The J-Man’s View of District 2: “Ah, playoffs?! Don’t talk about – playoffs?! You kiddin’ me?!!”

Tagged under: District 2, Gameday Hub, pfn, Playoffs

Jared Samuel | October 30, 2025

Check out our live playoff brackets here: PLAYOFF BRACKETS

Ahhhhh yes. Who doesn’t remember that famous rant! In this case however, contrary to what Jim Mora would want, I will talk about playoffs. It has all come down to this, and over the next 2 weekends we will crown 4 District champs and 2 sub-regional champs. All that hard work will be put to the test and the winners will advance further into the state playoffs.

The outlook from up on the mountain: Here’s a look at the playoff field, broken down by classification and seeds:

Class 1A (sub-regional with District 11)

#4 Nativity BVM (4-6) at #1 Lackawanna Trail (9-1): Trail Head Coach Steve Jervis has his team hitting on all cylinders right now after a complete effort in all 3 phases of the game in a 40-14 win at Riverside. Everyone knows about RB Isaac Ryon (38 total TD’s) and QB Tyler Jervis running that Wing-T offense, but against the Vikings it was the Trail defense that sent a message. The Lions are clicking at the right time and should put this one away early.

The winner of this game will face the winner of Tri-Valley at Marian Catholic.

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Class 2A

#4 Holy Redeemer (2-8) at #1 Lakeland (9-1): The Royals have a tall task heading up on the Hill to face the Chiefs, who are most definitely back after a 2-year hiatus. QB David Naniewicz (26 total TD’s) leads this group of dangerous playmakers who seem to score in bunches. The Lakeland defense has been solid and has only given up more than 14 points twice. The Chiefs are rolling, and they will roll in this matchup.

#3 Dunmore (7-3) at #2 Riverside (8-2): A re-match! The first edition of this game was opening night this year at Dunmore, and a lot has changed since that overtime classic that saw Riverside kick a field goal in the extra frame to edge out Dunmore 17-14. Riverside QB Brayden Rose (12 rushing TD’s, 14 passing TD’s) has been terrific in all 3 phases of the game, and DL Tavian Branch anchors a resurgent defense. On the Dunmore side, it’s been mainly a ground game combination of QB Weston Yannone, RB Ryan Mecca, FB Brandon Mecca and FB Xavier Burke. On the defensive side for Dunmore, the herd of Bucks have have running down their opponents and have gotten stronger all season. In my eyes, this one’s a toss up.

Class 3A

#4 Hanover Area (6-4) at #1 Berwick (10-0): the Hawkeyes are soaring, and all 6 of their wins this year were shutouts. QB Logan Richardson (1,714 yards passing, 19 TD’s) is gaining confidence every week and RB Dewayne Downey (850 rushing yards, 16 TD’s) has been solid. But they have a tall task heading on the road to face Berwick, who beat them handily earlier in the year. For the Bulldogs, the talk all year has been superstar RB Ty’Meere Wilkerson (2,423 rushing yards, 32 TD’s). But the real story in Berwick should be the offensive line and the stifling defense which has given up a District 2 low 92 points. Unfortunately for Hanover Area, this one should be over early.

#3 Scranton Prep (5-5) at #2 Wyoming Area (9-1): It’s been a challenging year for the Cavaliers. QB/DB Will McPartland missed the first 3 games due to injury but still was able to pass for 1,043 yards, run for 689 yards and had 26 total TD’s in just 7 games….wow! The Warriors seemed to grow as a group as their season went along, getting strong line play anchored by OL/DL Max Getzie and great efforts by QB Jack Gravine, WR Luke Kopetchny, RB Trustin Johnson and WR Nick Ciampi propelled Wyoming Area to the #2 seed. I think this game is another toss up!

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Class 4A

#4 Crestwood (5-5) at North Pocono (10-0): Crestwood’s season has been a mixed bag. Comet QB Jaden Shedlock is super-talented and was able to showcase more passing this year, but he also missed some time with injury again. The offensive line has seen some turnover in recent weeks, but may have found a bit more stability. They will certainly need it, as North Pocono’s defense has been a terror all year. The Trojans not only have a great front seven, but the secondary is outstanding led by “do it all” guy Cole West, who is a danger anytime he is near the ball. North Pocono is on a roll, and that will continue here.

