2023 WVC Division 1 Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 2, News
John Kotsko | August 23, 2023
Williamsport
Classification: 6A
Head Coach: Mike Pearson
2022 Record: 5-6 Won Eastern Conference Championship
Key Players:
QB Caleb Williamson
RB/LB Nariq Burks
TE/LB Alonzo Rice
WR/DB Yahzir Slaughter
Williamsport won the Eastern Conference Champiosnhip last season and return a few key pieces to their Chapionship team in first team WVC Division 1 All-Star Nariq Burke and also return wdieout/corner Yahzir Slaughter and tight end/linebacker Alonzo Rice. Can the Millionaires surprise everyone and take the Division crown?
Wilkes-Barre Area
Classification: 6A
Head Coach: Ciro Cinti
2022 Record: 6-5 Lost to Emmaus in 6A Subregional Quarterfinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 3
Defense: 3
Key Players:
QB Jake Howe
RB/LB Howie Shiner
OL/DL Jimmy Gryskewicz
LB Max Gregor
Wilkes-Barre Area lost several players to graduation and transfers but it gives several players an opportunity to shine. Jake Howe shined at quarterback as a freshman, he threw for over 1,000 yards last season. He’ll be protected by WVC Division 1 second team offensive lineman Jimmy Gryskewicz. Howie Shiner was an honorable mention running back and linebacker last season and Max Gregor was also an honorable mention at linebacker. Can the Wolf Pack overcome the odds and win the Division 1 crown?
Coach’s Quote: “Hard working bunch of young kids that want to finish what they started”
Wyoming Valley West
Classification: 5A
Head Coach: Bob Stelma
2022 Record: 0-10 Missed Playoffs
Returning Starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 6
Key Players:
QB Lucas Zdancewicz
RB/LB Isiah Cobb
WR Maki Wells
OL/LB Tyler Ruddy
Valley West went under an 0-10 season. However, there is hope as the Spartans returns 8 starters on offense, including RB Isiah Cobb and four starters returning on the offensive line. They also have wideout Maki Wells and quarterback Lucas Zdancewicz back. It will be an uphill climb but could we see a rise to the top for Wyoming Valley West?
Coach’s Quote: “I am excited for my first year in the tough Wyoming Valley Conference. My goals are to have the players compete at a high level. strive to give their best all-out effort, and have them grow in their skills and abilities both on and off the field. Coming off an 0-10 sason, I want the players to develop confidence in themselves and their teammates by working together and pushing one another to be their best.”
Berwick
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Mike Bennett
2022 Record: 5-7 Lost to Crestwood in District 2 4A Semifinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Key Players:
OL/LB Harrison Snyder
QB Ethan Lear
RB Tyler Winter
RB/LB Jimmy DeAndrea
Berwick lost most of the key skill position players from 2022 but several players are looking to step up as the starters. The Bulldogs return second team defensive linemen Harrison Snyder. On offense, Berwick returns four of their five offensive linemen which will benefit the new starters at quarterback and running back respectively. Can the Bulldogs overcome the losses at key positions to prevent back to back losing season?
Coach’s Quote: “Very excited for the upcoming season. We have a nice mix of experience coming back with some younger guys that will have to step up in positions that we need. We have had a great summer so far and we have to keep that momentum going into the season.”
Crestwood
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Ryan Arcangeli
2022 Record: 13-2 Lost to Bishop McDevitt in 4A State Semifinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 3
Key Players:
QB/DB Jaden Shedlock
WR/DB Matt Sklarosky
TE/LB Lincoln Bibla
RB/LB Logan Rolles
Crestwood had a historic 2022 season. They won the WVC Division 1 crown, a District title and won a State Playoff Game for the first time in their school’s history. However, the Comets have graduated several players that contributed to their success last season. They will have sophomore quarterback Jaden Shedlock back under center who ran for over 1,000 yards last season. They also have second team WVC Division 1 all-star linebacker Lincoln Bibla back as well. Will Crestwood repeat last year’s success to win back-to-back division titles?
Coach’s Quote: “Role players in 2022 have become leaders in 2023. Our Captains are continuing to push our team to work hard and to treat every day like game day. As young talent develops at key positions returning starters are leading the way in our summer preparations. We are excited for the challenges ahead.”
Dallas
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Rich Manello
2022 Record: 9-3 Lost to Valley View in the District 2 4A Semifinals
Returning Starters:
Offense: 5
Defense: 6
Key Players:
QB Brady Zapoticky
RB/DB Dylan Geskey
WR/DB Zach Paczewski
TE/LB Nick Farrell
Dallas enters the 2023 season with high expectations. Coming in as the favorite to win the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 championship and the District 2 4A Championship, the Mountaineers have several skill position player in running back Dylan Geskey, wide receiver Zach Paczewski and tight end Nick Farrell. All great targets for quarterback Brady Zapoticky. The offensive line however lost four starters from last season. The Mountaineers season has ended at the District Semifinals the last two seasons, will they finally get over the hump this season?
Coach’s Quote: “The new players stepping in the O-Line are seniors with excellent strength and that strength will have to make up for a lack of experience early. The skill players are playmakers. The Quarterback has a year under his belt and more will be put on his shoulders this year. Defensively, this could be one of our fastest groups across the board, there are a lot of strong linebacker types around out there.”
Hazleton Area
Classification: 6A
Head Coach: Dennis Buchman
2022 Record: 8-3
Returning Starters:
Offense: 1
Defense: 2
Key Players:
OL/DL Brayan Calcano
RB/LB Brady Mizenko
OL/DL Robert Anderson
TE/LB Zander Coleman
Hazleton Area has had a great run over the last few years but the players that led the way have now graduated and now it is time for new players to fill in their shoes. With only one starter returning on offense and two on defense, it will be a learning curve for the Cougars this season. Can the Cougars grow up quickly and compete for the Division title and a spot in the District 2/11 Subregional Playoffs?
Coach’s Quote: “Consistency in all three phases and attention to detail will be two major keys in determining our success for this season.”
Johns WVC Division 1 Standings Prediction:
1 Dallas
2 Williamsport
3 Wilkes-Barre Area
4 Crestwood
5 Berwick
6 Hazleton Area
7 Valley West
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