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 4
Valley View Cougars (2-1) at Abington Heights Comets (3-0)
Abington Heights Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Valley View 33-20-2
Last Meeting: 2024 Valley View 18-13
Last Week: Wilkes-Barre 16, Valley View 14; Abington Heights 40, Dallas 28
Players To Watch
Valley View: WR Gabe Davis; Abington Heights: QB Nick Bradley
The Skinny: This will be a good measuring stick for Abington who has played Valley View close the past couple seasons, but ended up not winning those games. Keep an eye up front as the Comets have been surprisingly dominant in trenches and they will try to match Cougars who are always strong up front. Valley View’s defense has been outstanding only allowing four offensive touchdowns in three games. Should be a fun game under the lights at Abingt0n Heights High School.
Key Matchup: Abington Heights receivers vs. Valley View secondary
Favorite: Abington Heights by 6
Delaware Valley Warriors (0-3) at Scranton Prep Cavaliers (0-3)
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Delaware Valley 6-5
Last Meeting: 2024 Delaware Valley 28-25
Last Week: Central York 46, Delaware Valley 21; Canisius (NY) 41, Scranton Prep 28
Players To Watch
Delaware Valley: RB Mike Iuzzolino; Scranton Prep: DB A.J. Croom
The Skinny: This game decided the division last year even though it was played in Week 4. If either of these teams want to compete for one this year, this is a must-win. But let’s face it. There will be some urgency as both teams need a win to avoid going 0-4 to start the season. DV’s offense has looked fine, but the defense has been shredded albeit by good competition. Prep finally found some offense last week.
Key Matchup: Scranton Prep offensive line vs. Delaware Valley linebackers
Favorite: Scranton Prep 2
Dallas Mountaineers (0-3) at Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (2-1)
Wolfpack Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Dallas 5-1
Last Meeting: 2024 Dallas 41-33
Last Week: Abington Heights 40, Dallas 28; Wilkes-Barre 16, Valley View 14
Players to Watch
Dallas: RB Hunter Pitcavage; Wilkes-Barre: QB Jake Howe;
The Skinny: Dallas won this game last year to end a three-game losing streak to start the season and hope to repeat that feat. Wilkes-Barre needs this win badly if they want to win the division. The Mounts are two-time defending champions so the Wolfpack can get over a hump from the past two seasons. Dallas offense looked much better last week. And Wilkes-Barre’s defense actually won the game for them last Friday.
Key Matchup: Wilkes-Barre passing game vs. Dallas secondary
Favorite: Wilkes-Barre by 10
Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (2-1) at North Pocono Trojans (3-0)
NP Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division I Game
Series: North Pocono 17-13
Last Meeting: 2024 Wallenpaupack 21-14
Last Week: Wallenpaupack 37, Honesdale 6; North Pocono 48, Wyoming Valley West 0
Players To Watch
Wallenpaupack: DL Christian Gutierrez; North Pocono: LB Evan Wolff
The Skinny: Last season, the Buckhorns shocked the Trojans but don’t expect them to sneak up on them this season. North Pocono is ranked No. 1 and looking like the team to beat in LFC Division I. Wallenpaupack has been impressive running the football the past two game which were wins. Last week, they had three 100-yard rushers.
Key Matchup: North Pocono offensive line vs. Wallenpaupack defensive line
Favorite: North Pocono by 13
Wyoming Area Warriors (3-0) at Lakeland Chiefs (3-0)
Lakeland Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Wyoming Area 4-2
Last Meeting: 2024 Wyoming Area 56-6
Last Week: Wyoming Area 50, Western Wayne 0; Lakeland 33, Riverside 23
Players to Watch
Wyoming Area: QB Jack Gravine; Lakeland: WR Jackson Pochas
The Skinny: This wasn’t even a game last season, but we expect it to be very competitive this Friday at Chapman Lake. The Warriors have numerous offensive weapons while the Chiefs can answer with their skill players. However, Lakeland will have to match Wyoming Area in the trenches. Good quarterback battle as both signal callers, David Naniewicz and Jack Gravine, are off to fast starts.
