H.S. Football: Wyoming Valley Conference reaches midway point of the season

The Wyoming Valley Conference football season has reached its midway point and now comes the dash to make the postseason.

Actually, the dash is more of a run to playoff seedings as the PIAA’s decision to go to six classifications in 2016 has made it much easier to qualify for the postseason. Last year, 10 of the 14 WVC teams played in the district tournaments.

The WVC is down to 12 teams with Williamsport departing and Holy Redeemer playing an independent schedule, but a good portion of them will be playing Week 11.

Here’s a look at how the WVC teams plus Redeemer have done so far.

BERWICK (1-4)

The First Five: The Dawgs have struggled on offense under first-year coach CJ Curry, grandson of coaching legend George Curry. The only victory has been against winless Hanover Area. Moving Billy Hanson from receiver to quarterback has perked up the running game a bit.

The Next Five: Victories over Nanticoke Area and Tunkhannock should be more than enough to secure a D2-3A playoff spot. The other three games – Wyoming Area, Williamsport and Selinsgrove – present huge challenges.

CRESTWOOD (2-3)

The First Five: The Comets’ three losses – to Wyoming Area, Valley View and Western Wayne – came against opponents a combined 13-2. Otherwise, they’ve handled the teams they were expected to, although the loss of starting quarterback Jaden Shedlock takes away a huge chunk of the running game.

The Next Five: Crestwood is sixth in the race for four D2-4A playoff spots. However, a couple Lackawanna Conference teams ahead of the Comets have extremely difficult schedules left. Their Week 8 game with Dallas could be pivotal as both are fighting for D2-4A berths.

DALLAS (2-3)

The First Five: The Mountaineers opened the season with perhaps the toughest three-game stretch in the WVC. The result was three close losses. However, the young line has performed better and running back Dylan Geskey and quarterback Brady Zapoticky have pumped life into a once listless running attack.

The Next Five: Dallas currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot in D2-4A and should be able to move up a couple notches since a couple Lackawanna Conference teams ahead of the Mountaineers have daunting schedules. The defense must improve because it’s has already allowed more points than in the entire 2023 regular season.

HANOVER AREA (0-5)

The First Five: The Hawkeyes have a very young team and it has shown through five games. Aside from a 24-20 loss to Holy Cross, they’ve been unable to keep up with the competition. Plus, a lead paint issue at their stadium has required them to play home games elsewhere, something that will continue for at least the next two games.

The Next Five: Aside from Wyoming Area in two weeks, Hanover Area has games where it could start making progress towards 2025. The main skill players are either sophomores or freshmen, so getting better each week – even if it doesn’t show on the scoreboard – will be critical to future success. The final D2-3A playoff spot is up for grabs so a couple wins might do the trick.

HAZLETON AREA (3-2)

The First Five: The Cougars ride a three-game winning streak into the second half of the season, although those wins came against opponents with a combined 1-14 record. All three had below-average offenses as well. The running game has made progress, but the passing game hasn’t performed as well as last season.

The Next Five: Since all four D2/4-6A teams make the playoffs, Hazleton Area will be playing in Week 11. Whether the Cougars get beyond that date depends on getting more production offensively. That could be difficult considering the remaining schedule that is much tougher than their opponents’ records indicate.

HOLY REDEEMER (0-5)

The First Five: Although the Royals are playing an independent schedule, with the idea of having more competitive games, the change hasn’t paid off. They have three touchdowns so far and all came after opponents had the games in hand. Running the ball has been a chronic problem for several years.

The Next Five: Redeemer’s best chance at snapping their 16-game losing streak comes Week 7 against a Montrose team which is playing just seven games as it tries to rebuild the program. Winless Midd-West closes out the regular season.

LAKE-LEHMAN (3-2)

The First Five: The Black Knights had a large group of returning starters and were expected to climb a rung or two up the ladder. The losses have been to unbeatens Shamokin and Riverside. The victories have come against opponents a combined 2-13. The lineup has several seniors who have taken their lumps the past two years.

The Next Five: If Lehman handles business the next two games against Nanticoke Area and Tunkhannock, that should be enough to secure a D2-3A playoff spot. Wins there and Week 9 against Hanover Area will secure the Black Knights’ first winning season since 2021. A home playoff game appears doubtful.

