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
Delaware Valley Warriors (4-4) at North Pocono Trojans (8-0)
NP Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Delaware Valley 19-8
Last Meeting: 2024 Delaware Valley 38-26
Last Week: Delaware Valley 41, Valley View 0; North Pocono 37, Scranton 14
Players To Watch
Delaware Valley: QB Colin McGarvey; North Pocono: WR Cole West
The Skinny: The first place Trojans versus the preseason favorite Warriors. Doesn’t get much better than this. Delaware Valley has won four straight after their typical slow start while North Pocono is unbeaten. The key will be big plays which both teams are very capable of. First place on the line in LFC Division I.
Key Matchup: North Pocono offensive line vs. Delaware Valley linebackers
Favorite: North Pocono by 6
Hanover Area Hawkeyes (4-4) at Lake-Lehman Black Knights (4-4)
Eddie Edwards Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Lake-Lehman 34-23
Last Meeting: 2024 Lake-Lehman 48-6
Last Week: Hanover Area 63, Col-Mont Vo-Tech 0; Wyoming Area 26, Lake-Lehman 13
Players To Watch
Hanover Area: RB Dewayne Downey; Lake-Lehman: RB Jaydon Skipalis
The Skinny: With the change to District 2 Class 3A qualifiers, the team that wins this one has an inside track to a playoff spot while the loser will probably be eliminated. Basically a playoff game in Week 9. Hanover can make a statement that they are back while Lehman tries to show everyone they are a contender. A great game with meaning which has been rare this season.
Key Matchup: Lake-Lehman offensive line vs. Hanover Area defensive line
Favorite: Lake-Lehman by 10
Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (5-3) at Crestwood Comets (4-4)
Crestwood Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Tied 2-2
Last Meeting: 2024 Wilkes-Barre 21-14
Last Week: Wilkes-Barre 49, Valley West 0; Dallas 7, Crestwood 0
Players to Watch
Wilkes-Barre: DL Nick Saracino; Crestwood: RB Jacob Jeckell
The Skinny: The Wolfpack need a win to hold on to the No. 1 seed and make their Week 10 game meaningless. The Comets have beaten the teams they are supposed to beat and have lost to the teams they are supposed to lose to. Even though Crestwood is at home, they are a slight underdog and can get their best win of the season.
Key Matchup: Crestwood secondary vs. Wilkes-Barre passing game
Favorite: Wilkes-Barre by 3
Pittston Area Patriots (7-1) at Wallenpaupack Buckhorns (3-5)
Wallenpaupack Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Pittston Area 3-2
Last Meeting: 2024 Wallenpaupack 22-10
Last Week: Pittston Area 49, Hazleton 13; Abington Heights 31, Wallenpaupack 14
Players To Watch
Pittston: DL Gunnar Zaledonis; Wallenpaupack: LB Logan Caruso
The Skinny: This could be a trap game for Pittston Area. After an emotional win last week to win the WVC Division 1 title and their rivalry game next Friday, they have to be careful not to overlook Paupack. Always a tough trip for anyone to the Big Lake and the Buckhorns have been scrappy all season long.
Key Matchups: Wallenpaupack linebackers vs. Pittston Area offensive line
Favorite: Pittston Area by 13
Dunmore Bucks (5-3) at Honesdale Hornets (3-5)
Hornet Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division II Game
Series: Dunmore 15-3
Last Meeting: 2024 Honesdale 49-20
Last Week: Dunmore 42, West Scranton 7; Honesdale 56, Nanticoke 21
Players to Watch
Dunmore: LB Xavier Burke; Honesdale: RB Kobe White
The Skinny: Honesdale has found some late season momentum, but they will have to bring their A game to beat Dunmore. The Bucks have won back-to-back games and want to keep the momentum going into the postseason. They will have to be road warriors as their home schedule is complete and will probably be the visiting teams in the playoffs.
Key Matchup: Honesdale offensive line vs. Dunmore linebackers
Favorite: Dunmore by 14
Dallas Mountaineers (3-5) at Hazleton Area Cougars (1-7)
Harman-Geist Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
WVC Division 1 Game
Series: Dallas 7-6
Last Meeting: 2024 Dallas 48-12
Last Week: Dallas 7, Crestwood 0; Pittston Area 49, Hazleton Area 13
Players To Watch
Dallas: DB Logan Geskey; Hazleton: LB Ashton Karlick
The Skinny: Dallas in a close game? It seems the trend. The Mountaineers are playing the last two weeks for their playoff lives and a home game in the playoffs is not out of the question if they win both games. Hazleton continues to struggle with injuires and inexperience so they are hoping they can keep the Dallas’ MO of close games.
