Lackawanna Football Conference Division 2 Preseason Breakdown
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 2, pfn
PFN Staff | August 12, 2023
The LFC division 2 has largely been known for their small school powers and this season should be no different. this division had 1 district champion last season and two runners-up. Let’s meet the teams.
Dunmore 2A: LS (8-4): The Bucks got back to their winning ways in 2022 marching to district finale and almost playing stunner. The Bucks are projected to be one of the most dominant 2A teams in the state and their roster is just loaded from top to bottom. 3rd year starter Thomas Bowen is back at QB after a career year last year throwing for 1.175 yards and 14 Tds while also rushing for 130 yards and 7 touchdowns. Danny Pigga will step in as the new starting Running back after rushing for 345 yards and 2 touchdowns and you also see him line up at wide receiver where he caught 18 passes for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns. Dom Desando is back at WR after having a breakout 2022 season where he caught 20 passes for 320 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Bucks will be elite defensively. With Pigga and Desando at Defensive Backs, Nick Donvito at Linebacker coming off a 100+ tackle season, and Nathan Reauther and Chris Conte on the D-line .
Honesdale 4A: LS (5-6): The Hornets definitely had some highs in 2022 beating Lackawanna Trail and Wyoming Area, but also had some lows including giving Wallenpaupack their only win. The Hornets graduated 14 seniors last season, but this program has been known for developing young talent early so we will see how that pays out. QB Aiden Collins is back for his third season under coach Russick where he threw for 853 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns last season. Cameron Hedgelon will be the wide receiver 1# this season after recording 5 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown, but this team will strive in the run game with Mason Avrey. Avrey is coming off a very underrated season for the Hornets where for 631 yards and 4 touchdowns while splitting carries. The Hornets will need to replace a lot defensively and will be led by Junior linebacker Bradley Bibalo who recorded 45 tackles last season.
Lakeland 2A: LS (12-1): The Chiefs were the best team in the league season and if not for some late season injuries possibly could have made a state run. The Chiefs basically graduated their whole team, but with the amount of blowout wins the newcomers will have some experience. The offense will be centered around QB David Naniewicz who saw a good amount of playing time last season. Naniewicz is a big dual threat QB whose big arm could give teams problems. Riley Rovinsky will step up as the wide receiver 1# after catching 17 passes for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Chiefs will need to be good defensively to contend and they return 4 starters which should help, Lydon Bello and Thomas Scalzo will be the stars on the d-line, Andrew Gelderman is back at LB after recording 82 tackles, and Riley Rovisnky will be back at DB.
Mid Valley 2A: LS (2-8): The Spartans had a setback in 2022 after a 9 win season in 2021, but the Spartans return some good two skill players that should help them contend. QB Jordan Chmielewski is back for his second season after throwing for 735 yards and 4 touchdowns, and he will both of his top targets back in Victor Holt and Jakob Lesher. Lesher will also be the primary ball carrier after rushing for 380 yards and 2 touchdowns while splitting carries. The DB is room is as strong as anybody’s with Lesher, Holt, and Chmielewski that trio recorded 5 interceptions last season.
West Scranton 5A: LS (2-8): Despite 2 wins the Invaders season was a success in a way. The Invader’s snapped a 21-game losing streak and were a game away from making the playoffs all while being led by first year head coach who got notified a month before the start of the season. The Invaders were young last season and now return a key group of guys that have a year under their belt. Dual threat QB Caiden Berardi back after throwing for 942 yards and 8 touchdowns while also adding another 162 rushing yards and 4 Tds with his legs. Taron Knight Guerrier and Hunter Bumgardner will be the top targets for Berardi, Bumgardner will also be the primary ball carrier after rushing for 247 yards and a touchdown while being the 3rd back. The defense will be experienced with starters, Knight Guerrier, Bumgardner, Amir Robinson, and Colin Manley all returning.
Western Wayne 3A: LS (9-3): For the first time in a while, it’s going to be brand new look for the Wildcats, a new coach, coaching staff, and no Janiszewski on the roster. With all that being said the Wildcats did lose a lot to graduation but have an experience QB at the helm in Frankie Leyshon. Leyshon took a big step from his sophomore to junior year throwing for 1,189 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. With star WR Sean Owens out Ethan Grodack will have to step become a big-time playmaker on the outside. But we all know the Wildcats bread and butter is pounding the rock and they will have one of the top rushing attacks in the league led by Josh Vinton. Vinton was a productive as they come last season, while splitting carries Vinton recorded 960 yards and 13 touchdowns and will be once again up the top in rushing yards. The Wildcats should be strong defensively with returning starters Grodack, Vinton, Alex Lucke, Carter Mistishin, and Evan Dean.
Final Projections
- Dunmore
- Western Wayne
- West Scranton
- Lakeland
- Honesdale
- Mid Valley
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
You must be logged in to post a comment.