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 7
Abington Heights Comets (3-3) at Scranton Prep Cavaliers (5-1)
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division I Game
Series: Abington Heights 22-19
Last Meeting: 2023 Scranton Prep 50-21
Last Week: Delaware Valley 35, Abington Heights 28; Scranton Prep 42, Wallenpaupack 13
Players To Watch
Abington Heights: OL Asiel Richards; Scranton Prep: DL Ambrose Rossi
The Skinny: The Comets have had heartbreaking losses to DV and Valley View, but showed they can compete with the division elite. They will get one more chance to knock off a giant and if they can, it will be because the passing game has success. Prep can basically wrap up the division title Friday although they still have one more division game in which they will be a heavy favorite.
Key Matchup: Abington Heights defensive line vs. Scranton Prep run game
Favorite: Scranton Prep by 14
Dunmore Bucks (2-4) at Mid Valley Spartans (5-1)
Spartans Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division II Game
Series: Dunmore 41-5
Last Meeting: 2023 Dunmore 46-6
Last Week: Dunmore 20, Lakeland 14; Mid Valley 35, West Scranton 6
Players To Watch
Dunmore: DL Trevon Bess; Mid Valley: RB Mason Vinansky
The Skinny: Mid Valley didn’t miss a beat with star running back Jakob Lesher missing last week’s game. He could be out this week as well, but the strength of the offensive line makes the Spartans a dangerous offensive team. Dunmore has won two straight and is playing better, but they will have to find a way to deal with the lines on both sides of the football.
Key Matchup: Dunmore linebackers vs. Mid Valley offensive line
Favorite: Mid Valley by 12
Hazlteon Area Cougars (4-2) at Crestwood Comets (3-3)
Crestwood Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Crestwood 10-9
Last Meeting: 2023 Crestwood 28-21
Last Week: Hazleton 26, Wilkes-Barre 0; Crestwood 21, Pittson Area 14
Players to Watch
Hazleton: LB Johncarlos Peralta; Crestwood: OL Kyle Draina
The Skinny: In one of the bigger surprises last week, Hazleton shut out Wilkes-Barre and shut down the Wolfpack’s offense. They will try to repeat the feat on the road. Crestwood has won two straight without star QB Jaden Shedlock and have found a new offensive weapon in Lincoln Bibla.
Key Matchup: Hazleton Area linebackers vs. Crestwood offensive line
Favorite: Hazlet0n by 6
Pittston Area Patriots (3-3) at Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (2-4)
Wilkes-Barre Area Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Wilkes-Barre 1-0
Last Meeting: 2021 Wilkes-Barre 35-21
Last Week: Crestwood 21, Pittston Area 14; Hazleton 26, Wilkes-Barre 0
Players To Watch
Pittston Area: OL Gunnar Zaledonis; Wilkes-Barre: LB Logan Sincavage
The Skinny: Not sure what happened to the Wolfpack’s offense last Friday. Only 45 total yards has people scratching their heads. They are dead last in the subregional rankings so they will need to right the ship once they get to the postseason which might force them to win two road games to defend their Class 6A title. Pittston Area is definitely growing and they have two close losses to two of the better WVC division opponents. Lucas Lopresto continues to be electric in the return game.
Key Matchup: Pittston secondary vs. Wilkes-Barre passing game
Favorite: Wilkes-Barre by 8
Old Forge Blue Devils (3-3) at Susquehanna Sabers (4-2)
William Emminger Memorial Stadium (Grass), Saturday 1pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division III Game
Series: Old Forge 33-8
Last Meeting: 2023 Old Forge 41-0
Last Week: Lackawanna Trail 49, Old Forge 13; Riverside 34, Susquehanna 26
Players to Watch
Old Forge: RB Nick Hewitt; Susquehanna: RB Brody Ace
The Skinny: Susquehanna can achieve the trifecta with a win this week. They have already beaten traditional small school powers Dunmore and Lakeland. Don’t be fooled. This Saber team is a competitive. They went toe-to-toe with state-ranked Riverside and could position themselves to challenge the Vikings in the postseason. The Blue Devils score a lot of points, but give up a lot of points. Take the over in this Saturday matinee.