NANTICOKE AREA (1-4)

The First Five: The Trojans had to deal with the death of head coach Scott Dennis three days before the opener. Former coach Ron Bruza has returned to oversee the program. A playoff team a year ago, Nanticoke Area has experienced the growing pains of practically a brand new lineup. The team has been shut out three times and its only two offensive TDs have come in a 14-12 win over Tunkhannock.

The Next Five: The D2-4A playoff field will be four teams, not eight like the past two years, so it’s highly unlikely the Trojans will make the postseason. There is just too much ground to make up and not enough time to do so. Plus, Nanticoke Area will be the underdog in its next four games.

PITTSTON AREA (2-3)

The First Five: After a season-opening 32-0 loss to Mid Valley, the Patriots have played rather well. Losses to North Pocono and Dallas were one-possession games into the fourth quarter. They are running the ball a little more under new coach Joe DeLucca than last year, but that’s not shocking considering they have a new quarterback. Plus, a couple opponents dictated that strategy.

The Next Five: Pittston Area is third in the D2-5A standings and only four teams make the playoffs. The two teams behind the Patriots are winless so another victory would probably be enough to make the postseason. However, the second half of the schedule is much tougher and includes a pair of Class 6A schools and Wyoming Area.

TUNKHANNOCK (1-4)

The First Five: Some of the problems from the tailend of last season have carried over to the first half of 2023. The Tigers defeated winless Holy Redeemer 42-0, but otherwise have had trouble scoring with 47 points total in their other four games. They let a victory slip away in a 14-12 loss to Nanticoke Area and allowed 150 points in three other losses.

The Next Five: Despite the issues in the first five games, the Tigers are in contention for a D2-3A playoff spot. Five teams seem certain to make the eight-team field. Tunkhannock is in a pack of four teams trying to get the remaining positions. Wins over Hanover Area and Montrose – both winless teams – should be enough to make the playoffs.

WILKES-BARRE AREA (2-3)

The First Five: The Wolfpack have been snake-bitten in losses to Stroudsburg, Valley View and Dallas. They were in position to win all three, but a handful of plays went against them. They have a nice offensive balance as players like quarterback Jake Howe and running back Devon Underwood have elevated their play. The defense has been a tad shaky vs. the run, but that came against quality teams.

The Next Five: All four D2/4-6A teams make the postseason, so there is no fear of not playing Week 11. The task is trying to get a home game. The Wolfpack trail Williamsport and Scranton in the standings, but both those teams have very tough games remaining. WBA has an easier, but by no means smooth, road ahead.

WYOMING AREA (4-1)

The First Five: The Warriors are doing what they need to do. Running back Lidge Kellum is running away with the WVC rushing crown and receiver Luke Kopetchny has emerged as one of the WVC’s best. The only hiccup was a 34-23 loss to unbeaten Western Wayne.

The Next Five: Wyoming Area is very capable of running the table, although rival Pittston Area could be a stumbling block to end the season. The Warriors are all but assured a D2-3A playoff spot and are very likely to secure a home game. Will probably end up the second or third seed in the eight-team playoffs.

WYOMING VALLEY WEST (0-5)

The First Five: The five losses have run the Spartans’ losing streak to 14 games. They’ve scored the second fewest points in the WVC and have surrendered the second most points. The run defense is giving up 219.4 yards per game and there are some really good running backs yet to face. Still, Valley West is in position to make the D2-5A postseason.

The Next Five: Although the Spartans are ahead of another winless team, West Scranton, for the final D2-5A playoff berth, that could change over the final five games. West Scranton has played decent defense in a couple games and if the Invaders get their offense serviceable they could post a win or two. That means Valley West must do the same – against a tougher schedule – to be on the field in Week 11.

WEEK 6 AT A GLANCE

Berwick (1-4) at Wyoming Area (4-1)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coaches: Berwick’s CJ Curry (1-4), 1st year; Wyoming Area’s Randy Spencer (108-64) 16th year

Last Meeting: Berwick 42-0 in 2017

First Meeting: Berwick 32-6 in 1972

All-Time Series: Berwick 21-5

Scouting Berwick: The Dawgs broke into the win column, defeating winless Hanover Area 48-7. RB Ty’Meere had a big game running the ball. Converted WR Billy Hanson once again played quarterback, but threw only three passes and did most his work with his legs. After trying to be a balanced attack, Berwick has tilted towards the run the past two games. Most opponents have found success running the ball.

