Every week, we will give you a capsule preview of every game involving WVC and LFC teams presented by Dickson City Hyundai. The games will be listed based on how competitive they are, rivalry impact and storylines. So, if you are looking for a game to go watch, this guide will help you each week.
Matchup Scale
Must-see: Four Footballs Rating
Great: Three Footballs Rating
Good: Two Footballs Rating
Fair: One Football Rating
WEEK 10
Riverside Vikings (9-0) at Lackawanna Trail Lions (8-1)
Lions Pride Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division III Game
Series: Riverside 13-12
Last Meeting: 2023 Lackawanna Trail 28-21
Last Week: Riverside 28, Old Forge 6; Lackawanna Trail 56, Holy Cross 13
Players To Watch
Riverside: QB Chase Taddonio; Lackawanna Trail: RB Demitrius Douglas
The Skinny: This is the game we have been waiting for since the schedule came out – the LFC Division III title game. Lackawanna Trail is the defending champion beating Riverside by 7 points last season. The Vikings are the only unbeaten team in District 2. The Lions are on a 7-game winning streak with their only loss coming to Western Wayne. Should be a good one.
Key Matchup: Riverside defensive line vs. Trail run game
Favorite: Lackawanna Trail by 6
Dallas Mountaineers (6-3) at Lake-Lehman Black Knights (6-3)
Eddie Edwards Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Crossover Game
Series: Dallas 50-15-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Dallas 56-8
Last Week: Dallas 48, Hazleton 12; Lake-Lehman 48, Hanover Area 6
Players To Watch
Dallas: LB Sam Kelley; Lake-Lehman: RB Jaydon Skipalis
The Skinny: The Battle For The Old Shoe is always a fun time in the Back Mountain, but the series has been dominated by Dallas in recent years. The Mountaineers have win 9 of the last 10 meetings and 18 out of the last 20 with the Black Knights winning last in the Covid season 2020. This year, both teams enter with the same record although Dallas has been red-hot winning six straight after losing three games to open the season. Lehman has beaten teams with a combined record of 9-45 so they are looking for a signature win.
Key Matchup: Dallas wide receivers vs. Lehman secondary
Favorite: Dallas by 17
Western Wayne Wildcats (8-1) at Dunmore Bucks (4-5)
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Thursday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division II Game
Series: Dunmore 7-3
Last Meeting: 2023 Dunmore 20-12
Last Week: Mid Valley 22, Western Wayne 10; Honesdale 49, Dunmore 20
Players to Watch
Western Wayne: LB James Jimenez; Dunmore: RB Gabe Franek
The Skinny: This game was setting up to be for the outright LFC Division II championship, but both teams lost last week. So, they will play for at least a share of the title depending on if Mid Valley wins. The Bucks had their four-game winning streak stopped while the Wildcats had their eight-game winning streak halted – both losing at home. The losses also hurt each team’s district standing as Western Wayne fell out of the No. 1 spot in Class 3A and Dunmore missed an opportunity to jump up to the No. 2 spot in Class 2A and get a home game. So, big bounce back game for both teams.
Key Matchup: Western Wayne offensive line vs. Dunmore linebackers
Favorite: Western Wayne by 20
Hanover Area Hawkeyes (1-8) at Nanticoke Trojans (1-8)
Frank Chicknoski Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Nanticoke 56-38
Last Meeting: 2023 Nanticoke 54-0
Last Week: Lake-Lehman 48, Hanover Area 6; Wyoming Area 50, Nanticoke 0
Players To Watch
Hanover Area: QB Logan Richardson; Nanticoke: RB Treston Allen
The Skinny: The San Souci Struggle should be a good one as both teams have had rough seasons but are very evenly matched. The Hawkeyes love to throw the ball. The Trojans prefer to run. This one could go either way.
Key Matchups: Hanover Area wide receivers vs. Nanticoke secondary
Favorite: Nanticoke by 1
Wyoming Area Warriors (8-1) at Pittston Area Patriots (2-7)
Charlie Trippi Field (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Crossover Game
Series: Wyoming Area 33-26
Last Meeting: 2023 Wyoming Area 35-14
Last Week: Wyoming Area 50, Nanticoke 0; Wallenpaupack 22, Pittston Area 10
Players To Watch
Wyoming Area: QB Anthony DeLucca; Pittston: RB C.J. Pietzrak
The Skinny: Another end of season rivalry, the Warriors come in red-hot with six straight wins while Pittston has lost five straight. However, the Patriots have been within striking distance in each of those losses so they aren’t playing as bad as their record indicates. The way they stay in this one is to slow down the Wyoming Area run game.
Key Matchups: Wyoming Area offensive line vs. Pittston Area linebackers
Favorite: Wyoming Area by 27
Scranton Knights (5-4) at Delaware Valley Warriors (4-5)
Warrior Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Delaware Valley 21-9
Last Meeting: 2023 Delaware Valley 40-0
Last Week: Abington Heights 42, Scranton 21; Delaware Valley 38, North Pocono 26
Players To Watch
Scranton: QB Brody Coyle; Delaware Valley: WR Trey Newton
The Skinny: The Knights have lost 4 of 5 while the Warriors are trying to get to the .500 mark for the first time this season. Both teams can move into the No. 1 spot in their respective classifications with a win and some help. The offenses could rule in this one.
Key Matchup: Scranton linebackers vs. Delaware Valley offensive line
Favorite: Delaware Valley by 10
Old Forge Blue Devils (4-5) at Carbondale Area (5-4)
Cerra Sports Complex (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division III Game
Series: Old Forge 39-17-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Old Forge 33-10
Last Week: Riverside 28, Old Forge 6; Carbondale 22, Susquehanna 12
Players To Watch
Old Forge: QB T.J. DiMattia; Carbondale: WR Daniel Gonzalez
The Skinny: Old Forge needs a win to have a chance to make the district subregional and some help. Carbondale can guarantee a winning season with a victory. The Blue Devils have been banged up so are going to have to gut out a win.
Key Matchup: Old Forge passing game vs. Carbondale secondary
Favorite: Carbondale by 4
Scranton Prep Cavaliers (8-1) at North Pocono Trojans (4-5)
NP Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division I Game
Series: Scranton Prep 23-16
Last Meeting: 2023 Scranton Prep 49-6
Last Week: Scranton Prep 27, Jersey Shore 19; Delaware Valley 38, North Pocono 26
Players to Watch
Scranton Prep: LB Reese Tanner; North Pocono: RB Brady Lavery
The Skinny: North Pocono is playing for their playoff lives. They were in last week’s game before DV took over in the second half, but face a tall task against the consensus best team in the area. Prep moved into the No. 1 spot and should remain there no matter the result although mathematically they could fall with a loss. They also can win LFC Division I outright with a win.
Key Matchup: Scranton Prep run game vs. North Pocono linebackers
Favorite: Scranton Prep by 18
Hazleton Area Cougars (5-4) at Abington Heights Comets (5-4)
Abington Heights HS Field (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Abington Heights 13-4
Last Meeting: 2017 Hazleton Area 47-19
Last Week: Dallas 48, Hazleton 12; Abington Heights 42, Scranton 21
Players To Watch
Hazleton Area: WR Riley Van Gilst; Abington Heights: LB Dom Vergnetti
The Skinny: Hazleton and Abington Heights are also playing for a chance at a No. 1 seed in their respective classifications. The Comets have scored 83 points in their last two wins while the Cougars defense has been strong most of the season.
Key Matchups: Hazleton secondary vs. Abington passing game
Favorite: Abington Heights by 10
Valley View Cougars (8-1) at Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (4-5)
Wallenpaupack Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Valley View 16-4
Last Meeting: 2023 Valley View 31-16
Last Week: Valley View 35, Wyoming Valley West 10; Wallenpaupack 22, Pittston Area 10
Players To Watch
Valley View: CB Richie Leslie; Wallenpaupack: WR Michael Passenti
The Skinny: Wallenpaupack wins and they almost definitely earn a berth in the Class 4A playoffs. Valley View has already clinched the No. 1 seed and is playing to stay healthy. Battle of quarterbacks who run like fullbacks in this game.
Key Matchup: Valley View offensive line vs. Wallenpaupack defensive line
Favorite: Valley View by 16
Lakeland Chiefs (3-6) at Mid Valley Spartans (6-3)
Spartans Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: Lakeland 26-3
Last Meeting: 2023 Mid Valley 28-17
Last Week: Lakeland 25, West Scranton 18; Mid Valley 22, Western Wayne 10
Players To Watch
Lakeland: K Ryan Bianchi; Mid Valley: LB Gavin Rapoch
The Skinny: Lakeland finally broke their losing streak while Mid Valley had their biggest win in recent memory. The Spartans will be co-champions of LFC Division II with a win. Both teams have qualified for the playoffs and will most likely be No. 4 seeds in their respective classifications.