Key Matchup: Old Forge defensive line vs. Susquehanna run game
Favorite: Susquehanna by 7
Valley View Cougars (5-1) at North Pocono Trojans (3-3)
North Pocono Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Valley View 34-16
Last Meeting: 2023 Valley View 14-7
Last Week: Valley View 34, Scranton 21; Dallas 45, North Pocono 28
Players To Watch
Valley View: LB Jeffrey Wasilchak; North Pocono: WR Michael Stout
The Skinny: One constant for Valley View has been the dominance in the 4th quarter this season. They have worn down teams with their three-headed monster in the backfield and positioned themselves to get the No. 1 seed in Class 4A. The Trojans have lost three straight and have had injury problems all season. They played the Cougars tight last season, but will have to hit some big plays to pull the upset.
Key Matchup: Valley View run game vs. North Pocono linebackers
Favorite: Vally View by 9
Carbondale Area Chargers (4-2) at Lackawanna Trail Lions (5-1)
Lions Pride Stadium (Grass), Saturday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division III Game
Series: Lackawanna Trail 47-17-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Lackawanna Trail 41-14
Last Week: Carbondale 43, Montrose 6; Lackawanna Trail 49, Old Forge 13
Players To Watch
Carbondale: WR Francisco Roman; Lackawanna Trail: OL Brian Gow
The Skinny: Carbondale is a nice story as the Chargers have parlayed a young roster into four wins. But they are still looking for that signature win this season. Trail is back on a roll after losing to the No. 2 ranked team in the district. This game was moved to Saturday night at Tunnel Hill.
Key Matchup: Carbondale offensive line vs. Trail defensive line
Favorite: Lackawanna Trail by 17
Tunkhannock Tigers (2-4) at Lake-Lehman Black Knights (4-2)
Eddie Edwards Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Lake-Lehman 27-10-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Tunkhannock 13-12
Last Week: Tunkhannock 43, Hanover 0; Lake-Lehman 35, Nanticoke 7
Players to Watch
Tunkhannock: OL James Thomas; Lake-Lehman: RB Alex Smith
The Skinny: Tunkhannock had some fun last week in a blowout win, but now the Tigers need to get back to work. Lehman has shown to be the second best team in the division and want to avenge a close loss to Tunhannock last season. The Black Knights balanced offense has helped them improve in 2024.
Key Matchup: Tunkhannock secondary vs. Lehman wide receivers
Favorite: Lake-Lehman by 7
Holy Redeemer Royals (0-6) at Montrose Meteors (0-5)
Bennett/Mullen Field (Grass), Friday 7pm
Independent Game
Series: Holy Redeemer 2-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Montrose 40-0
Last Week: Holy Cross 34, Holy Redeemer 10; Carbondale 43, Montrose 6
Players To Watch
Holy Redeemer: K Zach Schultz; Montrose: RB Jamier Robinson
The Skinny: This game is actually an exciting game for these two schools and communities. Both teams are winless, so this is their best chance to get a win in 2024. This should be a very competitive game.
Key Matchups: Holy Reeemer defensive line vs. Montrose run game
Favorite: Montrose by 3
Honesdale Hornets (2-4) at Lakeland Chiefs (2-4)
Lakeland Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: Lakeland 16-9
Last Meeting: 2023 Honesdale 48-7
Last Week: Western Wayne 49, Honesdale 20; Dunmore 20, Lakeland 14
Players To Watch
Honesdale: OL Wyatt Rutherford; Lakeland: RB Rocco Spataro
The Skinny: The Hornets are reeling losing four straight. The offense has been pretty good, but mistakes have taken them out of games. The defense has struggled during the losing streak. Lakeland’s offense still hasn’t found its way in 2024, but still has some time to right the ship before the playoffs start.
Key Matchup: Honesdale run game vs. Lakeland linebackers
Favorite: Honesdale by 6
Nanticoke Trojans (1-5) at Berwick Bulldogs (1-5)
Crispin Field (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Berwick 19-13-2
Last Meeting: 1988 Berwick 41-7
Last Week: Lake-Lehman 35, Nanticoke 7; Wyoming Area 42, Berwick 20
Players To Watch
Nanticoke: WR James Bush; Berwick: RB Brock Simms
The Skinny: No surprise the Trojans have struggled after getting hit hard by graduation. The Bulldogs record is surprising, but not in a good way. Berwick did move starting wide receiver Billy Hanson to quarterback which has given some life to the offense. Dawgs still have some winnable games on the schedule which should put them in the Class 3a playoffs.