#3 Dallas (5-5) at #2 Valley View (6-4): It’s been a wild ride for the Mountaineers, who have faced the toughest schedule in District 2 this season. They are on a high note however, and the “Geskey” connection (QB Talyn and WR Logan) are clicking as is RB Mark Saracinaj who is getting an early look due to some injuries. Valley View is always a hard-nosed group, and this year is no exception as their defense has led the way. On offense, RB Tyler Muchal and QB Caleb Brown have gotten the job done. This game should be close—another toss up in my view.

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Class 5A

#4 Wyoming Valley West (1-9) at #1 Abington Heights (8-2): WVW has WR John RIchards, the receiving yardage leader in District 2 with 1,056 yards. They also have a star in the making with Sophomore QB Damian Eastman (1,600 passing yards). The rest, however, is not enough to stay with the likes of the Comets who are clicking on the ground with RB Jayden Anglin (1,039 rushing yards) and through the air with the return of QB Nick Bradley. WR Gavin Anders is # 2 on the District 2 receiving yardage chart. Methinks that Abington Heights just has too much for the Spartans to overcome.

#3 Delaware Valley (5-5) at #2 Pittston Area (8-2): Don’t be fooled by the record of the Warriors, as they make their schedule top-heavy on purpose to challenge their squad and improve as the season moves forward. This year is no exception. QB Colin McGarvey has stepped up and played some great ball. RB Mike Iuzzolino had a slow start against some really tough competition, but he has really poured it on as of late as I expected he would do. Delaware Valley’s defense has stepped up in recent weeks, and has some good wins on their resume. And as far as X-factors go, K Reagan Decker is as good as it gets in District 2. The Patriots have had a terrific season, and have found some interesting ways to win. FB Brody Spindler is the hardest guy to bring down that I’ve seen this season, and teams should never kick to WR Lucas LoPresto ever again as he is a threat to return one every time he touches the ball. Pittston Area is coming off of a tough rivalry loss to Wyoming Area, so we will see what they are made of when the “other” Warriors come to town on Friday. Why did I write so much about this game? It’s because I honestly think it is the best matchup of the week. Dare I say it? Another toss-up!

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Class 6A (sub-regional with District 4)

#4 Hazleton (1-9) at #1 Wilkes-Barre (6-4): The Cougars are having another tough season that was magnified when QB Freddy Corrado was lost for the year due to injury. QB J J Lantigua has stepped in admirably and RB Xavier Heck is nearing a 1,000 yard season. Wilkes-Barre has unfortunately had an inconsistent season, but does tout some great playmakers. QB Jake Howe is the top passer in District 2 with 2,001 yards and 21 TD’s, RB Davon Underwood is extremely fast and elusive, and WR’s Treyvon Gembitski and Kevon Creech are great 2-way players with great speed. The question is, can the Wolfpack put it all together and regain some momentum that they had earlier in the year? They should be able to handle Hazleton, but can they keep it going?

#3 Scranton (2-8) at #2 Williamsport (5-5): Scranton has had a disappointing season, some of it due to injuries. QB Brody Coyle would love nothing more than to go out and get a playoff win, and WR’s Kamani Sterling and Ben Campbell have been better as of late. Williamsport had to hang on to get a win last week and they feature some offensive firepower. Looking at the records, you might think this one would be close but it has the potential to be a tight game. I may to lean on home field in this one.

Where I am headed Thursday 10/30: Thursday Night Lights in the D-11 for me, heading to Schuylkill Haven to take in a Class 4A playoff as 5-5 Lehighton visits 7-3 Blue Mountain.

Where we are headed Friday 10/31: Sherryl and I have a scary good one on Halloween night with a huge Class 3A matchup as 5-5 Scranton Prep heads to West Pittston to take on 9-1 Wyoming Area. Throw the records out the window, this one is going to be good.

Where I am headed Saturday 11/1: Another D-11 showdown, this time in Mt. Pocono to watch a Class 5A playoff as 5-5 Pleasant Valley visits 7-3 Pocono Mountain East.

PFN’s District 2 staff coverage this week, follow these on ‘X’ for updates: