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 2
Lackawanna Trail Lions (1-0) at Western Wayne Wildcats (1-0)
Sharkey-Rosetti Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Lackawanna Trail 19-11-1
Last Meeting: 2013 – Lackawanna Trail 45-10
Last Week: Lackawanna Trail 41, Tunkhannock 7; Western Wayne 42, Susquehanna 14
Players To Watch
Lackawanna Trail: RB Demitrius Douglas; Western Wayne: RB Josh Vinton
The Skinny: Two of the best small schools in District 2 clash at the Varden Garden on Friday. Both teams like to run the football and this is a great showcase of two great running backs. The key to this game might be who can make a big play in the passing game as both teams have standout receivers in Trail’s Max Kimmel and Western Wayne’s Sean Owens. Small School No. 3 vs. No. 4 should be a good one.
Favorite: Western Wayne by 3
Old Forge Blue Devils (1-0) at Dunmore Bucks (0-1)
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Dunmore 42-23-8
Last Meeting: 2023 – Dunmore 35-12
Last Week: Old Forge 28, West Scranton 27; Riverside 16, Dunmore 3
Players To Watch
Old Forge: WR Chris Rasmus; Dunmore: FB Xavier Burke
The Skinny: Dunmore’s defense was very good last Friday while Old Forge’s offense put up a ton of yardage in a win over West Scranton. Can the Bucks find more offense as they went Week 1 without a touchdown? It appears to be a work in progress with their young roster. It’s the home opener for Dunmore so the Bucks will be ready in what should be a defensive battle with tough players on both sides of the ball.
Key Matchup: Old Forge passing game vs. Dunmore secondary
Favorite: Dunmore by 4
Dallas Mountaineers (0-1) at Wyoming Area Warriors (1-0)
Jake Sobeski Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division Crossover Game
Series: Wyoming Area 24-18
Last Meeting: 2022 – Dallas 49-28
Last Week: Jersey Shore 28, Dallas 21; Wyoming Area 28, Crestwood 21
Players to Watch
Dallas: DB Nate Malarkey; Wyoming Area: QB Anthony DeLucca
The Skinny: Two of the best programs in the WVC collide. The Warriors are coming off a big road win while the Mounts gave up a lead in the second half and fell to a state ranked opponent last Friday. Both these teams have talent and both threw the ball a lot last week. However, we think the ground games will be more prevelant in Week 2 with both teams trying to control the time of possession. Lots of fun players to watch in Exeter on Friday.
Key Matchup: Dallas secondary vs. Wyoming Area passing game
Favorite: Dallas by 6
Delaware Valley Warriors (0-1) at Jersey Shore Bulldogs (1-0)
Thompson Street Stadium (Turf), Friday 6pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
District Crossover Game
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Last Week: Lincoln (FL) 35, Delaware Valley 7; Jersey Shore 28, Dallas 21
Players To Watch
Delaware Valley: LB Luke Brazanskas; Jersey Shore: RB Brodie Herr
The Skinny: The Warriors ran into a buzzsaw last week in Florida, and it won’t get any easier for DV in Week 2. They head to Jersey Shore to take on the Bulldogs who just beat defending District 2 Class 4A champions Dallas in a close game. Delaware Valley is very young, but they still have lots of talent on the roster. This will be a good gauge on where they are at as they play the difficult schdule that Coach Olsommer does every season to get the team ready for LFC and district play.
Key Matchup: Delaware Valley linebackers vs. Jersey Shore running game
Favorite: Jersey Shore by 4
Berwick Bulldogs (0-1) at Mid Valley Spartans (1-0)
Spartans Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Lake-Lehman 13, Berwick 7; Mid Valley 32, Pittston Area 0
Players to Watch
Berwick: QB Ashton Smith; Mid Valley: OL Nick Jackson
The Skinny: Mid Valley favored over Berwick? That’s where we are. The Bulldogs played tough, gritty defense last Friday only giving up 13 points while the Spartans were running all over Pittston. Mid Valley was very impressive on both sides of the ball with Jakob Lesher scoring 5 touchdowns including two on defense. This will be a big test for Berwick to see if they can improve the program playing schools their size.
