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Breaking Down The 2022 Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1

Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 2, News

| August 20, 2022


We are almost at Opening Night of the High School Football season. Months of preparation have come down to ten games and hopefully getting that elusive District Championship. Some would say the Wyoming Valley Division 1 Conference had a down year in 2021. Not this year. Nearly every team returns a large portion of last years starters and it seems like it’s a wide open race to the title. With all this being said, let’s break down Division 1 of the Wyoming Valley Conference.


Hazleton Area

Classification: 6A

Last Year’s Record: 8-4 Lost to Delaware Valley in the District 2 6A Championship game.

Last years Hazleton team looked like Mountaineer teams of old. Head coach Dennis Buchman has been doing a great job with the team and this year should see even more improvement with 11 seniors returning as well as one junior which includes the starting qb, rb and 5 linemen.

Coach’s Preseason Outlook: “We continue to get better together each day. District 2 has some really special and talented teams this upcoming season which sets us up to play an incredible schedule where we must earn everything each time we compete.”

Key Players Returning:

QB Tyler Wolfe: 2,133 yards 23 touchdowns 79 rushing yards and two touchdowns

RB Matt Buchman: 725 yards 9 touchdowns 34 catches 324 yards 5 touchdowns

WR Connor Shamany 41 catches 783 yards 8 touchdowns, Shamany is a special athlete that will give defenders fits.

WR/DB Matt Cusatis 37 catches 522 yards 5 touchdowns. Recorded four interceptions on defense

FB/LB Ryan Matyas

All returning players:

#1 Matthew Buchman, RB / FS (Senior)
#4 Matthew Cusatis, WR / CB (Senior)
#6 Connor Shamany, WR / CB (Senior)
#10 Ryan Matyas, FB / LB (Senior)
#14 Tyler Wolfe, QB (Senior)
#25 Qay’von Minor, TE / LB (Senior)
#28 Connor Kundrat, RB / LB (Senior)
#42 Brady Mizenko, FB / DL (Junior)
#50 Maximo Ticona, OL / DL (Senior)
#70 Sam Porro, OL / DL (Senior)
#71 Jean Valdez, OL / DL (Senior)
#78 Juan Fabian, OL / DL (Senior)

Newcomers expected to contribute:

#9 Zander Coleman, TE / LB (Junior)
#17 Alex Pongrazzi, WR / LB (Senior)
#20 Kevin Guzman, RB / CB (Senior)
#54 Peter Youngcourt, OL / DL (Junior)
#58 Brayan Calcano, OL / DL (Junior)
#59 Robert Anderson, OL / DL (Junior)
#60 Michael Ward, OL / DL (Senior)
#73 Tommy King, OL / DL (Sophomore)


Williamsport

Classification: 6A

Last Year’s Record: 6-6 Lost to State College in the District 4/6 6A Subregionl Final.

The Millionaires lost some very good talent and their head coach after last season. Losing players like qb Frankie Marrone, Santino White and Dade Splain left some gaping holes. New head coach Michael Pearson is ready for the task to fill those holes.

Coach’s Preseason Outlook: “We are working hard to compete every week and to be winners. We face excellent competition and have high hopes to compete and be the best team we can be.”

Key Players Returning:

RB Nasir Hennigan 668 yards three touchdowns 4 catches 60 yards 1 touchdown

QB George Whaley 732 yards 7 touchdowns 267 rushing yards one touchdo

WR Jamaire Harden 33 catches 678 yards 6 touchdowns

OL/DL Austin Best

All returning players:

Nasir Hennigan 6’0″ 200 RB SR,
George Whaley 5’10” 175 QB/FS SR,
Austin Best 6’1″ 230 OL/DL SR,
Jamaire Harden 5″10″ 165 WR Jr,
Alonzo Rice 5″10″ 190 RB/LB, Jr.
Yazhir Slaugter 6’1″ 170 WR/DB, JR.
Connor Poole 6’1″ 165 K, Jr.

