2024 WVC Division 1 Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 2, News, pfn
John Kotsko | August 19, 2024
Crestwood Comets
Head Coach: Ryan Arcangeli
2023 Record: 5-6. Lost in District 2 4A Quarterfinals to Nanticoke
The Comets are led by junior quarterback Jaden Shedlock whose last season ended early due to an injury. Shedlock rushed for 859 yards and 10 touchdowns. He threw for 472 yards and four touchdowns. Colin Lazo rushed for 353 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 12 catches for 199 yards and one touchdown. On defense, he recorded five interceptions.
Coach’s Quote: Senior offensive/ Defensive line that needs to help carry us through some tough weeks as some young skill players find their way. Play making QB with weapons at TE and WR that will certainly help take heat off the OL, and 3 returning LB’s will help on the defensive side. If we are able to stay healthy through a very challenging schedule, we have no doubt we will be in position to have success every Friday.
Dallas Mountaineers
Head Coach: Rich Mannello
2023 Record: 15-1. Lost to Aliquippa in the 4A State Championship game
The 2023 4A State Runner-Ups return their starting quarterback in Brady Zapoticky and running back Dylan Geskey. Geskey rushed for 1,473 yards and 26 touchdowns. Zapoticky threw for 2,047 yards and 26 touchdowns. Gavin Lewis recorded seven interceptions on defense last season.
Coach’s Quote: As always at Dallas, special teams will be expected to change games. Rowan Laubach returns with a year of punting experience to match his kicking skills. Seven players that have started on the defensive side of the ball will be leaned on early. There is excellent speed across this unit that will be tested early. Offensively, our skill group will carry this side of the ball while a strong group up front in new positions gets time under the lights.
Hazleton Area Cougars
Head Coach: Dennis Buchman
2023 Record: 2-8. Did not make playoffs
The Cougars went 2-8 last season however of those losses, six of them were by one possession. They return 9 starters on both sides of the ball. Austin Wilson returns at quarterback. Last season, Wilson threw for 817 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 449 yards and four touchdowns. Wideout Riley VanGilst had 12 catches for 216 yards and four touchdowns.
Coach’s Quote: We are excited for the 2024 season! Consistency in all three phases and attention to detail will be two major keys in determining our TEAM’s success against a challenging schedule.
Pittston Area Patriots
Head Coach: Joe DeLucca
2023 Record: 5-6. Lost to Delaware Valley in the District 2 5A Semifinals
The Patriots have moved up from Division 2 to Division 1. Bring in a new head coach in Joe DeLucca. The cupboard isn’t bare in Yatesville as they return 6 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense. They have to replace Drew DeLucca at quarterback and Matt Walter will be at quarterback. He was at wide receiver last year. They return Lucas Lopresto who had 37 catches for 612 yards and seven touchdowns in his freshman season. He also recorded 3 interceptions on defense.
Coach’s Quote: We have a great group of dedicated players who have had a tremendous offseason. Each week will feature quality opponents and coaches who have established solid programs. It is imperative we focus on one game at a time and take care of the basic tenets of football. Our team returns experienced leaders and quality newcomers. If we stay healthy and stay together through adversity, we will be a tough team to beat.
Valley West Spartans
Head Coach: Bob Stelma
2023 Record: 1-9. Did not make playoffs.
The Spartans snapped their losing streak last season in Week 1. However, they finished the season 1-9. The good news is they return six starters on both sides of the ball. Running back Tyler Mattis rushed for 309 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 12 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. He also added an interception on defense. Paul Riggs rushed for 260 yards.
Coach’s Quote: Looking forward to my second season at WVW. The players have been working hard in the off season. We have some key spots to fill and the players are rising to the challenge. We will have a large number of seniors, some of whom are first year players. Once again, we play a tough schedule that will challenge our players to work hard each week.
Wilkes-Barre Area Wolf Pack
Head Coach: Ciro Cinti
2023 Record: 6-5. Lost to Nazareth in the District 2/4/11 6A Subregional.
The Wolf Pack are led by several skill position players led by quarterback Jake Howe. Howe threw for 1,627 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2023. He also added three rushing touchdowns. Davon Underwood ran for 454 yards and four touchdowns last season. He also had 22 catches for 227 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver and defensive back Treyvon Gembitsky had 27 catches for 415 yards and four touchdowns. He also added four interceptions on defense. The Wolf Pack return one of the best lineman in Jimmy Gryskewicz but lack experience on the line. The Wolf Pack only return 4 starters on both sides of the ball.
Coach’s Quote: Young team varsity experience-wise with a lot of speed.
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