Key Matchup: Hazleton secondary vs. Dallas wide receivers
Favorite: Dallas by 16
Old Forge Blue Devils (2-6) at Riverside Vikings (7-1)
Riverside Veterans Memorial Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division III Game
Series: Old Forge 42-33-4
Last Meeting: 2024 Riverside 28-6
Last Week: Old Forge 20, Holy Cross 6; Riverside 55, Carbondale 7
Players To Watch
Old Forge: QB Robby Solfanelli; Riverside: WR Jared Jackson
The Skinny: So the Vikings are a big favorite, but this game always is special. Last season, the Devils played their best game of the season to hang around with Riverside. So, yes cliche time. Throw out the records and expect an emotional game, especially with Old Forge playing better the last couple weeks.
Key Matchup: Riverside offensive line vs. Old Forge defensive line
Favorite: Riverside by 21
Scranton Knights (2-6) at Abington Heights Comets (6-2)
Abington Heights Turf Field (Turf), Thursday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division I Game
Series: Abington Heights 22-13-1
Last Meeting: 2024 Abington Heights 42-21
Last Week: North Pocono 37, Scranton 14; Abington Heights 31, Wallenpaupack 14
Players to Watch
Scranton: WR Sterling Kamani; Abington Heights: RB Jaydin Anglin
The Skinny: Scranton continues to spiral with problems and injuries on both sides of the ball. The Comets are trying to hold on to the No. 2 seed in Class 5A. Special Thursday night football edition in District 2 so this game will get a lot of attention.
Key Matchup: Abington Heights run game vs. Scranton defensive line
Favorite: Abington Heights by 20
Jersey Shore Bulldogs (6-2) at Scranton Prep Cavaliers (4-4)
Dunmore Veterans Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Scranton Prep 1-0
Last Meeting: Scranton Prep 27-19
Last Week: Jersey Shore 44, Penn Wood 0; Scranton Prep 35, Mid Valley 0
Players To Watch
Scranton Prep: RB Anthony Prince; Jersey Shore: WR Carson Watkins
The Skinny: This game was a war between two powers in their respective districts last season. However, the Cavaliers are all of the sudden fighting for their playoff lives. With their next two game against teams with a combined 14-2 record, Prep might be left put of the postseason if they lose both.
Key Matchup: Scranton Prep offensive line vs. Jersey Shore linebackers
Favorite: Scranton Prep by 7
Western Wayne Wildcats (2-6) at Mid Valley Spartans (3-5)
Spartans Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm
LFC Division II Game
Series: Mid Valley 21-7
Last Meeting: 2024 Mid Valley 22-10
Last Week: Lakeland 40, Western Wayne 14; Scranton Prep 35, Mid Valley 0
Players To Watch
Western Wayne: QB Jake Grodack; Mid Valley: RB Mason Vinansky
The Skinny: This was for the league title last year and Mid Valley got a win and two teams ended up sharing the championship. Now, these teams would like to finish the season strong as both will probably not make the district playoffs. A win for the Spartans could possibly put them in line for an Eastern Confernce spot.
Key Matchup: Mid Valley run game vs. Western Wayne defensive line
Favorite: Mid Valley by 17
Lakeland Chiefs (7-1) at West Scranton Invaders (2-6)
Scranton Memorial Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
LFC Division II Game
Series: Lakeland 15-12
Last Meeting: 2024 Lakeland 25-18
Last Week: Lakeland 40, Western Wayne 14; Dunmore 42, West Scranton 7
Players To Watch
Lakeland: LB Caden Cuozzo; West Scranton: WR Quincy Mosley
The Skinny: Lakeland can clinch a tie for the division title with a win this week and solidfy their No. 1 seed in Class 2A. The Invaders still have an outside chance at qualifying for the Class 5A playoffs if they can win one of their last two games.
Key Matchup: West Scranton secondary vs. Lakeland passing game
Favorite: Lakeland by 23
Selinsgrove Seals (2-6) at Berwick Bulldogs (8-0)
Crispin Field (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
District Crossover Game
Series: Berwick 20-15
Last Meeting: 2024 Selinsgrove 38-20
Last Week: Hollidaysburg 42, Selinsgrove 14 ; Berwick 63, Williamsport 19
Players To Watch
Selinsgrove: RB Brett Rice; Berwick: QB Brady Cleaver
The Skinny: This game is usually a very competitive contest, but Selinsgrove is down this season and Berwick might be one of the best Class 3A teams in the state. Dawgs will ride Ty’Meere Wilkerson again, who broke his own single-game school rushing record last Friday with 390 yards.
Key Matchups: Berwick offensive line vs. Selinsgrove linebackers
Favorite: Berwick by 21
Valley View Cougars (4-4) at Wyoming Valley West Spartans (1-7)
Spartan Stadium (Turf), Friday 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Valley View 2-0
Last Meeting: 2024 Valley View 35-10
Last Week: Delaware Valley 41, Valley View 0; Wilkes-Barre 49, Valley West 0
Players To Watch
Valley View: WR Colin Witkowski; Valley West: WR John Richards
The Skinny: Cougars have lost two straight and it hasn’t been pretty. They want to try to right the ship as they are still sitting in the No. 2 spot in Class 4A and try to get that rematch with North Pocono later in the postseason. Wyoming Valley West was without QB Damian Eastman last week and need him back if they want to pull an upset.