Key Newcomers:

Kaleb Way, OL Fr, Jason Love Ritchey, OL/ DL Freshman, Jakiha Kline, WR, SR


WIlkes-Barre Area

Classification: 6A

Last Year’s Record: 4-7 Lost to Hazleton Area in the District 2 6A Semifinals

The Wolfpack have some talent this year and they have some special talent returning. Running back/DB Mehki Nelson has an offer from UConn and can fly. Coach Ciro Cinti also returns most of his line and a good portion of their defense.

Coach’s Preseason Outlook: “If the weight room transfers to the field, we can win alot of football games.”

Key Players Returning:

RB Howie Shiner 759 yards six touchdowns

ATH Mekhi Nelson 553 yards eight touchdowns

WR Jovan Goodwin 12 catches 214 yards 2 touchdowns

WR Naquan Johnson 25 catches 267 yards

QB Javant McClary 739 yards six touchdowns 171 rushing yards three touchdowns

OL/DL Ian Bednar

All Returning players:
Ian Bednar OL/DL 6’0” 285lbs Sr
Guilbert Gonzales OL/DL 5’10” 315lbs Sr
Daniel Horgan OL/DL 6’5” 284lbs Sr
Jimmy Gryskewicz OL/DL 6’2” 278lbs Soph
Cam Hagenbaugh FB/DE 6’0” 243lbs Sr
Howie Shiner RB/LB 5’9” 240lbs Jr
Mekhi Nelson RB/WR/DB 5’11” 190lbs Jr
Jovan Goodwin WR/DB 5’11” 170lbs Jr
Naquon Johnson WR/OLB/DE 6’2” 235lbs Jr
Gannon Redding TE/DE 6’3” 205lbs Sr
Javant McClary ATH/QB/OLB 5’11” 205lbs Sr

Key Newcomers:

Jake Howe QB 6’2” 185lbs Freshman
Gio Gonzalez OL/DL 6’3” 310lbs Jr
Davon Underwood ATH/DB 5’6” 145lbs Freshman
Trustin Johnson RB/OLB 5’8” 160lbs Freshman
Hassan Howard RB/OLB 5’10” 175lbs Freshman
Noah Smith OL/DL 6’2” 266lbs Freshman


Wyoming Valley West

Classification: 5A

Last Year’s Record: 3-7 Did not qualify for playoffs

It’s a common theme in the WVC this year. Like many others, the Spartans have their offensive backfield returning.

Coach’s Preseason Outlook: “We are really excited about the return of RB Isaiah Cobb. Our run game is the key to our offense. We are equally excited about the return of QB Luke Buss who did a great job running the offense last season and is now poised to potentially take over games from the quarterback position.”

Helping in that pass game will be returning TE Nick Giza, WR Hunter Pries, and emerging playmaker WR Maki Wells. Much of the success will rely upon the growth process of a young, inexperienced but sizable and talented offensive line. Defensively we always want to play fast and be physical. Returning LB Isaiah Cobb, DL Jason Pearson, DL John McLaughlin, and DB Hunter Pries will be expected to lead a young but talented defensive unit. DBs Paul Riggs, Lucas Zdancewicz, and Shaun Reid have shown some real athleticism and potential on the back end of the defense.
With a returning LS, K, and P, as well as an overall increase in team speed, we feel confident in our special teams units this season.

Key Players Returning:

RB Isaiah Cobb 1363 yards 18 touchdowns

QB Luke Buss 528 yards five touchdowns

OL/DL Jason Pearson

TE/DL Nick Giza

C/DL John McLaughlin

Returning Starters:

Sr. C/DL John McLaughlin, 6′, 215
Jr. RB/LB Isaiah Cobb, 6’1″, 225
Sr. QB Luke Buss, 6’4″, 190
Sr. TE/DL Nick Giza, 6’4″, 230
Sr. WR/DB Hunter Pries, 6′, 180
Sr. OL/DL Jason Pearson, 6’1″, 195
Sr. RB/LB J’Von Gamble, 5’10”, 170
Sr. RB/LB Logan Dwyer, 5’11”, 200
Sr. K Jonathan Cardona, 5’10”, 170

