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 5
Mid Valley Spartans (4-0) at Lackawanna Trail Lions (3-1)
Lions Pride Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Lackawanna Trail 19-14
Last Meeting: 2023 Lackawanna Trail 35-13
Last Week: Mid Valley 27, Honesdale 14; Lackawanna Trail 28, Dunmore 7
Players To Watch
Mid Valley: TE Jake Bondy; Lackawanna Trail: LB Logan Edwards
The Skinny: The Spartans will get everyone’s attention if they can win this one. Lackawanna Trail has the championship pedigree and is tough to beat at home. The run games will be prevelant in this matchup of ranked teams with the Spartans’ Jakob Lesher and the two-headed monster of Demitrius Douglas and Issac Ryon for Trail.
Key Matchup: Mid Valley offenseive line vs. Lackawanna Trail linebackers
Favorite: Lackawanna Trail by 2
Scranton Prep Cavaliers (3-1) at Scranton Knights (4-0)
Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Scranton Prep 10-9
Last Meeting: 2023 Scranton Prep 34-0
Last Week: Scranton Prep 28, Delaware Valley 25; Scranton 21, West Scranton 0
Players To Watch
Scranton Prep: QB Louis Paris; Scranton: TE Chris DelSantro
The Skinny: Scranton wants to prove its for real while Prep wants to maintain their spot on top of LFC Divsion I. The Knights pulled a huge upset several years back in this game and are hoping to repeat that fete. It will be up to Scranton to stop the power running game of the Cavaliers and if they can do that, they will be in the game.
Key Matchup: Scranton Prep secondary vs. Scranton wide receivers
Favorite: Scranton Prep 10
Dallas Mountaineers (1-3) at Pittston Area Patriots (2-2)
Charley Trippi Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Dallas 24-18
Last Meeting: 2021 Dallas 28-6
Last Week: Dallas 41, Wilkes-Barre 33; Pittston Area 47, Wyoming Valley West 7
Players to Watch
Dallas: WR Gavin Lewis; Pittston Area: LB Malkolm Blackshear
The Skinny: The Mountaineers finally found their running game and that should make their high-power passing game even more dangerous. The Patriots moved to WVC Division 1 this season and if they can get a win in this one at home, it would be one of the biggest wins in recent program history.
Key Matchup: Dallas passing game vs. Pittston Area secondary
Favorite: Dallas by 14
Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (3-1) at Delaware Valley Warriors (0-4)
Warriors Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Delaware Valley 20-10
Last Meeting: 2023 Delaware Valley 41-14
Last Week: Wallenpaupack 21, North Pocono 14; Scranton Prep 28, Delaware Valley 25
Players To Watch
Wallenpaupack: RB Edward Kiesendahl; Delaware Valley: DL Pasquale Venetucci
The Skinny: Could the Warriors go to 0-5? The odds are against it as they have dominated this series of their neighbors on Route 6. However, beware of the Buckhorns who have been the biggest surprise so far in the LFC in 2024. Paupack’s defense will have to keep them in this game as the offense has been a work in progress.
Key Matchup: Wallenpaupack defensive line vs. Delaware Valley run game
Favorite: Delaware Valley by 17
Carbondale Area Chargers (3-1) at Dunmore Bucks (0-4)
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Dunmore 42-4-4
Last Meeting: 2021 Dunmore 17-8
Last Week: Carbondale 28, Holy Cross 0; Lackawanna Trail 28, Dunmore 7
Players to Watch
Carbondale: DL Chayse Roche; Dunmore: RB Izaiah Parker
The Skinny: When you look at the team’s records, you would think Game Watch flipped them. It’s the Chargers who are riding high while the Bucks have a rare 5-game losing streak dating back to last season. Last chance for Dunmore to right the ship before division play while Carbondale wants this signature win on their resume.
Key Matchup: Carbondale offensive line vs. Dunmore defensive line
Favorite: Dunmore by 8
Hanover Area Hawkeyes (0-4) at Berwick Bulldogs (0-4)
Crispin Field (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Hanover Area 5-3
Last Meeting: 1949 Hanover Area 34-13
Last Week: Old Forge 42, Hanover Area 7; Hazleton Area 27, Berwick 10
Players To Watch
Hanover Area: RB Malique Campbell; Berwick: TE Gabe Decker
The Skinny: Somebody will get their first victory. These two teams have been total opposites as the Hawkeyes have shown an explosive passing game while the ‘Dawgs have struggled to score points. Berwick’s defense has kept them in games while Hanover needs to get stops on the defensive side of the ball. Hard to believe this is the first time these two WVC schools (23 mile apart) are meeting since 1949.
