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 linebackers (Listed alphabetically):
Vinny Baldini, Sr. – Western Wayne
Height: 5-8 Weight 210
@vinny_baldini
Baldini was the heart and soul of the Wildcats defense last season playing the middle linebacker spot. He had 107 tackles including six tackles-for-loss last season. He added a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery to his resume. Baldini is tough inside and gets good leverage when being blocked by offensive lineman. He will also show his team-first mentality moving to the offensive line this year as the Wildcats lost all five starters up front. Baldini was named an LFC Division II Honorable Mention linebacker in 2o24.
Baldini Highlights
Andrew Dempsey, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Height: 5-10 Weight 210
The Cavaliers continue to produce all-star linebackers year after year and they think Dempsey could be the next one in line. His physical play stood out last season when he recorded 96 tackles including six tackles for loss for one of the best defenses in the LFC. Now, he will be the one of the leaders of a defensive unit that lost a bunch of starters to graduation.
Dempsey Highlights
Justin Estevez, Sr. – Delaware Valley
Height: 6-0 Weight 215
@Justin_Est34
The Warriors continue to churn out quality linebackers and this year Estevez takes center stage. Last season, he recorded 111 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a fumble recovery. Estevez is quick to the football and is able to make plays because of his athleticism. He also is returning at fullback on the offensive side of the ball where he rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns last season. His blocking led the way for a 1,000 yard rusher. Estevez was named an LFC Division I First Team linebacker and Honorable Mention fullback in 2024.
Estevez Highlights
Colin Owens, Sr. – Lackawanna Trail
Height: 6-1 Weight 230
@ColinOwens07
The Trail offense gets a lot of the spotlight, but their defense is good every year and one reason is because of their linebacker play. Owens returns as a starter at inside linebacker and will be one of the leaders for the Lions defense. Last season, he recorded 41 tackles including four tackles-for-loss and a sack. Owens will also return as a starting offensive lineman again this season and will be one of the most important players on both sides of the ball for the defending district champs.
Owens Highlights
Jeffrey Wasilchak, Jr. – Valley View
Height: 6-0 Weight 215
@JeffreyWaz20
Wasilchak was under the radar last season because of a senior-led defense, but he was an outstanding tackler and leader as a sophomore in 2024. He is the only returning starter in the Cougars back seven of the defense and will be expected to take on even bigger role for the defending district champs. Last year, he recorded 107 tackles including five tackles for loss. Wasilchak was named an LFC Division I Second Team linebacker last season.
Wasilchak Highlights
SLEEPER
Emmett Seyer, Sr. – Crestwood
Height: 5-8 Weight 175
The Comets have some big shoes to fill on defense and Seyer is expected to be one of the leaders on that side of the ball for the 2025 season. A three-year starter that plays like he is fighting for his job every day, he is a calming voice who has been through it all for the Crestwood defense. He recorded 33 tackles last season and the Comets expect him to be a bigger playmaker from the edge this year..
Seyer Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Logan Caruso, Sr. – Wallenpaupack – Highlights | Twitter
Jack Gravine, Jr. – Wyoming Area – Highlights | Twitter
Jon Mrozik, Sr. – Scranton – Highlights | Twitter
Charlie Probst, Sr. – Honesdale – Highlights
Madden Sandly, Sr. – Riverside – Highlights | Twitter
