – Western Wayne
Height: 6-1 Weight 170
@egrodack
With top receiver Sean Owens out for the season, Grodack now takes over that role. With an experienced quarterback, the Wildcats passing game should be showcased more this season. Grodack is also a returning starter on defense as well so Western Wayne will be relying heavily on him on both sides of the ball.
Grodack Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Ben Dowling, Jr. – Lake-Lehman –Highlights
Jamaire Harden, Sr. – Williamsport – Highlights | Twitter
Victor Holt, Sr. – Mid Valley – Highlights
Evan Laybourne-Boddie, Sr. – Wilkes-Barre – Highlights
Riley Moore, Sr. – North Pocono – Highlights
