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 9
Mid Valley Spartans (5-3) at Western Wayne Wildcats (8-0)
Sharkey-Rosetti Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: Mid Valley 20-7
Last Meeting: 2023 Western Wayne 28-13
Last Week: Scranton Prep 28, Mid Valley 0; Western Wayne 54, Lakeland 24
Players To Watch
Mid Valley: RB Jakob Lesher; Western Wayne: LB Jak Hubinger
The Skinny: This is the game that most had circled for the LFC Division I title. However, it didn’t go as planned for Mid Valley who has lost two straight games including a division loss. They still have a chance to earn a share of the title, but the Wildcats want it all for their own. This game will feature the two of the best running backs in the LFC and should be an entertaining football game.
Key Matchup: Mid Valley linebackers vs. Western Wayne run game
Favorite: Western Wayne by 13
Hazleton Area Cougars (5-3) at Dallas Mountaineers (5-3)
Mountaineer Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Tied 6-6
Last Meeting: 2023 Dallas 42-12
Last Week: Hazleton Area 20, Pittston Area 14; Dallas 37, Crestwood 14
Players To Watch
Hazleton: QB Freddy Corrado; Dallas: OL Zach Williams
The Skinny: Dallas can clinch the outright WVC Division 1 title for the second straight season. Hazleton can grab a share. The Mountaineers rely on their offense which has scored at least 30 points in every division game. The Cougars rely on their defense which has held down some of the better offenses in the WVC.
Key Matchup: Hazleton secondary vs. Dallas wide receivers
Favorite: Dallas by 12
Crestwood Comets (4-4) at Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (4-4)
Wilkes-Barre Area Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Crestwood 2-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Wilkes-Barre 34-14
Last Week: Dallas 37, Crestwood 14; Wilkes-Barre 35, Valley West 0
Players to Watch
Crestwood: RB Nate Walsh; Wilkes-Barre: RB Davon Underwood
The Skinny: Crestwood needs a win to still have hope to gain a share of the WVC Division 1 title. Wilkes-Barre is fighting for a Class 6A home game and even the No. 1 seed to defend their title. The Comets have relied on several players on offense with a new face stepping up each week. The Wolfpack’s offense has struggled at time sbut still has some amazing playmakers.
Key Matchup: Crestwood secondary vs. Wilkes-Barre passing game
Favorite: Wilkes-Barre by 3
Riverside Vikings (8-0) at Old Forge Blue Devils (4-4)
Old Forge Veterans Memorial Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division III Game
Series: Old Forge 42-32-4
Last Meeting: 2023 Riverside 45-7
Last Week: Riverside 17, Carbondale 8; Old Forge 49, Holy Cross 16
Players To Watch
Riverside: RB Carmelo Barnett; Old Forge: DB Chris Rasmus
The Skinny: This is one of the best rivalries in District 2 and there is a lot on the line in 2024. Riverside is trying to maintain their unbeaten season and set up a showdown next week for a chance to win the division. Old Forge is clinging to the last playoff spot in the Class 1A Subregional. Expect a lot of points in this one.
Key Matchup: Riverside secondary vs. Old Forge passing game
Favorite: Riverside by 8
Honesdale Hornets (4-4) at Dunmore Bucks (4-4)
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division II Game
Series: Dunore 15-2
Last Meeting: 2023 Dunmore 47-21
Last Week: Honesdale 56, Nanticoke 7; Dunmore 21, West Scranton 7
Players to Watch
Honesdale: OL Anthony Passero; Dunmore: LB Xavier Burke
The Skinny: Dunmore has won four straight and is undefeated in the division. A win will give them a chance to defend their title next week. Bucks can also still get a home game in playoffs if they win out. Honesdale broke a three-game losing streak with an easy win last Friday, but still is searching for that signature victory in 2024. They are also fighting for one of the four Class 4A playoff berth where they currently occupy the fifth spot. Important games for both teams.
Key Matchup: Honesdale offensive line vs. Dunmore linebackers
Favorite: Dunmore by 4
North Pocono Trojans (4-4) at Delaware Valley Warriors (3-5)
Warrior Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Delaware Valley 18-8
Last Meeting: 2023 Delaware Valley 42-0
Last Week: North Pocono 21, Scranton 3; Valley View 35, Delaware Valley 25
Players To Watch
North Pocono: WR Cole West; Delaware Valley: TE James Dabney
The Skinny: It was a disappointing loss for Delaware Valley last Friday who still currently holds the No. 1 seed in Class 5A despite a losing record. The strength of schedule has kept their power rating high. North Pocono saved their season with an upset win last week, but they will have to pull at least one more upset against the division powers over the next two weeks to qualify for the postseason.