Scouting Wyoming Area: The Warriors had their 54-13 win over Tunkhannock wrapped up by halftime. RB Lidge Kellum, the WVC’s top rusher, ran only three times but scored on two of the runs. RB Trustin Johnson returned a punt for a TD. The game pretty much went as expected. The defense is trending in the right direction with a bunch of winnable games on the horizon.

Bottom Line: If Wyoming Area scores three TDs, that should be enough against an inconsistent Berwick offense.

Crestwood (2-3) at Pittston Area (2-3)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coaches: Crestwood’s Ryan Arcangeli (38-25), 6th year; Pittston Area’s Joe DeLucca (2-3), 1st year

Last Meeting: Pittston Area 28-21 in 2021

First Meeting: Pittston Area 26-0 in 1981

All-Time Series: Crestwood 10-8

Scouting Crestwood: The Comets defeated Nanticoke Area 55-0 in a game where the second half had the quarters shortened to eight minutes. They scored two defensive TDs on fumble returns by Lincoln Bibla and Emmett Seyer. QB Jack Rodgers will run the show the rest of the way with starter Jaden Shedlock suffering a season-ending injury for a second consecutive season. Have some ground to make up in the D2-4A playoff race.

Scouting Pittston Area: The Patriots battled Dallas to the end before falling 30-22. The defense surrendered a season-high 292 yards on the ground. The offense had it fewest yards since a 32-0 loss to Mid Valley to start the season, although QB Matt Walter went over 100 yards rushing for the first time. Some turnovers and mistakes changed the complexion of the game.

Bottom Line: A very intriguing matchup, perhaps the best of the night.

Executive Education (3-2) at Wyo. Valley West (0-5)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coaches: Executive Education’s Larry Ford (21-18), 4th year; Valley West’s Bob Stelma (1-14) 2nd year

Last Meeting: never played

First Meeting: never played

All-Time Series: never played

Scouting Executive Education: Executive Education, a Class 2A school in Allentown, was a late replacement for Penn Wood on Valley West’s schedule. The Raptors are in their fourth season of varsity football. QB Zion Blake has shown the ability to buy time in the pocket and has a strong arm. RB Sylis Styles is an elusive, patient runner who can make defenders miss in the open field.

Scouting Valley West: A late touchdown prevented a shutout in a 34-7 loss to Hazleton Area. The offense has produced just three touchdowns in the last three games and hasn’t found consistency either running or passing the football. The run defense needs to improve, especially with plenty of quality running backs dotting the remainder of the schedule.

Bottom Line: Might be Valley West’s best chance to pick up a win.

Lake-Lehman (3-2) at Nanticoke Area (1-4)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coaches : Lake-Lehman’s Jerry Gilsky (90-70) 15th year; Nanticoke Area coaching staff

Last Meeting: Nanticoke Area 42-0

First Meeting: Nanticoke Area 38-20 1968

All-Time Series: Tied 26-26

Scouting Lehman: The Black Knights took care of business early in a 42-0 victory over winless Holy Redeemer. RB Jim Mitkowski rushed for a career-high 252 yards and two touchdowns. Lehman rushed for a season-high 423 yards and should find ample running room against a Nanticoke Area defense which has trouble stopping the run. Can solidify a D2-3A playoff spot over the next few weeks.

Scouting Nanticoke Area: The Trojans lost 55-0 to Crestwood in a game where the second-half quarters were reduced to eight minutes. The offense totaled just 7 yards and turned over the ball four times, including two fumbles returned for touchdowns. Nanticoke Area has been shut out three times, most in the WVC. Opponents have attacked the defense on the ground.

Bottom Line: Lehman should get its second consecutive win.

North Pocono (3-2) at Dallas (2-3)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coaches: North Pocono’s Greg Dolhon (62-70), 13th year; Dallas’ Rich Mannello (79-35), 10th year

Last Meeting: North Pocono 41-26 in 2021

First Meeting: North Pocono 41-34 in 2000

All-Time Series: Tied 2-2

Scouting North Pocono: The Trojans have dropped two in a row, with the latest setback a 21-3 loss to Abington Heights. While they did a respectable job vs. the run, the defense gave up plenty of yardage through the air. Special teams allowed a punt to be blocked for a touchdown. QB Chase Zimmerman hasn’t thrown much, but has found success doing so. RB Joe Briskie is on pace for a 1,000-yard season. The remaining schedule is very tough.