Key Matchup: Lakeland defensive line vs. Wyoming Area run game
Favorite: Wyoming Area by 7
Dunmore Bucks (2-1) at Lackawanna Trail Lions (2-1)
Lions Pride Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Dunmore 10-5
Last Meeting: 2024 Lackawanna Trail 28-7
Last Week: Dunmore 50, Susquehanna 0; Berwick 33, Lackawanna Trail 12
Players To Watch
Dunmore: FB Brandon Mecca; Lackawanna Trail: OL Lucas Evans
The Skinny: Trail is reeling a little bit after a loss to good Berwick team so it will be time for the Lions to regroup. The Bucks are coming off two blowout wins in which their defense has been dominant and the offense has been full of big plays. The question is can Dunmore do that on the road? Battle of the Wing-T offenses this week at Tunnel Hill
Key Matchup: Lackawanna Trail offensive line vs. Dunmore linebackers
Favorite: Lackawanna Trail by 1
West Scranton Invaders (1-2) at Scranton Knights (1-2)
Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 5pm
LFC Division Crossover Game
Series: Scranton 21-14
Last Meeting: 2024 Scranton 21-0
Last Week: Hazleton 40, West Scranton ; Pocono Mt. East 45, Scranton 0
Players To Watch
West Scranton: QB Jake DeLuca; Scranton: TE Chris Delsantro
The Skinny: The Battle for the Bell has been dominated by Scranton in recent years. West Scranton last won the Bell Game in 2015, defeating Scranton 34–8. Last year, the game was much more competitive than recent years which is expected with rivalry games. Both teams are coming off lopsided losses, so there will be some urgency to play well as they will both head to division play next week.
Key Matchup: Scranton offensive line vs. West Scranton linebackers
Favorite: Scranton by 12
Honesdale Hornets (1-2) at Mid Valley Spartans (1-2)
Spartans Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: Honesdale 13-7
Last Meeting: 2024 Mid Valley 27-14
Last Week: Wallenpaupack 37, Honesdale 6; Mid Valley 42, Old Forge 0
Players To Watch
Honesdale: QB Abe Bryant; Mid Valley: DL Rhys Williams
The Skinny: Mid Valley had an easy time last Friday and it was a relief for Spartan fans as they just didn’t look like the team the first two weeks that we expected . The Spartans hope that win will give them some momentum as they head into division play. Honesdale has struggled the last two weeks, especially on offense with their new Wing-T offense. The roster is very inexperienced and it has showed at times.
Key Matchup: Mid Valley linebackers vs. Honesdale offensive line
Favorite: Mid Valley by 10
Riverside Vikings (2-1) at Lake-Lehman Black Knights (1-2)
Eddie Edwards Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Tied 4-4
Last Meeting: 2024 Lake-Lehman 42-12
Last Week: Lakeland 33, Riverside 23; Lake-Lehman 59, Northwest 0
Players To Watch
Riverside: DB Angel Grande; Lake-Lehman: RB Alex Smith
The Skinny: The Vikings struggled down the stretch last week which brings up the concerns of depth with a small roster. Lehman finally broke through last Friday pitching a shutout and scoring 59 points. This will be a tough game for Riverside to have to travel to the Back Mountain and play in the Black Hole. For the Black Knights, they are hoping they figured some things out last Friday and can pull off the upset at home.
Key Matchup: Lake-Lehman defensive line vs. Riverside offensive line
Favorite: Riverside by 11
Tunkhannock Tigers (1-2) at Nanticoke Trojans (0-3)
Fracnk Chicknoski Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Nanticoke 9-7
Last Meeting: 2024 Nanticoke 14-12
Last Week: Crestwood 46, Tunkhannock 7; Pittston Area 48, Nanticoke 13
Players To Watch
Tunkhannock: OL Cooper Thomas; Nanticoke: RB Jonah Guzman
The Skinny: This was Nanticoke’s only win last season so Tunkhannock is looking for some payback. The Trojans looked much better last week even though they lost their third straight. The Tigers are hoping to win the games they are favored and play better against tougher opponents which so far hasn’t happened.
Key Matchup: Nanticoke defensive line vs. Tunkhannock running game
Favorite: Tunkhannock by 28
Old Forge Blue Devils (0-3) at Hanover Area Hawkeyes (1-2)
Old Forge Veterans Memorial Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Old Forge 7-3
Last Meeting: 2024 Old Forge 42-7
Last Week: Mid Valley 42, Old Forge 0; Hanover Area 47, Holy Cross 0
Players To Watch
Old Forge: WR Chris Rasmus; Hanover Area: RB Dawin Downey;
The Skinny: Old Forge is down. We mean really down. Hanover is on the rise and the offense has looked spectacular the first three weeks. If the Blue Devils are going to stay in this game, they will have to buckle down on defense and hope they can make some plays on offense. Hawkeyes would love a win over a historically great program like Old Forge.
