District 2 Season Preview: Wyoming Valley Conference

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Jared Samuel | August 27, 2026

We’re finally here, on the doorstep to another season of high school football.  As we get set to watch some games, let’s take a look at the Wyoming Valley Conference (WVC).

This season, the layout has changed for the WVC and there are now 3 divisions.

Division 1:  Hazleton Area, Pittston Area, Wyoming Valley West, Wilkes-Barre

• Hazleton Area had some significant injuries last season and will look to get back on track.  They’ll need a big season out of Junior RB Xavier Heck who had a 1,000 yard season last year.  Gaining experience will be a key factor for the Cougars as they look to rebound after some down years. 
• Wyoming Valley West has a new head coach, Brydon Rukstalis.  Using his impact on the Junior High program and his background in physical therapy, conditioning is now the key.  Apparently, the boys are buying into it, as they have 65 boys out for the team–a big improvement.  A key player could be Junior RB Malique Campbell who saw a good amount of action last year.
• Wilkes-Barre was hit hard by graduation.  Coach Ciro Cinti knows how to reload though, and he has a sizeable line to work with.  Although the Wolfpack may have some inexperience, they have a real workhorse in Senior TE Nic Saracino.  If the Wolfpack line develops and they get steady QB play, look out.
• Pittston Area was also hit a bit by graduation but has a few dangerous weapons left, and none more dangerous than Lucas Lo Presto.  The Senior WR/DB excels in the open field and is the most dangerous kick/punt returner in District 2.  Coach Paul Russick told me last season that he felt like things came together for the Patriots much quicker than he expected, so there may be some growing pains ahead.

Prediction:  The J-Man feels that this one comes down to a battle between Pittston Area and Wilkes-Barre, and the Patriots will come out on top.

Division 2:  Berwick, Crestwood, Dallas, Hanover Area

• Berwick was hit hard by graduation but has some skill players back.  Coach CJ Curry looks to continue the Bulldog resurgence, and he will lean heavily on Sophomore QB Brady Cleaver who is developing into a nice dual-threat under center.  The performance of the line and the defense as a whole will be critical if the Crispin Field faithful hope to see their team make some playoff noise this season.  
• Crestwood may have an undersized line, but don’t let that fool you as early returns have them looking good.  I think the key guy here for the Comets will be Senior RB Jake Jeckell–at WVC Media Day he told me “Every yard counts for me, there’s not a yard left behind when I get the ball”, and they will need it as they look to return to the upper echelon of Class 4A teams.  The team identity on defense will be key, as will avoiding the injury bug that has hurt this program the last few seasons.
• Dallas has had some losses due to graduation but also returns some very key players, and Coach Rich Mannello knows how to get the most out of every one of his guys:  the weight room.  Dallas has a great trio of guys on offense–Junior QB Talan Geskey, Junior WR Tyce Mason and Senior RB Hunter Pitcavage.  Pitcavage is an accomplished athlete and may very well be the best athlete in the WVC,  but he will need to stay healthy for Dallas to make a deep run.
• Hanover Area is on an upward trajectory but faces some challenges this season as they look to return to greatness.  Junior QB Logan Richardson threw for over 1800 yards last season  but will need to be careful as he threw 12 interceptions as well.  Coach Eric Richardson is building something down there near Lee Park in the oldest enclosed high school stadium in the country.  Is this the year the Hawkeyes take the next step?

Prediction:  J-Man loves this division, as it has everything you would want to see.  Ultimately though, the Mountaineers have the weapons and should get this done.

Division 3:  Lake-Lehman, Tunkhannock, Nanticoke, Wyoming Area

• Lake-Lehman impressed me as the squad who is most together and tight-knit as I talked to teams at WVC Media Day.  Coach Mike Mully has his team understanding that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and that may be a key for the Black Knights.  This squad has plenty of underclassmen with game experience, and it will be needed.  2 key contributors this season will be Junior RB Cordyn Harris and Senior QB Anthony Magnotta.
• Tunkhannock has a new swagger, a new coach but is coming off a tumultuous off-season.  Coach RJ Haas has taken the reigns and has been working hard to instill a tough, new identity for the Tigers.  Speaking of tough, look for Junior RB Lucas Ciprich to set the tone. 
• Nanticoke has a young squad and a new coach, and is looking for a hard reset to get back on track.  Coach Joe Shimko has a good mix of seniors to go with the underclassmen, and I’d expect there will be plenty of opportunities for all to get game experience under the lights.  Watch for Senior RB Jonah Guzman who has some experience toting the rock.
• Wyoming Area always seems to have decent losses due to graduation and yet always seems to get solid athletes on the field.  That is a true testament to Coach Randy Spencer who believes in his guys and knows how to get the most out of them.  Senior WR Luke Kopetchny is a terrific athlete and runs the best comeback route I’ve ever seen at the high school level, but I expect we will see him.under center quite a bit this year as well.

Prediction:  This division has 3 new head coaches out of 4 teams this year, which usually leads to some growing pains.  J-Man’s head tells him that Wyoming Area should win it, but his gut says watch for the Black Knights to make a strong push as well.

Independent:  Holy Redeemer

• Holy Redeemer made a few strides last year and have some decent numbers heading into this season.  Coach Vito Quaglia is working hard to continue the growth that the Royals are starting to see.  Speaking of growth, Junior QB Brady McDermott was pressed into action early last season and threw for over 1700 yards as a sophomore.  If his growth continues and he’s able to cut down on the interceptions, he could have a huge season.

Feel free to reach out to me via DM on ‘X”  @jaredsamuelpfn  or email me at nepafootball71@gmail.com