2024 Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 2, News, pfn
John Kotsko | August 21, 2024
Berwick
Head Coach: CJ Curry
2023 Record: 3-8. Lost to Valley View in the District 2 4A Quarterfinals
Berwick drops down to Division 2 and into the 3A Classification. They will need to replace several starters from last season on offense. Most of them being skill position players. The offensive line will be the strength with 4 starters returning. The Bulldogs top skill position player is wideout Billy Hanson. He caught 26 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. They return 5 starters on defense, four in the secondary.
Coach’s Quote: There are big shoes after losing most of our offensive and defensive playmakers to graduation. Our guys have been working tremendously hard with a chip on their shoulder since January 3rd to make sure they are ready to go. They have bought in to changing the culture, and have developed a togetherness that I am extremely proud of heading into the season. We have playmakers all around and an experienced offensive line, as well as an experienced secondary and some guys who I think can be great in our front 4/5. We are very young, but the experience these guys got last year, coupled with their desire to improve with something to prove to our conference, district, and state, I am incredibly excited to see where this team can go.
Hanover Area
Head Coach: Jason Majiros
2023 Record: 3-8. Lost to Scranton Prep in the District 2 3A Semifinals
The Hawkeyes return 6 starters on both sides of the ball. However, they will be a young team. They return sophomore Deacon Eisenback who had 23 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns in his freshman season. He also had two interceptions on defense. They return four starters on the offensive line which Coach Majiros is hoping will be the strength of the Hawkeyes.
Coach’s Quote: Even though we have some returning players, we will again be a young team. However, it isn’t going to keep our players from competing. Great offseason for many and anxious about getting the pads on to see how physical we will be. Need the o-line to gel early to take advantage of the skills that we have. Hoping to take another step forward this year and be competitive.
Lake-Lehman
Head Coach: Jerry Gilsky
2023 Record: 2-9. Lost to Western Wayne in the District 2 3A Semifinals.
The Black Knights lost only two starters on offense and three starters on defense. On offense, they have wideout Chris Sholtis who had 24 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns. Hayden Evans returns at quarterback as well. He threw for 920 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Evans also had two interceptions on defense last season.
Coach’s Quote: We have many players with experience and great competition for depth. A great group of kids that bond like a family that will help each other for success.
Nanticoke
Head Coach: Scott Dennis
2023 Record: 7-5. Lost to Dallas in the District 2 4A Playoffs
Nanticoke comes into 2024 needing to replace almost all of their production from 2023. They do return quarterback Michael Stachowiak. Eugene Gyle and Treston Allen got time in the backfield last season. Gyle rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Allen had 270 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Coach’s Quote: After graduating 26 seniors, our team has inexperience at some key positions. In evaluating our team this summer, it is clear we have talent. The biggest challenge will be making enough progress to develop into a good football team.
Tunkhannock
Head Coach: Pat Keating
2023 Record: 4-6. Did not make playoffs
The Tigers greatly improved last season, winning 4 games last season and drop down to 3A where a playoff spot is not out of the question. The Tigers return six starters on offense, however, they will need to replace their backfield. The offensive line returns four starters. The defense returns 7 starters. Could the Tigers make improvements in Year 2 under Head Coach Pat Keating?
Coach’s Quote: Players have worked extremely hard throughout the offseason to get our program to turn the corner. We are working very hard to try to make Tunkhannock Football a winning brand. Overall team strength is moving in the right direction. Participation numbers are moving in the right direction. We still have areas of inexperience on our team, and all of our players are still working on learning new systems on both sides of the ball, but I love the effort and commitment that our team displayed this summer.
Wyoming Area
Head Coach: Randy Spencer
2023 Record: 10-2. Lost to Valley View in the District 2 4A Playoffs.
Wyoming Area drops down to 3A after making it to the 4A Semifinals last season. The defending WVC Division 2 champs return quarterback Anthony DeLucca. DeLucca threw for 800 yards and 12 touchdowns. They will have a one-two punch of Lidge Kellum and Michael Crane in the backfield. Kellum rushed for 509 yards and four touchdowns. They have Sacred Heart commit Chase DeSanto blocking for them at left tackle. Josh Mruk recorded two interceptions on defense, returning one for a touchdown. Mruk at his tight end position, recorded 10 catches for 219 yards and five touchdowns.
Coach’s Quote: Our 2024 Warriors are a skilled, experienced, and high character group. The development of some talented, but inexperienced offensive lineman, team leadership, and our ability to build competitive depth will be some keys to our success this season.
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
You must be logged in to post a comment.