Key Matchup: Berwick defensive line vs. Mid Valley running game
Favorite: Mid Valley by 10
Crestwood Comets (0-1) at Valley View Cougars (0-1)
John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Valley View 7-2
Last Meeting: 2023 – Valley View 21-14
Last Week: Wyoming Area 28, Crestwood 20; Scranton Prep 33, Valley View 0
Players To Watch
Crestwood: RB Colin Lazo; Valley View: FB Preston Reed
The Skinny: One of the biggest surprises last week was the Valley View getting shut out for the first time since 2017. The Cougars defense had no answer for Prep’s run game and will face another good running team in Crestwood. The Comets came up a little short in the opener and will have to find more offense besides QB Jaden Shedlock.
Key Matchup: Crestwood quarterback vs. Valley View linebackers
Favorite: Crestwood by 3
West Scranton Invaders (0-1) at Abington Heights Comets (0-1)
Comets Stadium (Grass), Saturday 1pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Abington Heights 38-19
Last Meeting: 2021- Abington Heights 41-0
Last Week: Old Forge 28, West Scranton 27; ES South 33, Abington Heights 14
Players To Watch
West Scranton: RB Dayron Groves; Abington Heights: WR Shane Brower
The Skinny: The Invaders competed last week which Coach Manetti hopes will set the tone for the rest of the season. They also had a breakout star in Dayron Groves who was the leading rusher in District 2 last weekend. The Comets couldn’t handle the speed they saw last week and the offense still is looking for a running game. Good news is this game is at The Pit on Saturday which is a very fun venue for high school football games.
Key Matchup: West Scranton secondary vs. Abington receivers
Favorite: Abington Heights by 13
Susquehanna Sabers (0-1) at Montrose Meteors (0-1)
Montrose Memorial Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm
Non-Conferene Game
Series: Susquehanna 36-16-1
Last Meeting: 2023 – Susquehanna 40-0
Last Week: Western Wayne 42, Susquehanna 14; Holy Cross 48, Montrose 12
Players to Watch
Suquehanna: QB Weston Yannone; Montrose: Jamier Robinson
The Skinny: The Battle For The Bluestone is a great rivalry for everyone in Susquehanna County. The Sabers have dominated the series in recent years and will try to bounce back after a home loss. Montrose kids are probably happy just to be playing as the school continues to try to rebuild the program. Should be a good crowd and a lot of excitement despite it being a mismatch on paper.
Key Matchup: Susquehanna option vs. Montrose linebackers
Favorite: Susquehanna by 18
Williamsport Millionaires (1-0) at Hazleton Area Cougars (0-1)
Harman-Geist Memorial Field (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Williamsport 27-22-1
Last Meeting: 2023 – Williamsport 24-21
Last Week: Williamsport 33, Wyoming Valley West 0; Nazareth 42, Hazleton 7
Players To Watch
Williamsport: QB Elijah Way; Hazleton: QB Austin Wilson
The Skinny: Williamsport was able to throw the ball all over the field last Friday while Hazleton was just outmatched by one of the best Class 6A teams in the state. The Cougars have improved since last season and should give the Millionaires everything they can handle. These two teams could also meet in the postseason so there is some incentive to win and give another Class 6A team a loss to help district seeding.
Key Matchup: Williamsport passing game vs. Hazleton secondary
Favorite: Williamsport by 6
Nanticoke Trojans (0-1) at Carbondale Area Chargers (0-1)
Cerra Sports Complex (Grass), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Nanticoke 3-0
Last Meeting: 2023 – Nanticoke 35-0
Last Week: North Pocono 46, Nanticoke 7; Lakeland 40, Carbondale 18
Players To Watch
Nanticoke: RB Chris Julian; Carbondale: QB Cole Beccetti
The Skinny: It was a tough week for the Trojans and now they have to put the death of Coach Scott Dennis behind them and focus on the rest of the season. Former coach Ron Bruza was named the interim coach for the rest of the season so there is some familiarity there. This should be a competitive game with two teams that are young and inexperienced. The Chargers have an advantage up front so that could be the difference.