Key Newcomers:

Jr. WR/DB Maki Wells, 6’5″, 180
So. RB/DB Paul Riggs, 5’10”, 175
Jr. OL/DL Cole McKenzie, 6’1″, 265
Jr. OL/DL Eliot Thomas, 6’2″, 275
Jr. OL/DL Nasir Hall, 6’2″, 230
Jr. OL/DL Dajaun Edwards, 6’3″, 305
Jr. WR/DB Ty Makarewicz, 5’9″, 160
Sr. WR/DB Devon Suda, 5’9″, 155
So. FB/LB Jake Dubaskas, 5’10”, 180
Jr. QB/DB Lucas Zdancewicz, 6’1″, 185
Sr. WR/DB Shaun Reid, 6′, 185


Crestwood

Classification: 4A

Last year’s Record: 3-8 Lost in District 2 4A Quarterfinals to Valley View

The Comets trudged through a 3-8 season with a young team after going 8-1 in 2020 and competing for the division crown. Coach Ryan Arcangeli has a senior laden team that’s hungry to return to the top. Unlike others, the Comets don’t have their quarterback returning. They do, however, have 11 seniors returning that includes 4 of 5 linemen and most of thier skill guys. Defensively the Comets lost three of their top four tacklers so they’ll need to learn to get to the ball early in the season.

Coach’s Preseason Outlook: “Great group of seniors with all the talent neccessary to take on a very challenging schedule. We look forward to the challenge and have competed everyday to prepare for it, but haven’t lost focus as to why we play the game, team chemistry, life lessons and fun. Great opportunity ahead.”

Key Players Returning:

RB Noah Schultz 1,062 yards eight touchdowns

TE/LB Magnus Bibla 9 catches 149 yards 1 touchdown 3 sacks 1 Interception

WR/DB Brendan Dennis 8 catches 98 yards two interceptions on defense

OL/DL Aidan Jardine

OL/DL John Jones

Returning Starters:

Aidan Jardine LT /DT 6’3 275 Senior
John Jones LG/DT 6’1 270 Senior
Chris Smolenak C/DE 6’1 250 Senior
Logan Price RT/DT 6’3 290 Senior
Magnus Bibla TE/DE 6’2 210 Senior
Noah Shultz RB/DB 6’1 185 Senior
Brenden Dennis WR/DB 6’0 165 Senior
Josh Hilpp WR/DB 5’10 150 Senior
Robert.Night WR/DB 5’10 155 Senior
Cole Kakalecik LB 5’11 205 Senior
Nick Miscavage DB 5’9 155 Senior
Lincoln Bibla FB/LB 6’0 215 Sophomore

Key Newcomers:

Jaden Shedlock QB 6’0 185 Freshman
Andrew Lenahan OL 5’10 235 Junior
Aleks Jaskiewicz OL/DL 6’1 220 Sophomore


Dallas

Classification: 4A

Last year’s record: 8-3 Lost to North Pocono in the District 2 4A Semifinals

Dallas is always a tough out for anyone. This year should be no different. Anytime you return a player with the name “Bolesta” you have someone that can lead a team. RB/LB Parker Bolesta is that player. The Mounts also return a lot of experience, however, Coach Rich Mannello only listed one key newcomer. That newcomer is sophomore QB Ryan Zapoticky.

Coach’s Preseason Outlook: “As always, balancing the correct combination of starters and players that rotate in will be the key to our special teams success. Defensively, if the roster depth proves true on the field, we will be able to rotate some players up front. Offensively, the returning OLine, backs and receivers will be counted on to manage drives as a talented but young group of QBs develop.”

