This is the 15th anniversary edition of our Five To Watch series presented by Realtor Judith Cipriani of ERA One Source Realty. There are 32 teams in the WVC and LFC plus Holy Redeemer and Montrose so it’s impossible to recognize every single player who might be deserving. The players we do list are some of the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up in 2025 for their team. Players will be recognized at only one position, even if they are capable two-way players. For players who don’t make the list, we hope you strive to make our lists at the end of the season because they are the ones that really count.
Here are the athletes (Listed alphabetically):
Lucas Lo Presto, Jr. – Pittston Area
Height: 5-10 Weight 175
@lucaslop46
The Patriots are building on a young group of players that now have experience on their resume and Lopresto is a leader on both sides of the ball. On offense, he had 34 receptions for 483 yards and six touchdown receptions. He added 63 yards in rushing and with a new coaching staff, his usage in the run game could increase. Lopresto also added three special teams returns for touchdowns. He will also be a three-year starter at cornerback on defense. Lopresto was named a WVC Division 1 First Team athlete in 2024.
Lopresto highlights
Andrew Lupinski, Sr. – Tunkhannock
Height: 6-2 Weight 185
@A_Lupinski2026
If the Tigers are going to compete in the division, they will have to find more offense and Lupinski could be the player they ride to achieve that goal. Last season, he played football for the first time and showed signs he could be a factor for Tunkhannock. He ran the ball 36 times for 170 yards while catching 19 passes for 336 yards. He also scored eight total touchdowns including a kickoff return and punt return for a score. Lupinski was named a WVC Division 2 Honorable Mention wide receiver last season.
Lupinski Highlights
Will McPartland, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Height: 6-1 Weight 190
@Wmcpartlandfb
McPartland is one of the top returning players in the LFC, however when he returns is a big question for the Cavaliers. He tore his ACL in Prep’s last game of last season so the date he hits the field again will be watched carefully. McPartland rushed for 1,026 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 306 yards. McPartland was expected to be the quarterback for the Cavs, but it will be a wait-and-see as we don’t expect to see him ready for the season opener. Defensively, he was one of the best defensive backs in District 2 last season so as you might expect, Scranton Prep will be anxious to get him back. McPartland was an LFC Division I First Team running back and defensive back and an All-District 2 defensive back in 2024.
McPartland Highlights
Braydon Rose, Jr. – Riverside
Height: 6-4 Weight 170
@BraydenRose_1
When Rose gets off the bus, you notice him immediately. He looks like an athlete. And plays like one, too. Rose is an excellent basketball player and won a district long jump title in track and field last year. On the gridiron, he caught 19 passes for 329 yards and four touchdowns. He will be the top returning receiver for the Vikings. However, Rose could also end up changing positions for his junior season and end up being the new Riverside quarterback. Either way, he will have a major impact on the Vikes offense.
Rose Highlights
Da’von Underwood, Sr. – Wilkes-Barre
Height: 5-8 Weight 148
@primetime_dae
Playmaker is a great description of Underwood. Don’t be fooled by his size, because if you pause to notice, he will run right by you. Underwood was an incredible offensive weapon for the Wolfpack last season. He led the team in rushing with 711 yards and 10 touchdowns and added 38 catches for 537 yards and an additional seven touchdowns. Wilkes-Barre will also use that speed and quickness on the defensive side of the ball as he plays defensive back. Underwood was named a WVC Division 1 First Team running back last season.
Underwood Highlights
SLEEPER
Gio Barna, Sr. – Crestwood
Height: 6-0 Weight 170
@Gio_barna
The Comets will continue to run their version of the Single Wing and why not – it has been successful. What it does allow them to do is use many different players in the different roles and positions and that’s where Barna will be utilized. He will line up all over the field. Last year, he rushed for 232 yards, caught six passes for 147 yards and totaled seven offensive touchdowns. Barna also had a pick-six on defense.
Barna Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Chris Julian, Sr. – Nanticoke – Highlights
Max Kuwaye, Jr. – Montrose – Highlights
Rocco Spataro, So. – Lakeland – Highlights |Twitter
Caedon Voglino, Jr. – Carbondale – Highlights |Twitter
Weston Yannone, Jr. – Dunmore – Highlights |Twitter
Chris Yetter, Sr. – Lake-Lehman – Highlights
