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 linebackers (Listed alphabetically):
Xavier Burke, Sr. – Dunmore
Height: 6-2 Weight 210
@XavierBurk70302
Burke anchored Dunmore’s defense in 2025 with relentless energy and consistent production. He accumulated 101 total tackles over the season, regularly filling gaps and making tackles close to the line of scrimmage. His 10 tackles for loss demonstrated his readiness to penetrate the backfield and disrupt opponent offense. While he didn’t record a sack, Burke delivered impact plays elsewhere — grabbing two interceptions and forcing two fumbles, creating multiple turnover opportunities for the Greyhounds. As a versatile defensive back/linebacker-type presence, he combined tackling, ball skills and physicality to patrol the middle of the field and rally teammates. Burke’s reliability and playmaking significantly strengthened Dunmore’s defense throughout 2025. Burke was named an LFC Division II Defense Player of the Year and First Team linebacker in 2o25.
Burke Highlights
Braedon McPartland, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Height: 5-9 Weight 165
@BraedonMcplax
McPartland exploded on the scene last year as the Cavaliers best defensive player. He ended the season with 116 tackles and 13 tackles-for-loss. His speed and quickness were evident as he was a ball hawk that made plays consistently for Prep. He was always around the football and made plays that most players would not be able to. McPartland was also used on offense in many different roles. He accounted for 1,057 yards from scrimmage and scored eight offensive touchdowns. McPartland was named an LFC Division I First Team linebacker and Second Team athlete in 2025.
McPartland Highlights
Chance Radzewicz, Sr. – Pittston Area
Height: 6-1 Weight 195
@ChanceRadzewicz
Radzewicz played a key role in Pittston Area’s defensive resurgence last season, helping the Patriots field one of their best defenses in years. Now entering a larger leadership role, the returning inside linebacker will be counted on to anchor a unit that must replace a talented senior class from last year’s WVC Division 1 championship team. A physical, instinctive linebacker, Radzewicz has a knack for finding the football and making plays in critical moments. His performance at the end of last season demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion, as he led the Patriots in tackles against both Wyoming Area and Delaware Valley in the playoffs. Those efforts showed he is ready to assume an even greater responsibility in the heart of the defense. With his experience, toughness, and football IQ, Radzewicz is expected to become the leader of Pittston Area’s linebacker corps and one of the foundation pieces of the Patriots’ defense.
Radzewicz Highlights
Jayden Taylor, Sr. – North Pocono
Height: 5-9 Weight 205
@jaydentaylor233
Taylor may have flown under the radar last season, but he was one of the biggest reasons North Pocono captured both the LFC Division I and District 2 championships. While several of his teammates earned much of the recognition, Taylor quietly anchored the Trojans’ defense with his toughness, consistency, and ability to make timely plays. The inside linebacker finished the season with 64 tackles, including three tackles-for-loss, using his quickness, instincts, and relentless pursuit to consistently find the football. Whether stopping the run or cleaning up plays from sideline to sideline, Taylor proved to be a dependable force in the middle of one of the area’s top defenses. His versatility also became invaluable on offense. Forced into a larger role because of injuries, Taylor responded by rushing for 507 yards and six touchdowns, providing North Pocono with another physical and reliable option in the backfield. His willingness to step into any role highlighted his team-first mentality and overall value to the Trojans.With North Pocono looking to defend both its league and district titles, Taylor’s leadership and production on both sides of the ball will once again be essential. Expect him to continue to be one of the Trojans’ most dependable two-way performers and a key piece of another championship pursuit.
Taylor Highlights
Jeffrey Wasilchak, Sr. – Valley View
Height: 6-0 Weight 215
@JeffreyWaz20
Wasilchak emerged as the heartbeat of Valley View’s defense last season, carrying on the Cougars’ tradition of outstanding linebackers with a physical, old-school style of play. A relentless competitor, Wasilchak led the team with 107 tackles, consistently flying to the football and setting the tone against the run. While his toughness between the tackles is his trademark, Wasilchak also demonstrated the athleticism to be effective in pass coverage, making plays on the ball and proving to be a complete three-down linebacker. His instincts, leadership, and physicality make him one of the premier defensive players in the LFC and the unquestioned leader of the Cougars’ defense entering the season. Wasilchak also made valuable contributions on offense, lining up at both fullback and tailback. He rushed for 369 yards and four touchdowns, providing Valley View with another dependable option in the running game while embracing the physical role that defines his style of play. For his outstanding junior season, Wasilchak earned NPF All-District 2 honors at linebacker, LFC Division I First Team recognition at linebacker, and Second Team honors at fullback. As a senior, he enters the season as one of District 2’s top returning linebackers and one of Valley View’s most important leaders on both sides of the ball.
Wasilchak Highlights
SLEEPER
Hunter Pitcavage, Sr. – Dallas
Height: 6-0 Weight 197
@Hunter1343101
Pitcavage enters the 2026 season determined to make up for lost time after an injury cut short what was shaping up to be a breakout junior campaign. Now healthy, the three-sport standout is expected to be the leader of Dallas’ defense and one of the Mountaineers’ most impactful all-around players. Pitcavage’s athleticism, quickness, and instincts allow him to play sideline-to-sideline, making him a constant presence around the football. Whether stopping the run, chasing down ball carriers, or making plays in space, he has the versatility and toughness to anchor an experienced Dallas defense that is expected to take a significant step forward this season. His contributions won’t be limited to the defensive side of the ball. Pitcavage is also expected to play an important role in the Mountaineers’ running game, providing another athletic and physical option in the backfield.
Pitcavage Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Charlie Anstett, So. – Riverside – Highlights
Joey Dominick, Jr. – Old Forge – Highlights
Reagan Jackson, Sr. – Nanticoke – Highlights
Adam Pezanowski, Sr. – Mid Valley – Highlights
Brock Simms, Sr. – Berwick – Highlights