Key Matchup: Nanticoke offensive line vs. Berwick defensive line
Favorite: Berwick by 20
Delaware Valley Warriors (2-4) at Lutheran (NY) Crusaders (4-0)
LuHi Stadium (Turf), Saturday 1pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
State Crossover Game
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Last Week: Delaware Valley 35, Abington Heights 38; Lutheran 40, Springfield Garden 0
Players To Watch
Delaware Valley: DB Colin McGarvey; Lutheran: WR Peyton Robinson
The Skinny: Delaware Valley pulled a dramatic victory on the road to win their second straight game. The offense played smashmouth football and the defense struggled with pass coverage. Another tall task against Long Island power Lutheran this Saturday.
Key Matchup: Delaware Valley secondary vs. Lutheran passing game
Favorite: Lutheran by 10
Scranton Knights (4-2) at Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (3-3)
Wallenpaupack Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division I Game
Series: Scranton 19-7
Last Meeting: 2023 Scranton 35-14
Last Week: Valley View 34, Scranton 21; Scranton Prep 42, Wallenpaupack 13
Players To Watch
Scranton: DB Jhaven Sims; Wallenpaupack: WR Frank Church
The Skinny: Wallenpaupack has lost three straight. Scranton has lost two straight. The Knights have to take the long trip to the Big Lake which is never easy. Buckhorns already have one division win after being predicted for last in the division. They have been very competitive this season and still can capture a postseason berth, but this one might be a must-win for both teams considering the rest of their schedule.
Key Matchup: Scranton passing game vs. Wallenpaupack secondary
Favorite: Scranton by 7
Western Wayne Wildcats (6-0) at West Scranton Invaders (0-6)
Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: Western Wayne 6-3
Last Meeting: 2023 Western Wayne 21-14
Last Week: Western Wayne 49, Honesdale 20; Mid Valley 35, West Scranton 6
Players To Watch
Western Wayne: DL Evan Dean; West Scranton: WR Jonyae Sostre
The Skinny: Expect another beatdown by the Wildcats. Nothing to do with a young West Scranton team. Western Wayne is dominating pretty much everyone. The Wildcats are physical and focused.
Key Matchup: Western Wayne offensive line vs. West Scranton linebackers
Favorite: Western Wayne by 35
Wyoming Area Warriors (5-1) at Hanover Area Hawkeyes (0-6)
Frank Chicknoski Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Wyoming Area 34-9
Last Meeting: 2023 Wyoming Area 47-0
Last Week: Wyoming Area 42, Berwick 20; Tunkhannock 43, Hanover Area 0
Players To Watch
Wyoming Area: LB Kevin Wiedl; Hanover Area: LB Tyler Herbert
The Skinny: Wyoming Area is on a three-game winning streak and Hanover is winless. Should be over by halftime and lots of young players will get opportunities to get on the field for both teams.
Key Matchup: Wyoming Area run game vs. Hanover defensive line
Favorite: Wyoming Area by 40
Dallas Mountaineers (3-3) at Wyoming Valley West Spartans (0-6)
Spartan Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Wyoming Valley West 17-16
Last Meeting: 2023 Dallas 45-0
Last Week: Dallas 45, North Pocono 28; Executive Education 42, Wyoming Valley West 6
Players To Watch
Dallas: K Rowan Laubach; Valley West: FB Carter Isbel
The Skinny: The Wyoming Valley West losing streak is at 15 and don’t expect that to end this week. Dallas has averaged almost 39 points per game during their three-game winning streak so expect more offensive fireworks from the Mountaineers.
Key Matchup: Dallas run game vs. Valley West linebackers
Favorite: Dallas by 36
Riverside Vikings (6-0) at Holy Cross Crusaders (3-3)
Msgr. Crotti Field (Grass), Saturday 1pm
LFC Division III Game
Series: Riverside
Last Meeting: 2022 Riverside
Last Week: Riverside 34, Susquehanna 26; Holy Cross 34, Holy Reedeemer 10
Players To Watch
Riverside: WR Gerry Rose; Holy Cross: LB Connor Farrell
The Skinny: The Vikings remain one of two unbeaten teams in District 2 and had to sweat out a division win last week. Riverside wants to take care of business as they prepare for the final three weeks of the season where they will face three division teams that are at least .500.
Key Matchup: Riverside receivers vs. Holy Cross secondary
Favorite: Riverside by 34