Key Matchup: Lakeland defensive line vs. Mid Valley run game
Favorite: Mid Valley by 20
Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (5-4) at Williamsport Millionaires (4-5)
STA Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Wilkes-Barre 3-2
Last Meeting: 2023 Wilkes-Barre 54-14
Last Week: Wilkes-Barre 21, Crestwood 14; Hollidaysburg 30, Williamsport 26
Players To Watch
Wilkes-Barre: WR Achilles Fuentes; Williamsport: LB Lucas Naughton
The Skinny: This could produce a doubleheader if Wilkes-Barre wins. The Wolfpack would most likley remain the No. 1 seed in the Class 6A subregional and the Millionaires would end up No. 4. That means they would play again the next Friday, but this time at Wilkes-Barre Area Stadium. A Williamsport win could throw chaos into the bracket and seedings.
Key Matchups: Wilkes-Barre passing game vs. Williamsport pass rush
Favorite: Wilkes-Barre by 13
West Scranton Invaders (0-9) at Honesdale Hornets (5-4)
Hornets Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: West Scranton 15-7
Last Meeting: 2023 Honesdale 41-6
Last Week: Lakeland 25, West Scranton 18; Honesdale 49, Dunmore 20
Players To Watch
West Scranton: LB Caiden Berardi; Honesdale: LB Bradley Bibalo
The Skinny: Last chance for West to get a regular season win although they do have a chance to make the postseason at 0-10. Honesdale finally got their signature win last week and are playing for a berth in the Class 4A playoffs. Even with a loss, they can get in with some help. But a No. 3 seed is likely with a victory.
Key Matchup: West Scranton defensive line vs. Honesdale run game
Favorite: Honesdale by 19
Tunkhannock Tigers (3-6) at Berwick Bulldogs (3-6)
Crispin Field (Turf), Friday, 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Berwick 24-1
Last Meeting: 2021 Berwick 21-16
Last Week: Towanda 28, Tunkhannock 3; Selinsgrove 38, Berwick 20
Players To Watch
Tunkhannock: WR Andrew Lupinski; Berwick: K Caleb Yost
The Skinny: Berwick would like to end the season on a high note heading into the Class 3A playoffs while Tunkhannock hasn’t officially clinched a spot. Even if the Tigers would lose, everything else would have to go against them to not be the No. 8 seed. Of course, their reward for a playoff appearance would be a date with Scranton Prep.
Key Matchup: Tunkhannock linebackers vs. Berwick run game
Favorite: Berwick by 28
Wyoming Valley West Spartans (0-9) at Crestwood Comets (4-5)
Crestwood Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Wyoming Valley West 11-5
Last Meeting: 2023 Crestwood 17-7
Last Week: Valley View 35, Wyoming Valley West 10; Wilkes-Barre 21, Crestwood 14
Players To Watch
Valley West: K Roger Staron; Crestwood: LB Lincoln Bibla
The Skinny: Crestwood needs a win against Valley West and some help to clinch a Class 4A playoff spot. The odds are they will get some help and get a rematch with either Valley View or Dallas. The Spartans can also qualify for the playoffs at 0-10 depending on their end-of-season power rating.
Key Matchup: Valley West linebackers vs. Crestwood offensive line
Favorite: Crestwood by 18
Holy Cross Crusaders (3-6) at Susquehanna Sabers (5-4)
William Emminger Memorial Field (Grass), Saturday 7pm
LFC Division III Game
Series: Susquehanna 16-2
Last Meeting: 2023 Susquehanna 50-14
Last Week: Lackawanna Trail 56, Holy Cross 13; Carbondale 22, Susquehanna 12
Players To Watch
Holy Cross: RB Aiden Wudarski; Susqehanna: WR Parker Overbaugh
The Skinny: Even with the loss last week, the Sabers are almost guaranteed a home game in the Class 2A semifinals. Unless they can win, this will probably be the last game of the season for the Crusaders who’s only postseason hope is Eastern Conference.
Key Matchup: Lackawanna Trail offensive line vs. Holy Cross linebackers
Favorite: Susquehanna by 24
Midd-West (0-9) at Holy Redeemer Royals (0-9)
Spartan Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Mifflinburg 76, Midd-West 8; Col-Mont Vo-Tech 46, Holy Redeemer 14
Players To Watch
Midd-West: WR Kaden Peters; Holy Redeemer: QB Brady McDermott
The Skinny: Both these teams are winless so here is Holy Redeemer’s chance to end their long losing streak. Midd-West has been outscored 433 to 21 while Holy Redeemer has been outscored 369-45. This game could have a delayed start as Wyoming Valley West’s soccer team has a playoff game before the football game.
Key Matchup: Midd-West secondary vs. Holy Redeemer wide receivers
Favorite: Holy Redeemer by 3