Key Matchup: North Pocono linebackers vs. Delaware Valley offensive line
Favorite: Delaware Valley by 14
Susquehanna Sabers (5-3) at Carbondale Area (4-4)
Cerra Sports Complex (Grass), Friday 7pm
LFC Division III Game
Series: Carbondale 30-25-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Susquehanna 14-7
Last Week: Lackawanna Trail 49, Susquehanna 12; Riverside 17, Carbondale 8
Players To Watch
Susquehanna: RB Ryder Hobart; Lackawanna Trail: OL Lucas Evans
The Skinny: Both these teams have been pleasant surprises in 2024. Susquehanna is playing for a home game in the Class 2A playoffs. Carbondale will qualify for Class 3A, but they would like to go into the post-season with a winning record and perhaps sneak into the top 4 spots.
Key Matchup: Susquehanna option vs. Carbondale defensive line
Favorite: Susquehanna by 3
Abington Heights Comets (4-4) at Scranton Knights (5-3)
Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division I Game
Series: Abington Heights 21-13-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Abington Heights 14-6
Last Week: Abington Heights 41, Wallenpaupack 0; North Pocono 21, Scranton 3
Players to Watch
Abington Heights: OL Brandon Lezinski; Scranton: RB Memphis Shotto
The Skinny: Scranton dropped to the No. 2 spot in Class 6A and could fall more with losses the last two weeks. Of course, they can move back to No. 1 with some wins. Abington Heights had a long week after playing last Thursday and still is fighting to get home field throughout the Class 5A playoffs,
Key Matchup: Abington Heights receivers vs. Scranton secondary
Favorite: Abington Heights by 11
Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (3-5) at Pittston Area Patriots (2-6)
Charlie Trippi Field (Grass), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Pittston Area 3-1
Last Meeting: 2019 Wallenpaupack 21-14
Last Week: Abington Heights 41, Wallenpaupack 0; Hazleton Area 20, Pittston Area 14
Players To Watch
Wallenpaupack: QB Drew Kiesendahl; Pittston: QB Paulie Ferentino
The Skinny: Pittston Area is locked into the No. 3 spot in Class 5A so it’s about getting healthy for the playoffs when they will face a tall task in the postseason. Wallenpaupack is still alive in Class 4A, but they will have to win this game to have a chance. They are banged up right now so that doesn’t help.
Key Matchups: Wallenpaupack secondary vs. Pittston Area wide receivers
Favorite: Pittston Area by 5
Lake-Lehman Black Knights (5-3) at Hanover Area Hawkeyes (1-7)
Frank Chicknoski Stadium(Nanticoke) (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Lake-Lehman 33-23
Last Meeting: 2023 Lake-Lehman 35-6
Last Week: Wyoming Area 35, Lake-Lehman 14; Hanover Area 56, Col-Mont Vo-Tech 44
Players To Watch
Lake-Lehman: OL Tristian Nat; Hanover Area: WR Jonathan Otway-Kellum
The Skinny: The Black Knights fought hard last week, but are still in that second tier in Class 3A. They still have a chance for a home playoff game, so this game is important even though they are a big favorite. Hanover Area scored more points in their first win of the season last Saturday than they did the first seven games.
Key Matchup: Lake-Lehman offensive line vs. Hanover Area defensive line
Favorite: Lake-Lehman by 23
West Scranton Invaders (0-8) at Lakeland Chiefs (2-6)
Lakeland Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: Lakeland 14-12
Last Meeting: 2023 West Scranton 28-21
Last Week: Dunmore 21, West Scranton7; Western Wayne 54, Lakeland 24
Players To Watch
West Scranton: RB Dayron Groves; Lakeland: WR Chase Rosenkrans
The Skinny: West Scranton found one of their two victories in 2023 against the Chiefs. They are hoping to find their first win for 2024. Lakeland has been reeling with six straight losses. Still time to right the ship as they will qualify for the Class 2A playoffs and get another shot at the top seed.
Key Matchup: West Scranton secondary vs. Lakeland passing game
Favorite: Lakeland by 7
Berwick Bulldogs (3-5) at Selinsgrove Seals (4-4)
Harold L. Bolig Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
District Crossover Game
Series: Berwick 20-14
Last Meeting: 2021 Selinsgrove 42-14
Last Week: Berwick 37, Williamsport 14; Hollidaysburg 57, Selinsgrove 14
Players To Watch
Berwick: RB Gavin Gaidula; Selinsgrove: LB Ethan Miller
The Skinny: Berwick is on a roll with two straight wins and a rejuvenated offene. Ty’Meere Wilkerson broke the Berwick single-game rushing record that stood for almost 50 years. Selinsgrove is having a rare down season so the Dawgs have a chance to win this one.