Key Matchup: Nanticoke linebackers vs. Carbondale running game
Favorite: Carbondale by 6
Tunkhannock Tigers (0-1) at Holy Redeemer Royals (0-1)
Spartan Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Tunkhannock 5-1
Last Meeting: 2023 – Tunkhannock 35-0
Last Week: Lackawanna Trail 41, Tunkhannock 7; Nativity 52, Holy Redeemer 0
Players To Watch
Tunkhannock: LB Caden Simmers; Holy Redeemer: WR Mike Zbierski
The Skinny: The Tigers took an early lead last Friday, but couldn’t get the offense going after that. It is probably a work in progress for Tunkhannock on that side of the ball. Redeemer was totally outmatched against a pretty good Nativity team so this might be a better litmus test for the Royals to see how much they have improved from last season.
Key Matchup: Tunkhannock offensive line vs. Redeemer defensive line
Favorite: Tunkhannock by 20
Pittston Area Patriots (0-1) at North Pocono Trojans (1-0)
North Pocono Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: North Pocono 2-0
Last Meeting: 2021 – North Pocono 37-0
Last Week: Mid Valley 32, Pittston Area 0; North Pocono 46, Nanticoke 7
Players To Watch
Pittston Area: WR Lucas Lopresto; North Pocono: RB Joe Briskie
The Skinny: North Pocono has a chance for a strong start the the 2024 season as the tough part of their schedule comes in the second half of the season. A home game against a young Pittston team should provide another good opportunity The Patriots have to rediscover their passing game that was so effective in 2023, but it might take some time developing players new at specific positions.
Key Matchup: Pittston Area linebackers vs. North Pocono offensive line
Favorite: North Pocono by 13
Wyoming Valley West Spartans (0-1) at Scranton Knights (1-0)
Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Wyoming Valley West 14-10
Last Meeting: 2023 – Scranton 29-0
Last Week: Williamsport 33, Wyoming Valley West 0; Scranton 14, Pocono Mt. West 7
Players To Watch
Valley West: WR Leland Alexander; Scranton: QB Brody Coyle
The Skinny: Scranton’s defense was outstanding last Friday led by Reece Whitman. Valley West continues to struggle and they are going to have to find some players to step up and make some plays. The Knights have balance on offense although the Spartans struggled against the pass last week so look for the ball go in the air at Scranton Memorial.
Key Matchup: Valley West pass rush vs. Scranton offensive line
Favorite: Scranton by 21
Lakeland Chiefs (1-0) at Holy Cross Crusaders (1-0)
Msgr. Crotti Field (Grass), Saturday 1pm
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Lakeland 2-0
Last Meeting: 2017 – Lakeland 42-7
Last Week: Lakeland 40, Carbondale 18; Holy Cross 48, Montrose 12
Players To Watch
Lakeland: RB Caden Cuozzo; Holy Cross: RB Aiden Wudarski
The Skinny: The Chiefs showed signs of a rejunvenated offense last Friday and this week will have to show a strong run defense against a Holy Cross team that has some skill players that can make plays and an offensive line that is big and strong. The Crusaders defense will be tested, especially in the passing game and that will determine their fate.
Key Matchups: Lakeland passing game vs. Holy Cross secondary
Favorite: Lakeland by 16
Riverside Vikings (1-0) at Hanover Area Hawkeyes (0-1)
Wilkes-Barre Area Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Riverside 4-1
Last Meeting: 2019 – Riverside 39-13
Last Week: Riverside 16, Dunmore 3; Marian Catholic 35, Hanover 0
Players To Watch
Riverside: RB Ny-jai Scott-Holt; Hanover Area: WR Jonathan Otway-Kellom
The Skinny: It was a strange sight last Friday when the Vikings were a run-first offense. We think that was based on the matchup and Riverside will return to their high-powered passing game this week. Hanover is still going through some growing pains as they were shut out last week. This game will be played at Wilkes-Barre Area Stadium because of issues with the Hawkeyes home stadium.