Key Matchup: Hanover Area passing game vs. Berwick pass rush
Favorite: Berwick by 10
Abington Heights Comets (2-2) at North Pocono Trojans (3-1)
North Pocono Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division I Game
Series: Abington Heights 33-20-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Abington Heights 27-9
Last Week: Valley View 18, Abington Heights 13; Wallenpaupack 21, North Pocono 14
Players To Watch
Abington Heights: WR Shawn Theodore; North Pocono: QB Chase Zimmerman
The Skinny: This a pivotal game for both LFC Division I teams as they started the season in division play at 0-1. The Comets have a very good offense while the Trojans have made their defense their trademark in 2024. North Pocono needs a signature win as this is their toughest game to date with plenty of stiff competition ahead.
Key Matchup: Abington Heights wide receivers vs. North Pocono secondary
Favorite: Abington Heights by 4
Lakeland Chiefs (2-2) at Susquehanna Sabers (3-1)
William Emminger Memorial Field (Grass), Saturday 1pm
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Lakeland 22-5
Last Meeting: 2023 Susquehanna 26-13
Last Week: Wyoming Area 56, Lakeland 6; Susquehanna 40, Holy Redeemer 14
Players to Watch
Lakeland: QB David Naniewicz; Susquehanna:RB Nathan Orapallo
The Skinny: The Sabers took advantage of a down-Lakeland team last season to get a rare series win, but a win this season will be even more of a statement if they can defeat Dunmore and Lakeland in the same season. The Chiefs looked good until last week when they took it on the chin. They need a win to get some momentum going into division play.
Key Matchup: Lakeland wide receivers vs. Susquehanna secondary
Favorite: Lakeland by 3
Old Forge Blue Devils (3-1) at Western Wayne Wildcats (4-0)
Sharkey-Rosetti Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Old Forge 9-8
Last Meeting: 2023 Western Wayne 42-7
Last Week: Old Forge 42, Hanover Area 7; Western Wayne 21, Crestwood 0
Players To Watch
Old Forge: TE/K Isiah Rodriguez; Western Wayne: LB Vinny Silon
The Skinny: The Wildcats powered themselves to a win over the Blue Devils last season and they will try to do the same in 2024 with an Old Forge defense that has struggled. The Devils will throw the ball all over the field so keep an eye on Western Wayne’s secondary. The ‘Cats have thrived on big plays in all three phases of the game.
Key Matchup: Old Forge defensive front vs. Western Wayne offensive line
Favorite: Western Wayne by 13
Honesdale Hornets (2-2) at Valley View Cougars (3-1)
John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Valley View 18-3
Last Meeting: 2023 Valley View 40-13
Last Week: Mid Valley 27, Honesdale 14; Valley View 18, Abington Heights 12
Players To Watch
Honesdale: WR Colin Keast; Valley View: QB Zach Cwalinski
The Skinny: The Cougars have won three straight while the Hornets have lost two in-a-row. Honesdale wants to show they can compete with the best teams in the LFC and this is a chance to prove it. Valley View is running the football as usual but also getting timely plays in the passing game and their defense that has contained two of the better quarterbacks in the district.
Key Matchups: Honesdale defensive line vs. Valley View run game
Favorite: Valley View by 10
Crestwood Comets (1-3) at Nanticoke Trojans (1-3)
Frank Chicknoski Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division Crossover Game
Series: Tied 12-12-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Nanticoke 28-21
Last Week: Western Wayne 21, Crestwood 0; Nanticoke 14, Tunkhannock 12
Players To Watch
Crestwood: QB Jaden Shedlock; Nanticoke: TE Manny Sosa
The Skinny: Nanticoke was celebrating their first win of the season last week and it was in dramatic fashion. Crestwood is looking back at the end of last season when the Trojans ended the Comets season in the Class 4A quarterfinals. Nanticoke can expect to see plenty of Jaden Shedlock in this one.
Key Matchup: Crestwood offensive line vs. Nanticoke linebackers
Favorite: Crestwood by 20
Wyoming Valley West Spartans (0-4) at Hazleton Area Cougars (2-2)
Harman-Geist Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series:Wyoming Valley West 29-17-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Hazleton 50-14
Last Week: Pittston Area 47, Valley West 7; Hazleton 27, Berwick 10
Players To Watch
Valley West: FB Jake Dubaskas; Hazleton: RB Ashton Karlick
The Skinny: The Cougars have a good chance to win their third straight game and finally got their offense going last week with QB Austin Wilson leading the way. The Spartans would like to end their 13-game losing streak, but they will have to find their offense which has scored only 27 points this season.