Key Matchup: Valley West wide receivers vs. Valley View secondary
Favorite: Valley View by 13
Tunkhannock Tigers (3-5) at Towanda Black Knights (2-6)
Endless Mountains Sports Complex (Turf), Friday 7pm
Conference Crossover Game
Series: Towanda 26-17-1
Last Meeting: 2024 Towanda 28-3
Last Week: Tunkhannock 15, Montrose 10; Towanda 43, Sayre 14
Players To Watch
Tunkhannock: QB Zach Latwinski; Towanda: RB Reese Sluyter
The Skinny: Towanda has dominated the last two meetings, but the Black Knights are struggling this season. Good spot for the Tigers to get their fourth win of the season, but will have to do it on the road.
Key Matchup: Towanda defensive line vs. Tunkhannock offensive line
Favorite: Tunkhannock by 6
Carbondale Area (4-4) at Susquehanna Sabers (0-8)
William Emminger Memorial Field (Grass), Saturday 1pm
LFC Division III Game
Series: Carbondale 31-25-1
Last Meeting: 2024 Carbondale 22-12
Last Week: Riverside 55, Carbondale 7; Lackawanna Trail 54, Susquehanna 14
Players To Watch
Carbondale: RB Caedon Voglino; Susquehanna: DB Mason Keyes
The Skinny: Carbondale got bad news this week with the elimination of four spots in Class 3A. They still have a chance to get in as they will be favored in their last two games, but the playoff points are not in their favor. The Chargers can also still get into the Eastern Conference. Susquehanna has two games left to get their first win.
Key Matchup: Susquehanna option vs. Carbondale defensive line
Favorite: Carbondale by 22
Wyoming Area Warriors (7-1) at Nanticoke Trojans (0-8)
Frank Chicknoski Stadium (Turf), Friday, 7pm – Media: NEPAFootball.com
WVC Division 2 Game
Series: Wyoming Area 39-7-1
Last Meeting: 2024 Wyoming Area 50-0
Last Week: Wyoming Area 28, Lake-Lehman 0; Honesdale 56, Nanticoke 21
Players To Watch
Wyoming Area: RB Trustin Johnson; Nanticoke: QB Ian Walsh
The Skinny: The good news is Wyoming Area should be able to get their starters out quick in this one and stay healthy for next week’s rivalry game. The Trojans are a work in progress, but a win this season is probably not going to happen.
Key Matchup: Nanticoke defensive line vs. Wyoming Area run game
Favorite: Wyoming Area by 35
Holy Cross Crusaders (3-5) at Lackawanna Trail Lions (7-1)
Lion Pride Stadium (Grass), Friday 7pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Lackawanna Trail 17-0
Last Meeting: 2024 Lackawanna Trail 56-13
Last Week: ; Old Forge 20, Holy Cross 6; Lackawanna Trail 54, Susquehanna 14
Players To Watch
Holy Cross: FB Leland Wudarski; Lackawanna Trail: DL Anthony Paolucci
The Skinny: The Crusaders’ loss last week will probably keep them out of the district subregional, but Eastern Conference still a possibility. Trail is on cruise control with eyes on Week 10 for the division title.
Key Matchup: Lackawanna Trail offensive line vs. Holy Cross defensive line
Favorite: Lackawannna Trail by 30
Holy Redeemer Royals (1-7) at Col-Mont Vo-Tech Rams (3-5)
Vo Tech Stadium (Grass), Saturday 1pm
District Crossover Game
Series: Holy Redeemer 4-1
Last Meeting: 2024 Col-Mont Vo-Tech 46-14
Last Week: Montgomery 57, Holy Redeemer 6; Hanover Area 63, Col-Mont Vo-Tech 0
Players To Watch
Holy Redeemer: WR Mike Zbierski; Col-Mont Vo-Tech: WR Blake Sponenberg
The Skinny: The Royals have a good chance for their second win of the season as Col-Mont Vo-Tech had to play last week with only 15 players. Redeemer could have a big offensive afternoon.
Key Matchup: Col-Mont Vo-Tech secondary vs. Holy Redeemer passing game
Favorite: Holy Redeemer by 21
Montrose Meteors (2-6) at Renaissance Academy Knights (0-8)
Great Valley Stadium (Turf), Saturday 1pm
District Crossover Game
Series: First Meeting
Last Week: Tunkhannock 15, Montrose 0; York County Tech 40, Renaissance 6
Players To Watch
Montrose: RB Nathaniel Thurman; Renaissance: WR Zion Christie
The Skinny: A three win season for Montrose? That’s a possibility and big step up for a program that was on the brink of being shut down in recent years. Meteors are the favorite against winless Renaissance.
Key Matchup: Montrose offensive line vs. Renaissance linebackers
Favorite: Montrose by 14
