2024 Lackawanna Football Conference Division 2 Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 2, News, pfn
Jared Samuel | August 19, 2024
LFC Division 2 teams had a great year in 2023, representing well in the District 2 playoffs and also a substantial PIAA State Playoff run for one of them to boot. Let’s take a look at these teams heading into the 2024 season!
Dunmore Bucks
Head Coach: Kevin McHale
2023 Record: 12-2
The Bucks lost some very key players to graduation. WR Danny Pigga, QB Thomas Bowen, WR Domenick Desando and RB Jacob Hickey were big contributors on offense. DL Christopher Conte, DL Nathan Reuther and LB Nicholas Donvito were huge on the defense. With some big shoes to fill, the real programs reload and Dunmore is usually no exception. A well-coached squad every year, the Bucks will look to rely on players with game experience from last year such as Senior WR Gabe Franek, Junior RB Ryan Mecca and Senior RB Izaiah Parker.
Key Dates: 8/23 at Riverside, 9/13 home vs. Lackawanna Trail, 10/4 at Mid Valley
Outlook: The Bucks have a somewhat balanced schedule which should help. As long as they stay healthy, Dunmore should have a chance but will need to win some big rematches from last season if they hope to defend their division title.
Honesdale Hornets
Head Coach: Paul Russick
2023 Record: 3-7
Hornet Senior QB Aiden Collins is a 4-year starter behind center, and is a dual threat. Senior RB Mason Avery was a 1,000 yard rusher last season. If the Offensive Line can play physical ball, this offense can be strong. On Defense, Honesdale returns all of their Linebackers and 3 of 4 in the secondary. Defensively, this team should be fast. If Honesdale can put it all together, the Hornets can make some big noise in the LFC.
Key Dates: 9/13 home vs. Mid Valley, 9/27 home vs. Western Wayne
Outlook: Honesdale has a great mix of veterans and newer guys that should give them a chance most every week. With 2 key divisional games at Hornets Stadium, and a group of boys who have put in work this offseason, Honesdale certainly should improve on last year’s record and has the potential to make some noise in the playoffs.
Lakeland Chiefs
Head Coach: Dave Piwowarczyk
2023 Record: 1-9
Lakeland was hit hard by graduation going into last season, but appears to be in better shape going into the 2024 tilt. The Chiefs will still be a young team, but also a young team with some experience and that should help. Junior QB David Naniewicz returns with some experience, along with Senior WR Chris Chmiola and Junior RB Caden Cuozzo. If the Chiefs can learn from some mistakes made last season, they may surprise a bit in the LFC.
Key Dates: 9/27 home vs. Dunmore, 10/4 home vs. Honesdale
Outlook: Lakeland will need to win some early games to have something to play for as September ends with 2 key home games for the Chiefs. Any chances of a playoff appearance this season might come down to Lakeland staying healthy and getting consistent mistake-free play in all facets.
Mid Valley Spartans
Head Coach: Stan Yanoski
2023 Record: 7-4
The Spartans had a nice season in 2023, even with substantial time missed due to injury for graduating Senior QB Jordan Chmielewski. Junior QB Brett Yanoski got better as last season went along, and Senior RB Jakob Lesher had a very strong season on the ground. Mid Valley returns some good experience along both lines and should be good enough defensively, especially in an experienced secondary.
Key Dates: 9/6 at Old Forge, 9/13 at Honesdale
Outlook: The Spartans will need a strong start with 2 home games against Pittston Area and Berwick. The key games, however, are the next 2 as they are division opponents and are winnable games. Mid Valley will need some momentum for sure heading into a big matchup 9/20 at Lackawanna Trail. If the Spartans stay healthy and take care of business at home, they should be in a favorable position for the playoffs.
West Scranton Invaders
Head Coach: Jake Manetti
2023 Record: 2-8
The Invaders struggled last season, and lost RB Hunter Baumgardner to graduation going into this year. Senior RB Shamier Lyons should get a lot of playing time and his speed can be a difference-maker at times. Senior QB Caiden Berardi will also need to step up this year if West Scranton hopes to compete in the LFC and District 2.
Key Dates: 8/31 at Abington Heights, 9/13 home vs. Scranton
Outlook: If the Invaders want a change of fortune this year, they will need to get off to a good start. Key early games against Abington Heights and Scranton will be critical, as will finishing strong with some winnable games to close out the regular season.
Western Wayne Wildcats
Head Coach: Shane Grodack
2023 Record: 8-4
Western Wayne looks to have enough experience to overcome key graduation losses (QB Frankie Leyshon, LB Carter Mistishin). Senior RB Josh Vinton had a huge 2023 campaign (over 1,500 rushing yards, 21 TD’s), and the Wildcats also have Senior WR Sean Owens and Senior TE Hayden Mundrake returning with a good amount of game experience. On Defense, a good mix of experience and newcomers will hope to hold opposing teams in check.
Key Dates: 8/30 home vs. Lackawanna Trail, 9/6 home vs. Wyoming Area, 9/13 at Crestwood
Outlook: The Wildcats have a trio of early games that will really challenge this squad. The remaining schedule after Crestwood is must more forgiving, so if Western Wayne can compete in the tough early games and stay healthy, they should be in the mix for the Division title, as well as make a District 2 Class 3A playoff push.
Jared’s Prediction:
Western Wayne
Mid Valley
Honesdale
Dunmore
Lakeland
West Scranton
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