Key Matchup: Valley West running backs vs. Hazleton linebackers
Favorite: Hazleton by 13
Wyoming Area Warriors (3-1) at Tunkhannock Tigers (1-3)
Tunkhannock Memorial Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Wyoming Area 25-4
Last Meeting: 2023 Wyoming Area 49-0
Last Week: Wyoming Area 56, Lakeland 6; Nanticoke 14, Tunkhannock 12
Players To Watch
Wyoming Area: LB Michael Crane; Tunkhannock: QB Zach Latwinski
The Skinny: The Warriors offense continues to grow as they put up 56 points last week using all three phases of the game. The Tigers let one slip away last Friday and need to find a way to move the ball and keep the Warriors offense on the sidelines. Not going to be easy for Tunkhannock to stay in this one.
Key Matchup: Wyoming Area offensive line vs. Tunkhannock defensive front
Favorite: Wyoming Area by 28
West Scranton Invaders (0-4) at Wilkes-Barre Wolfpacks (1-3)
Wilkes-Barre Area Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Scranton 21, West Scranton 0; Dallas 41, Wilkes-Barre 33
Players To Watch
West Scranton: QB Jake DeLuca; Wilkes-Barre: WR Jordan Kieselowsky
The Skinny: The Wolfpack have lost three straight albeit to three quality opponents. The offense continues to be the strength of the team, but the defense has given up five 4th quarter touchdowns in the last two losses that were both one score games. West Scranton continues to play hard and with pride and shut out unbeaten Scranton in the second half last week. But they might be outmanned in this one.
Key Matchup: West Scranton secondary vs. Wilkes-Barre wide receivers
Favorite: Wilkes-Barre by 17
Montrose Meteors (0-3) at Riverside Vikings (4-0)
Riverside Veterans Memorial Stadium (Grass), Thursday 7pm
Independent Game
Series: Riverside 10-0
Last Meeting: 2019 Riverside 60-0 (2021 Forfeit)
Last Week: Bye Week; Riverside 42, Lake-Lehman 12
Players To Watch
Montrose: WR Max Kuwaye; Riverside: WR Bryden Rose
The Skinny: Thursday Night Football. Not sure why this game is even on the schedule. Riverside is ranked No. 2 in Class 2A in the state while the Meteors are just trying to rebuild their program. This game doesn’t serve either program as the Vikings would be better off playing a team outside the district like Southern Columbia or Troy which would prepare them for the post-season. Montrose needs to play games in which they can at least compete.
Key Matchup: Montrose linebackers vs. Riverside offensive lines
Favorite: Riverside by 40
Holy Redeemer Royals (0-4) at Lake-Lehman Black Knights (2-2)
Eddie Edwards Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Independent Game
Series: Lake-Lehman 17-0
Last Meeting: 2023 Lake-Lehman 43-19
Last Week: Susquehanna 40, Holy Redeemer 14; Riverside 42, Lake-Lehman 12
Players To Watch
Holy Redeemer: QB Brady McDermott; Lake-Lehman: RB Jim Mitkowski
The Skinny: It’s Lake-Lehman’s turn to beat up on the Royals although the Redeemer offense showed some life when they switched to freshman quarterback Brady McDermott. The bigger problem is they can’t stop anyone. Should be a big night for the Black Knights’ run game.
Key Matchup: Holy Redeemer defensive line vs. Lake-Lehman running backs
Favorite: Lake-Lehman by 35
Holy Cross Crusaders (2-2) at Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech Rams (3-1)
Vo-Tech Stadium (Grass), Saturday 1pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Tied 3-3
Last Meeting: 2023 Holy Cross 29-28
Last Week: Carbondale 28, Holy Cross; Col-Mont Vo-Tech 58, Renaissance Academy 22
Players To Watch
Holy Cross: WR Austin Bicking; Col-Mont Vo-Tech: QB Myles Kozer
The Skinny: The Rams have a running back that has run for 1,100 yards in four games so the Crusaders better find a way to shore up the run defense.
Key Matchup: Holy Cross defensive line vs. Col-Mont Vo-Tech run game
Favorite: Col-Mont Vo-Tech by 16