Key Matchups: Hanover Area receivers vs. Old Forge secondary
Favorite: Hanover Area by 15
Holy Redeemer Royals (0-3) at Susquehanna Sabers (0-3)
William Emminger Field (Grass), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Susquehanna 11-0
Last Meeting: 2024 Susquehanna 40-14
Last Week: Carbondale 47, Holy Redeemer 13; Dunmore 50, Susquehanna 0
Players To Watch
Holy Redeemer: WR Mike Zbierski; Susquehanna: QB Gabe Maby
The Skinny: Good news is someone will get a win this week. The Sabers are very young and it as showed the first three weeks. The Royals are still trying to figure things out. This is the annual night game at Susquehanna
Key Matchup: Susquehanna offensive line vs. Holy Redeemer linebackers
Favorite: Susquehanna by 6
Berwick Bulldogs (3-0) at Hazleton Area Cougars (1-2)
Harman-Geist Memorial Field (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division Crossover Game
Series: Berwick 53-28-2
Last Meeting: 2024 Hazleton 27-10
Last Week: Berwick 33, Lackawanna Trail 7; Hazleton Area 40, West Scranton 0
Players To Watch
Berwick: LB Everett Snyder; Hazleton Area: RB Xavier Heck
The Skinny: Berwick is riding high right now and Hazleton finally got their act together last Friday. Both team’s defenses will have to find a way to stop two talented running backs. The Bulldogs want to keep it on the ground. The Cougars are more balanced as they will sling it around the field as well as run the football.
Key Matchup: Hazleton Area linebackers vs. Berwick offensive line
Favorite: Berwick by 13
Crestwood Comets (1-2) at Western Wayne Wildcats (1-2)
Sparkey-Rosetti Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Crestwood 6-3
Last Meeting: 2024 Western Wayne 21-0
Last Week: Crestwood 46, Tunkhannock 7; Wyoming Area 50, Western Wayne 0
Players To Watch
Crestwood: WR Gio Barna; Western Wayne: RB Quinn Swartz
The Skinny: Western Wayne continues to rebuild while Crestwood finally got a win after two close losses. The Comets didn’t score in this game last year, but we thinkg they will put up a lot of points up this time around. Wildcats are looking for a touchdown which they haven’t scored since Week 1
Key Matchup: Western Wayne defensive line vs. Crestwood offensive line
Favorite: Crestwood by 20
Wyoming Valley West Spartans (0-3) at Pittston Area Patriots (2-1)
Charley Trippi Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Wyoming Valley West 31-15
Last Meeting: 2024 Pittston Area 47-7
Last Week: Pittston Area 55, Nanticoke 0; North Pocono 23, Wyoming Valley West 7
Players To Watch
Wyoming Valley West: OL Trevor Ruddy; Pittston Area:RB Jude Ferentino
The Skinny: All that optimism from Week 1, when the Spartans played well, has disappeared. The Patriots are riding high. This is a mismatch on paper. Pittston’s special teams have been a factor the first three weeks.
Key Matchup: Pittston Area offensive line vs. Wyoming Valley West defensive line
Favorite: Pittston Area by 30
Holy Cross Crusaders (1-2) at Carbondale Area Chargers (2-1)
Cerra Sports Complex (Grass), Friday 7pm
LFC Division III Game
Series: Carbondale 15-1
Last Meeting: 2024 Carbondale 28-0
Last Week: Hanover Area 47, Holy Cross 0; Carbondale 47, Holy Redeemer 13
Players to Watch
Holy Cross: QB Caleb Rutkoski; Carbondale: LB Jahquest Kirby
The Skinny: Both these teams will want to run the football. Carbondale has several options while Holy Cross relies on the Wudarski brothers. The Chargers should be able to use their weapons to score a lot of points.
Key Matchup: Holy Cross running backs vs. Carbondale defensive line
Favorite: Carbondale by 22
Morrisville Bulldogs (2-1) at Montrose Meteors (1-2)
Bennett/Mullin Field (Grass),Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Pequea Valley 14, Morrisville 6; Col-Mont Vo-Tech 38, Montrose 12
Players to Watch
Morrisville: QB Merik Johnson; Montrose: WR Evan McComb
The Skinny: First time these two teams are meeting although Morrisville has played some area teams in the state subregionals. Meteors hoping to get better every week.
Key Matchup: Morrisville passing game vs. Montrose secondary
Favorite: Morrisville by 24
