This is the 13th 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 32 teams in the WVC and LFC plus Holy Redeemer 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 2024 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 athletes (Listed alphabetically):
Treyvon Dickey, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Height: 5-7 Weight 152
@DickeyTrey24
Speed. That’s what you get with Dickey who is one of the fastest players in the LFC. The Cavaliers can use him in so many different ways that it is going to have defensive coordinators up late at night trying to figure out how to defend him. Dickey rushed for 377 yards last season and averaged 9.9 yards per carry. He added 20 receptions for 248 yards and had a total of five touchdowns. He is the leading returning offensive player for the Cavs who isn’t the quarterback and is poised to have a big season with more touches. Dickey was an LFC Division I Honorable Mention running back in 2023.
Dickey highlights
Lidge Kellum, Sr. – Wyoming Area
Height: 5-9 Weight 165
@lidge_kellum
Kellum had to take a back seat to a Division I running back last season, but he should be the primary ball carrier for the Warriors in 2o24. He can line up all over the field and create mismatches because of his speed and athleticism. Kellum rushed for 495 yards and averaged 12.4 yards per carry in 2023. He only caught 5 passes but for 138 yards which shows his ability to make big plays. He will also be a valuable member of special teams and on defense at outside linebacker. Kellum was a WVC Division 2 First Team athlete last season.
Kellum Highlights
Jaden Shedlock, Jr. – Crestwood
Height: 6-0 Weight 188
@JadenShedlock
After an impressive freshman season, Shedlock struggled with injuries last season and his impact on the Comets program was noticeable as they were below .500. He will be healthy entering the 2024 season and Crestwood should be a factor in the WVC. Last year, Shedlock still managed to rush for 741 yards and 8 touchdowns and also threw for 423 yards from the quarterback position in the Comets’ hybrid Single Wing offense. With his track speed (1st and 2nd in District 2 100m the past two years), he will be a dangerous player once again. Shedlock was named a WVC Division 1 Second Team athlete in 2023.
Shedlock Highlights
Jaydon Skipalis, Jr. – Hanover Area
Height: 6-1 Weight 195
@jskipalis007
Skipalis made his name with big plays and big games throughout the season for the Hawkeyes. He was their primary offensive weapon and showed he could make people miss with his speed and athleticism. He rushed for 651 yards and 10 touchdowns and also add three special teams touchdowns which was second most in District 2. Hanover was very young and inexperienced last season so expect the offense to improve which will benefit Skipalis’ numbers. He was named a WVC Division 2 Second Team athlete last season.
Skipalis Highlights
Ty’Meere Wilkerson, Jr. – Berwick
Height: 6-1 Weight 185
Wilkerson is another player whose speed is evident as he won the District 2 Class 3A 100m championship this past spring. The Bulldogs expect to use that speed more in the offense this season. His numbers were underwhelming last season, but with graduation hitting the backfield hard, he will probably be the first option to get the ball in either the running game or passing game. Wilkerson should be another player who lines up all over the field and the new coaching staff feels he worked hard in the offseason to get to the next level of play.
Wilkerson Highlights
SLEEPER
Ryan Mecca, Jr. – Dunmore
Height: 6-0 Weight 180
@rmecca2322
The Bucks were hit hard by graduation from their league and district championship team which means new players will have to make their mark early. Mecca is the type of athlete that can make that impact right away. He will be used at running back and wide receiver and did get some playing time in games last season. Mecca rushed for 210 yards last season and also added 26 receiving yards. Look for him to be a key member of the Dunmore offense in 2024.
Mecca Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Chris Julian, Jr. – Nanticoke
Drew Kiesendahl, Sr. – Wallenpaupack – Highlights
Issac Ryon, Jr. – Lackawanna Trail – Highlights
Memphis Shotto, Sr. – Scranton – Highlights |Twitter
Aidan Wudarski, Jr. – Holy Cross – Highlights
