17 Lehigh Valley high school football players to watch for 2024 season

Summer practice is over, the air is a little crisper and daylight is waning each day. The Lehigh Valley high school football season is here.

It all kicks off Friday night across Pennsylvania with the start of the scholastic season.

Here are some of the top players in the Lehigh Valley this fall:

Sr. Andrew Olesh, Southern Lehigh: Michigan recruit will see every coverage package because of his size, speed and hands.

Sr. Braheem Battles, Allentown Central Catholic: Maryland commit is a two-time all-state selection at defensive tackle.

Jr. Peyton Falzone, Nazareth: The Virginia Tech commit completed 171 of 280 pass attempts (61.1%) for 2,678 yards and 21 touchdowns while throwing just four interceptions as a sophomore.

Sr. Will Buck, Emmaus: The placekicker, a Cornell commit, was the EPC’s special teams player of the year. He made 11 of 13 field goal attempts, including a school-record 45-yarder.

Jr. Logan Anthony, Palmerton: The Division I recruit is a load on both sides of the line.

Sr. Jasir Frutchey, Easton: The 6-foot, 4-inch receiver will be a key part of coach Matt Senneca’s vow to improve on 3-8 record a year ago.

Soph. T.J. Lawrence, Parkland: Running back/linebacker led the Trojans in tackles last year with 68.

Sr. Justin Peluso, Freedom: Wide receiver/linebacker makes plays on both sides of the ball. He has committed to Lafayette.

Sr. Jared Rohn, Saucon Valley: A 150-plus tackler as a linebacker who can be a 1,000-yard rusher at running back.

Jr. Jake Pukszyn, Liberty: In his first varsity football season last year he caught 45 passes for 545 yards and seven touchdowns. Also a standout basketball player.

Sr. Carter Troxell, Whitehall: Running back/linebacker should star on both sides of the ball. Made 92 tackles last year.

Jr. Cayden Vassa, Bethlehem Catholic: Quarterback threw for 1,529 yards and 18 touchdowns last year.

Sr. Tymir Williams, Northampton: Receiver returns from knee injury after missing 2023.

Jr. Shane Leh, Northwestern: Grew into a viable passer and runner during the Tigers’ state run. He has the potential to throw for 300 yards every night.

Sr. Bryer Reichard, Northwestern: A dominant player on both sides of the line thanks to his strength and instincts.

Sr. Eli Zimmerman, Northwestern: The Colonial-Schuylkill League’s best defensive back also will be a key player in the Tigers’ offense.

So. Aaron Gordon, Notre Dame-GP: Another versatile, multi-threat athlete with speed and elusiveness.

Keith Groller and Tom Housenick contributed to this report

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