2023 Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 2, News, pfn
John Kotsko | August 22, 2023
Wyoming Area
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Randy Spencer
2022 Record: 5-6 Lost to Berwick in District 2 4A Quarterfinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 9
Key Players
RB/LB Aaron Crossley
OL/DL Anthony VanAuken
RB/DB Michael Crane
OL/DL Chase DeSanto
Wyoming Area looks to be one of the favorites in the division. Aaron Crossley is what fuels their offense. He rushed for over 2,000 yards last season and looks to be their workhorse this season. He was the WVC Division 2 player of the year and also a first team WVC Division 2 linebacker and running back. They also return second team offensive lineman Anthony VanAuken and second team defensive back Michael Crane. Will the Warriors be up for the challenge of being the favorite for the division crown?
Coach’s Quote: This year’s team returns many talented players that gained valuable experience last year as underclassmen. Leadership and our competitive commitment will determine our success.
Pittston Area
Classification: 5A
Head Coach: Nick Barbieri
2022 Record: 7-4 Lost to Delaware Valley in District 2 5A Semifinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 1
Defense: 1
Key Players
QB Drew DeLucca
RB/LB Brody Spindler
TE/DL Ciaran Bilbow
RB/LB CJ Pietrzak
Pittston Area won the WVC Division 2 Championship a season ago. However, they graduated 20 starters from last season and only return one starter on each side of the ball. However, they do return quarterback Drew DeLucca who threw for over 1,000 yards last season and was a second team All-Star in WVC Division 2. On defense, they return WVC All Star first team Linebacker Brody Spindler and will also be the team’s fullback. The key to the Patriots is how the new starters will gel if they are to repeat as Division Champions.
Coach’s Quote: With only one starter returning on both sides of the ball, we will be very inexperienced. The talent level is excellent though. How quickly we can mature on both sides of the ball will determine how our season goes.
Nanticoke
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Ron Bruza
2022 Record: 5-6 Lost to Crestwood in District 2 4A Quarterfinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Key Players
Payton Kepp QB/DB
Zach Fox RB/DB
Ryan Wiaterowski OL/DL
Seth Raymer TE/DL
Nanticoke enters as a contender for the WVC Division 2 crown. The Trojans welcome back quarterback Payton Kepp, who missed most of last season with a knee injury. They also return workhorse running back Zach Fox as well as first team WVC Division 2 all-star Ryan Wiaterowski. Expectations are high at Nanticoke as they hope to get a division crown.
Coach’s Quote: With a ramped-up coaching staff, new field and many guys returning on both sides of the ball, expectations are high at Greater Nanticoke Area. However, staying healthy and eliminating mental mistakes will be key.
Holy Redeemer
Classification: 3A
Head Coach: Tyson Kelley
2022 Record: 4-7 Lost to Lakeland in District 2 3A Semifinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 4
Key Players:
Luke Kopec RB/LB
DJ McDermott WR/LB
Chase Swoboda OL
Kacy Miller OL
Holy Redeemer had one of the best seasons in their school’s history. However, several of those key players have graduated and the Royals are looking to build upon last season. Luke Kopec returns at running back for the Royals and so does DJ McDermott at wideout. Holy Redeemer will look to Tommy Dugan to replace the graduaed Jacob Hunter at quarterback. Can the Royals surprise a few teams this year and get back to the postseason?
Coach’s Quote: As a program, we have high hopes coming into the 2023 season. Our goal is to continue the success we had last year and use those experiences to continue building the program. We have a lot of young players that will start or get a lot of playing time and the upperclassmen have done a great job of setting a great example for them. As long as we continue to improve every day, we should have a chance to match or exceed last season’s win total and earn a spot in the District Playoffs for the second year in a row.
Hanover Area
Classification: 3A
Head Coach: Jason Majiros
2022 Record: 1-9 Missed Playoffs
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 5
Key Players
Jayden Shortz RB/LB
Rahmel Currie QB
Ezekiel Hernaiz OL/DL
The Hawkeyes won their first game last season but ended up losing nine straight after that. Hanover Area looks to improve as they return WVC Division 2 Honorable Mention at linebacker in Jayden Shortz who will also looks to be the Hawkeyes featured running back. Rahmel Currie takes over at quarterback after playing a few games last season. They return four starters on the offensive line, led by Ezekiel Hernaiz at left tackle. Can the Hawkeyes turn the corner this season?
Coach’s Quote: Looking to bounce back after a disappointing season. Challenged our players to get in the gym during the offseason, which they did. Excited to see where we will be once the pads come on
Lake-Lehman
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Jerry Gilsky
2022 Record: 3-8 Lost to Scranton Prep in District 2 3A Semifinals
Returning Starters
Offense: 3
Defense: 4
Key Players:
Vladimer Lee OL/DL
Chris Sholtis WR/LB
Ben Dowling TE/LB
Jacob McHenry OL/DL
After a surprising 3-8 campaign last season, Lake-Lehman is looking to rebound. It will be a tall task as they only return three starters on offense and four on defense. Only one player returns on their offensive line in Jacob McHenry. However, the Black Knights return three players that were honorable mentions in WVC 3A in Vladimer Lee, Ben Dowling and Chris Sholtis and all three were on the defensive side of the ball. Can the Black Knights get back to their winning ways this season?
Coach’s Quote: I’m excited for this team this year, A high energy and working group. This team has great chemistry that keeps everyone accountable. We need to put ourselves back in the category where everyone talks about us.
Tunkhannock
Classification: 4A
Head Coach: Pat Keating
2022 Record: 1-9 Missed Playoffs
Returning Starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 4
Key Players:
Joey Ross QB/DB
Evan Montross RB/LB
Daniel Browning WR/DB
Logan Ross TE/LB
The Tigers welcome in a new head coach in Pat Keating who formerly was the head coach at Wyoming Valley West. He’s looking to build back up a program that has gone 16-35 over a five year span and were 1-9 last season. They will need to replace quarterback Jack Chilson who has graduated and will be replaced by Joey Ross who played wideout last season. Evan Montross looks to be a key player at running back and at linebacker for Tunkhannock. What will be in store for the Tigers this season?
Coach’s Quote: In Year one, we are building a foundation in our program based off structure and accountability. Unfortunately, our players did not get a full offseason in a brand new system, so there will definitely be a learning curve. Having said that, the players and coaches have worked very hard this summer towards having success in the 2023 season.
WVC Division 2 Final Standings, John’s Prediction:
1 Nanticoke
2 Wyoming Area
3 Lake-Lehman
4 Pittston Area
5 Tunkhannock
6 Holy Redeemer
7 Hanover Area
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