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 specialists:
Jake Bondy, Jr. – Mid Valley
Height: 5-11 Weight 190
@JakeBondy6
Bondy emerged last year as the best punter in the district. He averaged 38 yards per kick and had seven punts over 40 yards and four punts over 50 yards. He was a huge weapon for the Spartans in the field position game. Bondy was also a factor on offense where he played tight end and had seven receptions for 106 yards. He will continue that role this season. Bondy was named the All-District 2 punter and an LFC Division II First Team punter last season.
Bondy Highlights
Santino D’Amico, Jr. – Riverside
Height: 5-10 Weight 175
@_santinodamico_
The D’Amicos have become a familiar name at Riverside as far as special teams are concerned. Santino followed his brother as the kicker and punter for the Vikings and has had similar success. Last season, he kicked 52 extra points and a field goal and showed a strong leg for kickoffs. He also was an outstanding punter for Riverside. D’Amico was named an LFC Division III First Team kicker and Honorable Mention punter in 2023.
D’Amico Highlights
Jack Hartshorn, So. – Scranton Prep
Height: 5-9 Weight 160
@JackHartshorn08
Hartshorn was thrown into the mix as a freshman kicker and responded. He kicked 54 extra points and 5 field goals and also exhbited a strong leg on those field goals and kickoffs. Hartshorn also handled punting duties and the strong leg was evident there as well. Although the Cavaliers won plenty of games by mercy rule, they had confidence in him to make clutch kicks if they need one. Hartshorn was named an LFC Division I Honorable Mention punter last season.
Rowan Laubach, Sr. – Dallas
Height: 5-8 Weight 165
@rlaubach13
A skilled soccer player seems to translate to a clutch kicker in high school football. Laubach was just that. He kicked 66 extra points and 5 field goals and some of those kicks enabled the Mountaineers to advance in their state playoff run. He was also a very good punter with a strong leg and good hang time. Laubach was named a WVC Division 1 Second Team kicker and punter in 2023.
Laubach Highlights
Isaih Rodriguez, Sr. – Old Forge
Height: 6-3 Weight 194
Rodriguez continued to be a consistent asset on the Blue Devils special teams. He didn’t make as many kicks last year because Old Forge’s offense struggled at times. His size and strength allowed him to continue to be one of the better punters in the LFC. Rodriguez also contributed on offense as a tight end as well. He was named an LFC Division III First Team punter last season.
Rodriguez Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Ryan Bianchi, Sr. – (Kicker) Lakeland
Sam Magnotta, Sr. – (Kicker/Punter) North Pocono
Roger Staron, Sr. – (Kicker) Wyoming Valley West
John Turner, Sr. – (Punter) Wyoming Area
Gavin Wolfe, Jr. – (Kicker/Punter) Pittston Area