Key Matchups: Berwick offensive line vs. Selinsgrove linebackers
Favorite: Selinsgrove by 10
Scranton Prep Cavaliers (7-1) at Jersey Shore Bulldogs (6-2)
Thompson Street Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Scranton Prep 28, Mid Valley 0; Jersey Shore 42, Penn Wood 8
Players To Watch
Scranton Prep: OL Travis Sharples; Jersey Shore: WR Evan Snyder
The Skinny: Jersey Shore has already defeated two District 2 traditional powers by one score each, but now they face the consensus best team in Scranton Prep. The Cavaliers usually aren’t playing for anything at this time of the season, but they have been stuck in the No. 2 spot in Class 3A. They can still jump up a spot with a win or fall down a spot with a loss.
Key Matchup: Scranton Prep secondary vs. Jersey Shore receivers
Favorite: Scranton Prep by 6
Towanda Black Knights (6-2) at Tunkhannock Tigers (3-5)
Tunkhannock Memorial Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Towanda 25-17-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Towanda 55-7
Last Week: Towanda 54, Sayre 14; Tunkhannock 31, Montrose 0
Players To Watch
Towanda: RB Riley Vanderpool; Tunkhannock: TE Jayden Ransom
The Skinny: The Tigers have beaten the teams they are supposed to beat, but have struggled with most of the other opponents. They were blown out last season in this matchup and that could happen again although this time they will get the Black Knights at home.
Key Matchup: Towanda offensive line vs. Tunkhannock defensive front
Favorite: Towanda by 20
Wyoming Valley West Spartans (0-8) at Valley View Cougars (7-1)
John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Valley View 1-0
Last Meeting: 1971 Valley View 14-7
Last Week: Wilkes-Barre 35, Wyoming Valley West 0; Valley View 35, Delaware Valley 25
Players To Watch
Valley West: WR Tyler Mattis; Valley View: OL Nick Marino
The Skinny: Valley View’s huge win last week pretty much sewed up the No. 1 seed in Class 4A which is something the Cougars had on their checklist after losing the district title on the road the past two seasons. Wyoming Valley West is now playing for 2025 as they try to find some players to move the program forward.
Key Matchup: Valley West linebackers vs. Valley View offensive line
Favorite: Valley View by 30
Nanticoke Trojans (1-7) at Wyoming Area Warriors (7-1)
Jake Sobeski Stadium (Grass), Friday, 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Wyoming Area 38-7-1
Last Meeting: 2023 Wyoming Area 35-13
Last Week: Honeslade 56, Nanticoke 7; Wyoming Area 35, Lake-Lehman 14
Players To Watch
Nanticoke: LB Eugene Gyle; Wyoming Area: K Nick Ciampi
The Skinny: Wyoming Area is another Class 3A team that could move up in the standings if they get some help and continue to win. They have already clinched at least a share of the WVC Division 2 title and should cruise to an outright title this week. Nanticoke wants to stay healthy with a winnable rivalry game Week 1o.
Key Matchup: Nanticoke defensive line vs. Wyoming Area run game
Favorite: Wyoming Area by 35
Lackawanna Trail Lions (7-1) at Holy Cross Crusaders (3-5)
Msgr. Crotti (Grass), Saturday 1pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
District Crossover Game
Series: Lackawanna Trail 16-0
Last Meeting: 2023 Lackawanna Trail 66-0
Last Week: Lackawanna Trail 49, Susquehanna 12; Old Forge 49, Holy Cross 16
Players To Watch
Lackawanna Trail: QB Tyler Jervis; Holy Cross: FB Leland Wudarski
The Skinny: The Lions are on a roll winning six straight game by an average of 29 points margin of victory. They will also try to avoid injuries as they await a showdown for the division next Friday. Holy Cross is playing out the season with no Class 1A berth possible in 2024.
Key Matchup: Lackawanna Trail offensive line vs. Holy Cross linebackers
Favorite: Lackawannna Trail by 38
Col-Mont Vo-Tech Rams (4-4) at Holy Redeemer Royals (0-8)
Spartan Stadium (Turf), Saturday 1pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Holy Redeemer 4-0
Last Meeting: 2017 Holy Redeemer 27-26
Last Week: Hanover Area 56, Col-Mont Vo-Tech 44; Montgomery 55, Holy Reedeemer 0
Players To Watch
Col-Mont Vo-Tech: RB Braxtyn Brown; Holy Redeemer: WR Mike Zbierski
The Skinny: The Royals losing streak is now at 19 and they play a team this week that lost to winless Hanover. Next two weeks aren’t power house opponents for Redeemer.
Key Matchup: Col-Mont Vo-Tech run game vs. Holy Redeemer linebackers
Favorite:Col-Mont Vo-Tech by 33
