This is the 16th edition of our Five to Watch series presented by Attorney Michael Ossont of the Mattioli Law Firm. There are 32 teams in the WVC and LFC, plus Holy Redeemer, so it’s impossible to recognize every player who may be deserving. The players we do list are either among the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up during the 2026 season for their team. Players will be recognized at only one position, even if they are capable two-way players. For those who don’t make the list, we hope you strive to earn a spot on our postseason lists because those are the ones that really count.
Here are the defensive linemen (Listed alphabetically):
Carter Davies, Sr. – Dunmore
Height: 6-3 Weight 280
Davies has become the cornerstone of Dunmore’s success in the trenches, using his size, strength, and physicality to dominate on both sides of the ball. While his statistics may not jump off the page, his impact is undeniable. Occupying multiple blockers on nearly every snap, Davies allowed his teammates to make plays and served as the anchor of one of the LFC’s top defensive units.A true run-stuffer in the middle of the defense, Davies carries on Dunmore’s long tradition of physical, hard-nosed linemen. His ability to control the line of scrimmage, clog running lanes, and disrupt opposing offenses makes him one of the most valuable defensive linemen in the conference, even when his contributions don’t always show up in the box score. Davies is just as important on the offensive side of the ball, where he returns as a starting offensive lineman after helping power the Bucks’ rushing attack. His toughness, technique, and consistency earned him LFC Division II First Team honors on the offensive line last season. Entering the new year, Davies will once again be one of Dunmore’s leaders and one of the premier two-way linemen in District 2.
Davies Highlights
Bobby MacDowell, Jr. – Honesdale
Height: 6-2 Weight 260
MacDowell emerged as one of the LFC’s top young linemen with a breakout sophomore campaign and enters his junior season with high expectations on both sides of the ball. A physical, technically sound player, MacDowell has already established himself as one of the league’s premier returning two-way linemen and is expected to take on an even larger role this fall. Defensively, MacDowell made his biggest impact from the defensive tackle position, recording 48 tackles and six tackles-for-loss. His greatest asset is his quick, powerful hands, which allow him to disengage from blockers, penetrate the line of scrimmage, and consistently find the football. His combination of strength, leverage, and relentless effort makes him a disruptive force in the middle of the defense. MacDowell also proved to be a dependable contributor on the offensive line, using his physicality and technique to help establish the run game and protect the quarterback. His all-around performance earned him LFC Division II Honorable Mention honors on the defensive line last season, and he enters 2026 as one of the conference’s top rising stars in the trenches.
MacDowell Highlights
Mason Mitchell, Sr. – Valley View
Height: 6-0 Weight 225
Mitchell may not be the biggest defensive lineman on the field, but few players play with a higher motor or greater determination. The Valley View standout was the Cougars’ most productive playmaker along the defensive front last season, consistently making his presence felt with relentless effort and outstanding pursuit. Mitchell finished the year with 75 tackles, including five tackles-for-loss, numbers that reflect his ability to find the football regardless of where the play develops. His quickness, athleticism, and nonstop energy regularly showed up on film, as he chased down ball carriers from sideline to sideline and refused to quit on any play. His instinctive feel for the game and nose for the football allow him to overcome any size disadvantage. Entering the new season, Mitchell once again projects to be the leader of Valley View’s defensive line. His toughness, work ethic, and relentless style of play make him one of the most disruptive defenders in the LFC and a player opposing offenses must account for on every snap.
Mitchell Highlights
Elijah Myers, Jr. – Scranton Prep
Height: 6-1 Weight 225
@Elijah_Myers18
Myers enters his third season as a starter after emerging as one of the premier defensive linemen in District 2 during a breakout 2025 campaign. Using his long frame, outstanding athleticism, and relentless motor, Myers became a disruptive force in the trenches, finishing the season with 73 tackles, including 11 tackles-for-loss, while adding four sacks and five forced fumbles. His ability to penetrate the backfield, create turnovers, and make plays all over the field makes him one of the most complete defensive linemen in the LFC. Whether stopping the run or pressuring the quarterback, Myers consistently impacts games with his combination of size, quickness, and physicality. Myers is equally valuable on the offensive side of the ball, where he played a key role in helping Scranton Prep’s dominant rushing attack capture another District 2 championship. His toughness and consistency in the trenches make him one of the area’s top returning two-way linemen. For his outstanding sophomore season, Myers earned LFC Division I First Team honors on the defensive line and Honorable Mention recognition on the offensive line. With another year of experience, he enters 2026 as one of the Cavaliers’ leaders and one of the top two-way linemen in District 2.
Myers Highlights
Nic Saracino, Sr. – Wilkes-Barre
Height: 6-3 Weight 245
Saracino enters his senior season as the leader of Wilkes-Barre’s defense and one of the most accomplished defensive linemen in the Wyoming Valley Conference. A four-year starter at defensive end, Saracino has built a reputation for relentless effort, physical play, and the ability to disrupt opposing offenses in a variety of ways. Last season, he recorded 76 tackles, including 10 tackles-for-loss, while adding five sacks and six quarterback hurries. His ability to chase down ball carriers from the backside and consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks makes him one of the most complete edge defenders in the area. With his experience and leadership, Saracino will once again be the cornerstone of the Wolfpack’s defensive front. Saracino also plays an important role on offense as a tight end. An outstanding blocker, he helps set the tone in the running game while providing a reliable target in the passing attack. Last season, he caught 23 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns, proving he can make an impact beyond the line of scrimmage. For his outstanding junior campaign, Saracino earned WVC Division I First Team honors on the defensive line and Honorable Mention recognition at tight end. As a senior, he will once again be one of the Wolfpack’s top two-way performers and a key piece in their pursuit of another successful season.
Saracino Highlights
SLEEPER
Zach Koval, Sr. – Lake-Lehman
Height: 6-0 Weight 260
@zachkoval75
Koval enters the season as one of the key leaders in Lake-Lehman’s quest to reestablish its physical identity in the trenches. A returning starter at center, Koval has developed into a dependable presence on the offensive line, combining toughness, intelligence, and sound technique to anchor the Black Knights’ front. A physical run blocker, Koval excels at creating movement at the point of attack while also displaying the footwork and fundamentals needed to protect the quarterback in pass protection. As Lake-Lehman looks to return its rushing attack to the level that made the Black Knights perennial WVC contenders, Koval’s leadership and consistency will be essential to that success. His impact isn’t expected to be limited to offense. Koval has the ability to make a difference on both sides of the ball, bringing the same physical style of play and toughness to the defensive line. As one of the team’s veteran leaders, he has the opportunity to set the tone in the trenches and help lead Lake-Lehman back into conference contention.
Koval Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Niko Bowers, Sr – Wallenpaupack – Highlights | Twitter
Cooper Castellano, Sr. – Lackawann Trail – Highlights
Holden Halpin, Jr. – Crestwood – Highlights
Daris McCollum, Sr. – Scranton – Highlights
Exavier Pelton, Jr. – Riverside – Highlights | Twitter
Michael Seltzer, Sr. – Delaware Valley – Highlights
