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 wide receivers (Listed alphabetically):
Treyvon Gembitski, Jr. – Wilkes-Barre
Height: 5-11 Weight 167
@TreyGembitski
The Wolfpack passing game should be tough to stop in 2024 and Gembitski is a big reason why. The junior had 27 receptions for 417 yards and five touchdowns. He has great speed and has improved his route running since his freshman year. With his quarterback returning, the chemistry with Gembitski should help raise those receiving numbers. Gembitski is also a standout defensive back and had four interceptions last season. He was named a WVC Division 1 Honorable Mention wide receiver and Second Team defensive back in 2023.
Gembitski Highlights
Lucas Lopresto, So. – Pittston Area
Height: 5-9 Weight 165
@lucaslop46
Lopresto stepped right into the role as a freshman of the No. 1 receiver for the Patriots while starting every game. For this season, there might be a slight adjusment as Pittston has a new coaching staff and starting quarterback. Lopresto had 38 receptions for 679 yards and eight touchdowns. Speed is the biggest asset for him as he continues to mature physically. He is the leading returning receiver in District 2. Lopresto also was a factor on the defensive side of the ball forcing turnovers and making splash plays including four returns for touchdowns. He was named a WVC Division 2 First Team wide receiver and defensive back last season.
Lopresto Highlights
Sean Owens, Sr. – Western Wayne
Height: 6-0 Weight 175
It didn’t even look like Owens was going to play last season because of injury and then he showed up on the field Week 3 and made an impact on an offense that is usually run-first. Now back for his senior year and healthy, he will have a new quarterback throwing to him which means there could be an adjustment period, but Owens will return to his status as one of the best wide receivers in the LFC. Despite the late start, he ended up with 29 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns. He also is a plus defender and should be the leader in the secondary. Owens was named an LFC Division II First Team wide receiver and defensive back in 2023.
Owens Highlights
Chris Sholtis, Sr. – Lake-Lehman
Height: 6-1 Weight 185
@CSholtis36774
Sholtis started the season with a monster game in the opener with nine receptions for 196 receiving yards. However, he was injured and didn’t return to the lineup until Week 8. He was sorely missed as the best playmaker for the Black Knights offense. Sholtis still ended up with 23 receptions for 426 yards in 2023 and is healthy entering this season. He is also a contributor on defense at outside linebacker. Sholtis was named a WVC Division 2 Second Team wide receiver last season.
Sholtis Highlights
Cole West, So. – North Pocono
Height: 6-2 Weight 190
West was another freshman who exploded on the high school football scene last season and will also be getting a new quarterback. He was a big-play receiver with 28 catches for 612 yards which was 21.9 yard average per catch. West added five receiving touchdowns. He is a big physical receiver who can also stretch the field. West will also return in the secondary as a starter at saftey, replacing his brother who graduated. West is the leading returning wide receiver in the LFC and was named an LFC Division I Second Team wide receiver in 2023.
West Highlights
SLEEPER
Gavin Lewis, Sr. – Dallas
Height: 6-0 Weight 170
With Dallas losing its top receiver, Lewis is expected to step into that role. Through the Mountaineers playoff run last season, he made big catches and big plays to help Dallas get to the state title game. He ended up the season with 17 receptions for 347 yards and six touchdowns. He had an even bigger impact on defense with 60 tackles and 7 interceptions. But it’s the offensive side of the ball where the Mounts will need him to step up his game. Lewis was named a WVC Division 1 Second Team defensive back last season.
Lewis Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Gavin Anders, Jr. – Abington Heights –Highlights
Deacon Eisenbach, So. – Hanover Area – Twitter
Beyon McLean, Sr. – Valley View – Highlights | Twitter
J.J. Rogers, Sr. – Riverside – Highlights | Twitter
Chase Rosenkrans, So. – Lakeland – Highlights | Twitter
Mike Zbierski, So. – Holy Redeemer – Highlights