Key Matchups: Riverside wide receivers vs. Hanover secondary
Favorite: Riverside by 24
Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (1-0) at Stroudsburg Mountaineers (1-0)
Ross Stulgaitis Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: WQMY
District Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Wilkes-Barre 27, Whitehall 10; Stroudsburg 30, Wallenpaupack 10
Players To Watch
Wilkes-Barre: WR Trevon Gembitski; Stroudsburg: WR Kamari Coleman
The Skinny: Both these teams got big inter-district wins last week so they will try it again Week 2. The Wolfpack’s offense looked lethal while the defense got stops when they needed them. The Mountaineers pulled away in the second half last week and will be able to match the speed of Wilkes-Barre. With all the athletes on the field, it should be an entertaining game.
Key Matchup: Wilkes-Barre passing game vs. Stroudsburg secondary
Favorite: Wilkes-Barre by 7
Shamokin Indians (1-0) at Lake-Lehman Black Knights (1-0)
Eddie Edwards Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Shamokin 27, Pottsville 13; Lake-Lehman 13, Berwick 7
Players To Watch
Shamokin: WR Sean Owens; Lake-Lehman: RB William Marcy
The Skinny: Lake-Lehman converted a 4th down to score the game-winning touchdown and put themselves in a position to be the main challenger in WVC Division 2. The Indians come down from District 4 in a battle of teams trying to start the season 2-0.
Key Matchup: Shamokin secondary vs. Lake-Lehman receivers
Favorite: Shamokin by 6
East Stroudsburg North Timberwolves (0-1) at Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (0-1)
Wallenpaupack Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Wallenpaupack 6-0
Last Meeting: 2011 – Wallenpaupack 21-20
Last Week: Honesdale 33, ES North 16; Stroudsburg 30, Wallenpaupack 10
Players To Watch
ES North: QB Wayne King; Wallenpaupack: QB Drew Kiesendahl
The Skinny: The Buckhorns were in last week’s game going into the 4th quarter, but will have to find more offense. This will be a good opportunity as ES North struggled last week in their opener against Honesdale.
Key Matchup: ES North linebackers vs. Wallenpaupack offensive line
Favorite: Wallenpaupack by 10
Honesdale Hornets (1-0) at Pocono Mountain East Cardinals (0-1)
Pocono Mt. East Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Honesdale 33, ES North 16; Dieruff 46, Pocono Mt. East 21
Players To Watch
Honesdale: QB Aiden Collins; Pocono Mt. East: RB Stephon Bethea
The Skinny: The Hornets are 1-0 on their new turf and now have to take to the road to battle District 11 Pocono Mountain East. Three different Honesdale players each had two touchdowns as they showed balance in the running game. The passing game might be needed more this week.
Key Matchup: Honesdale offensive line vs. Pocono Mt. East defensive front seven
Favorite: Pocono Mt. East by 3
Scranton Prep Cavaliers (1-0) at Loyola Blakesfield (MD) Dons (0-0)
Hargaden Field (Turf), Saturday 12pm
State Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Scranton Prep 33, Valley View 0
Players To Watch
Scranton Prep: LB Reese Tanner; Loyola: QB Brad Seiss
The Skinny: The Cavaliers rolled over Valley View and will try to do the same in Maryland this Saturday. Prep only had to throw five passes as they instead ran behind their huge offensive line which gave them two 100-yard rushers. This is the first of two out-of-state Jesuit schools Scranton Prep has on the schedule.
Key Matchup: Prep run game vs. Loyola defensive line
Favorite: Scranton Prep by 14