Key Players Returning:

Parker Bolesta 1127 yards 20 touchdowns 5 sacks on defense

Joe Peters 30 catches 426 yards four touchdowns 2 interceptions on defense one returned for a touchdown

Zach Paczewski 31 catches 521 yards four touchdowns 5 interceptions on defense one returned for a touchdown

OL/DL Lucas Schultz, OL/DL Aidan Fennell

All Returning Starters:

Parker Bolesta LB/RB 6′ 205 12,
Ben Carpenter DB/SE 5’8″ 160 12,
Jace Chopyak K 5’11 195 12,
Ryan Cuba LB/RB 5’8″ 185 12,
Nick Farrell DE/SE 6’1″ 190 11,
Aiden Fennell DL/OL 6’1″ 212 12,
AJ Fife LB 5’8″ 195 11,
Dylan Geskey LB/RB 5’11 185 10,
Mark Karcutskie LB/TE 5’10 175 12,
Colby Klinetob DL/OL 6′ 243 12,
Zach Paczewski DB/SE/RET 5’9″ 162 11,
Joey Peters DB/SE 5’9″ 165 12,
Dan Sabulski DL/OL 5’8″ 200 11,
John Scherer DL/OL 5’8″ 215 12,
Lucas Shultz DL/OL 6’2″ 252 12

Key Newcomers:

Ryan Zapoticky QB 6’1″ 185 10


Berwick

Classification: 4A

Last Year’s Record: 7-5 Lost to Valley View in the District 2 4A Semifinals

Mike Bennett takes over for the Dawgs this year. Mike is no stranger to Berwick football. He played for Curry during the famous run in the late 80s-90s and had a game clinching interception against Blackhawk to secure a state title for Berwick in 1992 and caught a TD pass to put Berwick on the title tropy again. But that was then. This is now. Berwick returns a nice core of players with experience including senior quarterback Matt Lonczynski, linebacker and Kent St commit Spencer Kishbaugh and safety Drey Wilk. The weakness for the Dawgs will be the O-line as they return just three there but that should be enough to help Ryan Bankes and the offense. Berwick opens at home with what should be a packed house and Southern Columbia.

Coach’s Preseason Outlook: “We have a nice mix of returning starters and players that have been in the program. With only losing seven seniors, we have some game experience coming back. We have been working on player development this summer. Placing emphasis on expectations. Setting and adhering to standards in our program. The kids have responded this summer. We have work to do, but I like the way we are going about our business down at the fieldhouse.”

Key Players Returning:

WR/LB Spencer Kishbaugh 19 catches 244 yards 4 touchdowns On defense, two interceptions and one returned for a touchdown

WR/DB Dray Wilk 1 rushing touchdown 16 catches 122 yards. On defense, seven interceptions

QB Matt Lonczynski 840 yards and 7 touchdowns

OT/DE Harrison Snyder

DE Alex Hacker

All Returning Starters:

Spencer Kishbaugh, OLB/WR, 6’2″, 205, Senior
Drey Wilk, DB/WR, 6’0″, 198, Senior
Matt Lonczynski, QB, 6’1″, 220, Senior
Alex Hacker, DE, 5’11”, 210, Senior
Ryan Bankes, RB/DB, 5’9″, 170, Senior
Bruce Hartman, G/DT, 6’0″, 265, Senior
Rowan Slabinski, TE/DE, 6’2″, 211, Senior
Liam Carroll, C/LB, 5’11”, 210, Junior
Harrison Snyder, OT/DE, 6’1, 210, Junior
Bo Sheptock, DB/WR/TB, 5’10”, 175, Sophomore
Chase Schuckers, OL/DL, 6’0″, 245, Sophomore

Key Newcomers:

Ethan Lear, QB/DB Braylon Hawkins, OLB Jimmy DeAndrea, FB/MLB Mike Fell, DL Carmine Martz, WR/DB Billy Hanson, WR/DB Aiden Weist, WR/DB JJ Leornar, OL/DL Matt Gordner, OL/DL Luke Peters, K/P

District 2 Schedules

Kotsko’s WVC Division 1 Standings Prediction

1 Hazleton Area
2 Dallas
3 Wilkes-Barre Area
4 Berwick
5 Crestwood
6 Williamsport
7 Valley West

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