Scouting Dallas: The Mountaineers held off Pittston Area 30-22 for their second consecutive victory. The running game was at the forefront once again as RB Dylan Geskey and QB Brady Zapoticky each went over 100 yards on the ground. DBs Gavin Lewis and Nate Malarkey had interceptions for the defense’s first turnovers since Week 2. A team on the upswing.

Bottom Line: Good chance Dallas continues its climb up the D2-4A standings.

Tunkhannock (1-4) vs. Hanover Area (0-5)

7 p.m. Friday

at Wilkes-Barre Area H.S.

The Coaches: Tunkhannock’s Pat Keating (86-45), 2nd year at Tunkhannock, 11th overall; Hanover Area’s Jason Majiros (4-22), 3rd year

Last Meeting: Tunkhannock 14-6 in 2023

First Meeting: Hanover Area 14-12 in 1982

All-Time Series: Tunkhannock 9-6

Scouting Tunkhannock: The Tigers lost their third in a row with a 54-13 loss to Wyoming Area. They surrendered way too many big plays as the Warriors scored on plays of 40 yards or more on five first-half touchdowns. Freshman RB Lucas Ciprich rushed for 108 yards and two TDs, becoming the first Tigers to top 100 yards on the ground this season.

Scouting Hanover Area: The Hawkeyes used a late touchdown pass to prevent being shut out in a 48-6 loss to Berwick. Berwick threw just three passes as like past Hanover Area opponents the Dawgs stuck to the run. While Hanover Area has been able to move the ball in the air at times, the running game has struggled throughout the season and is averaging less than a yard per carry.

Bottom Line: Odd as it sounds, the winner could eventually get the eighth seed in the D2-3A playoffs.

Wilkes-Barre Area (2-3) at Hazleton Area (3-2)

7 p.m. Friday

The Coaches: WBA’s Ciro Cinti (99-101) 6th year at WBA, 19th overall; Hazleton Area’s Dennis Buchman (25-20), 5th year

Last Meeting: WBA 27-8 in 2023

First Meeting: WBA 34-20 in 2019

All-Time Series: Tied 3-3

Scouting WBA: As expected, the Wolfpack dominated winless West Scranton 35-2. The defense allowed just 100 yards, but it must be noted the performance came against an opponent that lacks any real offensive firepower. RB Davon Underwood rushed for over 100 yards for a second consecutive game. LB Logan Sincavage had a pick-6 for WBA’s first defensive touchdown of the season.

Scouting Hazleton Area: The Cougars defeated Wyoming Valley West 34-7 for their third consecutive victory. However, those wins have been against opponents who are a combined 1-14 and have issues on offense. The defense is really going to have to step up because WBA can attack on the ground and in the air. While the running game has improved, the passing game is well off last season’s pace.

Bottom Line: Both are in the D2/4-6A playoffs, so the game is for seeding purposes.

Holy Cross (2-3) at Holy Redeemer (0-5)

7 p.m. Saturday

The Coaches: Holy Cross’ Joe Giglio (9-27), 4th year; Redeemer’s Tyson Kelley (7-43), 6th year;

Last Meeting: Holy Cross 28-12 in 2023

First Meeting: Holy Redeemer 62-7 in 2007

All-Time Series: Holy Redeemer 11-5

Scouting Holy Cross: The Crusaders lost 28-14 to Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech. RB Leland Wurduski had a solid game running the ball, but there wasn’t much success when throwing. Unlike last season where Holy Cross was overmatched on several occasions, it’s been somewhat competitive in all five games. Even in a 28-0 loss to Carbondale Area two weeks ago, the Crusaders made the Chargers battle well into the second half.

Scouting Holy Redeemer: The Royals were shut out for a third time this season in a 42-0 loss to Lake-Lehman. The offense produced just 39 yards. As has been a problem all season, the defense couldn’t slow down an opponent determined to run the ball. All three offensive touchdowns this season have come after the opposition had the game well in hand.

Bottom Line: If Redeemer can slow down Holy Cross’ running game, it has a chance.