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 wide receivers (Listed alphabetically):
Jared Jackson, Sr. – Riverside
Height: 6-2 Weight 190
@jjacks117
Jackson returns as one of the most dynamic and versatile playmakers in the LFC, and his production from last season backs it up. The Vikings’ leading receiver, Jackson hauled in 39 receptions for 617 yards and six touchdowns, consistently stretching defenses with his speed, athleticism, and ability to make plays after the catch. While he excelled as a receiver, Jackson’s versatility makes him even more dangerous. He is a capable ball carrier, can contribute in a variety of offensive roles, and even threw a touchdown pass last season. With a new coaching staff taking over, expect Jackson to be one of the focal points of the Vikings’ offense as they look to maximize his playmaking ability. Jackson is just as valuable on the defensive side of the ball. A shutdown cornerback, he has the skill set to neutralize an opponent’s top receiving threat while providing a physical presence in the secondary. His outstanding all-around season earned him LFC Division III First Team honors at wide receiver and Honorable Mention recognition at defensive back.
Jackson Highlights
Tyce Mason, Jr. – Dallas
Height: 5-11 Weight 165
@tyce_mason
Mason enters the 2026 season as one of the top breakout candidates in the WVC. With his quarterback returning and Dallas expected to take a significant step forward offensively, Mason is positioned to become one of the Mountaineers’ biggest playmakers. A standout three-sport athlete, he has the athleticism and versatility to make an impact in all three phases of the game. Last season, Mason emerged as Dallas’ No. 2 receiver, catching 17 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. His speed and ability to separate from defenders make him a constant deep threat, capable of stretching the field and creating explosive plays whenever the ball is in the air. Mason is equally valuable on defense, where he returns as a starting cornerback known for his strong coverage skills and willingness to make tackles in the open field. He also showcased his game-breaking ability on special teams by returning a kickoff for a touchdown last season, making him the favorite to handle return duties. With his all-around talent, Mason has the potential to become one of the WVC’s most impactful players this fall.
Mason Highlights
Chase Rosenkrans, Sr. – Lakeland
Height: 6-0 Weight 150
@ChaseRosenkrans
Rosenkrans has been a difference-maker for Lakeland since stepping onto the field as a freshman, and the four-year starter enters his senior season looking to put the finishing touches on an outstanding career. Last season, he hauled in 39 receptions for 628 yards and eight touchdowns, continuing to establish himself as one of the LFC’s premier receiving threats. Already with more than 1,600 career receiving yards, Rosenkrans enters the season with an opportunity to become Lakeland’s all-time leading receiver. His polished route running, reliable hands, and ability to make defenders miss after the catch make him a difficult matchup for opposing secondaries. Rosenkrans is equally valuable on defense. A standout in the secondary, he led the division in interceptions last season while consistently shutting down opposing passing attacks. His outstanding two-way play earned him NPF All-District 2 honors at wide receiver, LFC Division II First Team recognition at wide receiver, and Honorable Mention honors at defensive back. With his experience and playmaking ability, Rosenkrans will once again be one of the Chiefs’ leaders on both sides of the ball.
Rosenkrans Highlights
Kaden Sepkoski, Sr. – Holy Redeemer
Height: 6-0 Weight 195
Sepkoski’s emergence was one of the best stories in the area last season. After never playing varsity football before his junior year, he stepped into Holy Redeemer’s lineup and immediately became one of the Royals’ most reliable offensive weapons. Sepkoski finished the season with 35 receptions for 481 yards and five touchdowns, proving to be a dependable target with a knack for making plays. Now entering his senior season with a full year of varsity experience, Sepkoski is expected to take another step forward. His confidence, route running, and chemistry within the offense should make him an even more dangerous weapon as the Royals look to build on last year’s success. Sepkoski’s contributions won’t be limited to offense. He is also expected to play a key role at linebacker, giving Holy Redeemer a dependable two-way performer. With his rapid development and proven production, Sepkoski enters the season as one of the top returning receivers in District 2.
Sepkoski Highlights
Luke Kopetchny, Sr. – Wyoming Area
Height: 6-3 Weight 185
@LukeKopetchny1
Kopetchny enters the 2026 season as one of the premier wide receivers in Pennsylvania and has commited to continue his playing career at Brown. A team captain, Kopetchny has established himself as a dominant playmaker through a combination of elite ball skills, polished route running, and an exceptional ability to win contested catches. Kopetchny has been rewriting record books since the beginning of his varsity career. He set both the school and District 2/WVC single-game receiving record in 2024 with 262 yards on nine receptions. As a sophomore, he led all of District 2 with 864 receiving yards and 11 touchdown receptions while pacing WVC Division 2 with 41 catches, earning All-State honors. He followed that with another outstanding junior campaign, totaling 26 receptions for 579 yards—an eye-popping 22.3 yards per catch—and 10 receiving touchdowns while scoring 12 total touchdowns. His impact extends well beyond the offensive side of the ball. Kopetchny is a lockdown defensive back with the athleticism and instincts to eliminate opposing receivers while consistently creating turnovers and pass breakups. His versatility, competitiveness, and football IQ make him one of the most complete two-way players in the state. A standout three-sport athlete who also excels in basketball and track and field, Kopetchny enters his senior season as one of the most accomplished players in District 2. Last season, he was named an NPF All-District 2 defensive back, the WVC Division 2 Most Valuable Player, First Team wide receiver and defensive back.
Kopetchny Highlights
SLEEPER
Rajan Watson, Sr. – Wilkes-Barre
Height: 5-10 Weight 165
@RajanWatson
With Wilkes-Barre graduating its top four pass catchers, Watson is primed to step into the spotlight as one of the Wolfpack’s primary receiving threat. After patiently waiting for his opportunity, the senior enters the season as the team’s most experienced returning skill player and is expected to play a major role in the passing game. Watson caught 13 passes for 147 yards last season, but his production only hinted at the playmaking ability he possesses. Whenever he was on the field, he showed the athleticism, hands, and explosiveness to create big plays, and with a much larger role awaiting him, he has all the tools to emerge as one of the WVC’s breakout receivers. Watson also returns as a key contributor in the secondary, where he has developed into a dependable defensive back capable of matching up with opposing receivers while providing solid run support. His performance on defense earned him WVC Division I Honorable Mention honors last season, and his leadership on both sides of the ball will be vital as the Wolfpack look to reload in 2026.
Watson Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Savion Cupil, Sr. – Old Forge – Highlights | Twitter
Luca Berardi, Jr. – Holy Cross
Mason Keyes, Sr. -Susquehanna – Highlights | Twitter
Jose Lopez, Jr. – Hazleton Area – Highlights
Connor Richardson, Jr. – Hanover Area – Highlights
