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 fullbacks (listed alphabetically):
Dylan Bannon, Sr. – Delaware Valley
Height: 6-0 Weight 215
The fullback has become a vital position in Delaware Valley’s offense, serving as both a physical ball carrier and a key blocker in the Warriors’ rushing attack. Bannon was expected to play a significant offensive role last season, but injuries limited his opportunities throughout the year. Now healthy, the senior is set to step into the starting fullback role and is expected to be a major part of the offense. Bannon brings a physical, hard-nosed running style that fits Delaware Valley’s identity and should provide a dependable presence in both the running and blocking game. Defensively, Bannon is already a proven performer. He returns as a starting linebacker after recording 61 tackles last season, earning LFC Division I Honorable Mention honors. His leadership and physical play on both sides of the ball make him one of Delaware Valley’s most important returning players heading into his senior campaign.
Bannon Highlights
Matthew Bealla, Sr. – Crestwood
Height: 5-8 Weight 220
Bealla returns as the starting fullback in Crestwood’s physical single-wing offense, where his toughness and unselfishness make him an invaluable piece of the Comets’ attack. Last season, the converted lineman carried the ball 38 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns, embracing the demanding role of doing whatever the team needed to be successful. A returning team captain, Bealla is the type of player every coach wants in the locker room. His willingness to play through adversity, sacrifice for his teammates, and handle the dirty work sets the tone for the entire team. While his contributions on offense often come through hard-earned yards and punishing blocks, his impact extends well beyond the stat sheet. Defensively, Bealla is expected to be one of Crestwood’s leaders at linebacker, where his physicality, toughness, and football instincts anchor the defense. With his leadership both on and off the field, he is poised to play an even larger role in guiding the Comets throughout the season.
Bealla Highlights
Gabe Duda, Sr. – Honesdale
Height: 5-10 Weight 190
@DudaGabe3655
Few players meant more to their team last season than Gabe Duda did for Honesdale. The junior was the Hornets’ most valuable player, rarely leaving the field while making a major impact in all three phases of the game. In Honesdale’s Wing-T offense, Duda carried the ball 165 times for 1,285 yards and 18 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the area’s premier power runners. Duda thrives on contact, consistently breaking tackles and extending runs with his strength, balance, and determination. His physical running style makes him difficult to bring down, and he enters his senior season poised for an even bigger year as the focal point of the Hornets’ offense. His value extends far beyond offense. At linebacker, Duda recorded 67 tackles, including three tackles-for-loss, while serving as one of the leaders of Honesdale’s defense. On special teams, he was equally dangerous, returning three kicks for touchdowns while averaging 42 yards per punt. His outstanding all-around play earned him LFC Division II First Team honors at fullback and Honorable Mention recognition at linebacker in 2025.
Duda Highlights
Carter Edwards, Jr. – Lackawanna Trail
Height: 5-10 Weight 190
The fullback remains the engine of Lackawanna Trail’s Wing-T offense, and the Lions are well-positioned at the position with the return of Edwards. As a sophomore, he emerged as a dependable and physical runner, carrying the ball 67 times for 448 yards and two touchdowns while playing a key role in powering the LFC’s top rushing attack. Edwards’ impact extends well beyond the numbers. His toughness as both a runner and blocker helps set the tone for the Lions’ offense, consistently creating opportunities for those around him while proving he can pick up the hard yards when called upon. With another year of experience, the junior is expected to take on an even larger role in the offense. Defensively, Edwards returns as a starting inside linebacker after recording 35 tackles last season. Edwards earned LFC Division III First Team honors at fullback.
Edwards Highlights
Brandon Mecca, Jr. – Dunmore
Height: 6-2 Weight 220
@brandonmecca28
Brandon Mecca returns as the starting fullback after playing a pivotal role in Dunmore’s offense last season. A physical, downhill runner, Mecca carried the ball 64 times for 438 yards, averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. His combination of size, strength, and toughness also made him one of the Bucks’ most effective blockers, helping pave the way for Dunmore’s rushing attack. While his offensive contributions are significant, Mecca’s biggest impact may come on the defensive side of the ball. From his inside linebacker position, he recorded 97 tackles. His physicality, instincts, and relentless motor make him a leader in the middle of the Bucks’ defense. Mecca earned LFC Division II Honorable Mention honors at fullback following his strong junior campaign and enters the season as one of Dunmore’s top two-way performers.
Mecca Highlights
SLEEPER
Cole Balderas, Sr. – Carbondale Area
Height: 5-8 Weight 195
With one of the more talented retunring backfields in the LFC, Carbondale will once again count on Cole Balderas to be a key piece of its offensive success. Returning at fullback, Balderas rushed 53 times for 332 yards and three touchdowns last season, providing the Chargers with a physical presence capable of grinding out tough yards while helping open running lanes for the rest of the backfield. Balderas’ value extends beyond his offensive production. He is expected to be one of the leaders of Carbondale’s defense from his linebacker position, bringing toughness, experience, and a physical style of play to the middle of the field.
Balderas Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Max Fisakov, Jr. – Wallenpaupack – Highlights
Aiden Gilmore, Jr. – Wilkes-Barre – Highlights |Twitter
Keith Gregory, So. – Montrose – Highlights
Jaxson Johnson, Sr. – Hazleton Area – Highlights
Finn Mulligan, Sr. – Scranton Prep – Highlights
