2011-12 District 2 “Players to Watch” list
Written by: EasternPAFootball.com Staff on Monday, August 15th, 2011. Follow EasternPAFootball.com Staff on Twitter.
Adam Bright, Senior OG/DT, Wallenpaupack Area – A force along the defensive line for the Buckhorns, Bright tallied 51 tackles (43 solo), one sack and three fumble recoveries last season. Bright averaged 5.1 tackles per game and had a pair of 10-tackle games against Pocono Mountain East and West Scranton. He was part of a Wallenpaupack defense that held two opponents to 17 points or less.
Alex Filarsky, Senior WR/S, Lakeland – A weapon in all three phases of the game for the Chiefs, Filarsky amassed 648 all-purpose yards (30 rushing, 268 receiving, 127 punt returns, 223 kickoff returns) and scored four total touchdowns, averaging three yards per carry, 13.4 yards per reception, 18.1 yards per punt return and 20.3 yards per kick return. Defensively, Filarsky was a force as a safety, tallying 35 tackles, tied for the team lead in interceptions (four), deflected four passes and recovered a fumble. On special teams, Filarsky averaged 28.3 yards per punt on 37 attempts, with nine downed inside the 20 yard line and 38.7 yards per kickoff on 46 boots, with two touchbacks.
Anthony Trotta, Senior OL/DL, Old Forge – A key returning presence on the offensive line for the Blue Devils, Trotta helped to pave the way for an Old Forge offensive unit which averaged 276.7 yards (159.3 rush, 117.4 pass) and 26.9 points per game, producing four backs with between 200 to 885 rushing yards and a 1,200-yard passer. OF scored 38 total offensive touchdowns last season (22 rushing, 16 passing), finishing 7-4 overall and reaching the District 2 Class A semifinals opposite Dunmore.
Antonio Russo, Senior RB/DB, Mid Valley – The Spartans’ leading rusher last season, Russo ran for 581 yards and three touchdowns on 129 carries and caught two passes for 16 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and eight yards per reception. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 251 yards and a touchdown, averaging 22.8 yards per return and scoring the touchdown in a loss to GAR Memorial.
Anthony Dennis, Senior OL/DL, Hanover Area – A force at defensive end for the Hawks, Dennis racked up 78 tackles (44 solo), three sacks, an interception, three deflected passes, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He averaged more than seven tackles per game, finishing two games with 11 tackles. Dennis scored his only touchdown of the year on a 45-yard fumble return against Northwest Area.
Austin Seamon, Junior RB, Dunmore – One of four Buck backs to surpass the 400-yard mark in rushing yardage last season, Seamon posted 429 yards and four touchdowns on 65 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per rush. He was part of a Dunmore offense that averaged more than 222 yards per game on the ground. Seamon also caught three passes for one yard.
Brandon Saddlemire, Senior OL, Susquehanna – A key presence in the trenches returning from a 9-2 Sabers’ team a season ago, Saddlemire helped to pave the way for a Susquehanna offensive arsenal which averaged 292.9 yards (223.7 rush, 69.2 pass) and 29.9 points per game, scoring 42 total offensive touchdowns (29 rushing, 13 passing). The Sabers’ offense included four backs with season rushing totals between 200 to 1,130 yards and a 760-yard passer.
Brandon Sales, Junior RB, Carbondale Area – The Chargers’ top returning rusher from a year ago, Sales racked up 480 yards of total offense (357 rushing, 123 receiving) and scored four total touchdowns (3 rushing, 1 receiving). Sales averaged 4.6 yards per carry on 77 rushes and just under 10.3 yards per catch.
Brendan Downey, Senior TB/LB, Wallenpaupack Area – The second-leading rusher in the Buckhorn’s ground attack that averaged more than 160 yards per game, Downey racked up 505 yards and five touchdowns on 80 carries and caught two passes for 24 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry and 12 yards per reception. He finished two games with 100+ rushing yards. Defensively, Downey tallied 81 tackles (68 solo), one sack, three deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, finishing games against West Scranton and Delaware Valley with 13 tackles each.
Brett Wanek, Senior WR/LB, Dallas – The second-leading tackler on the Dallas defensive unit last season, Wanek rolled to an impressive 123 total tackles, two interceptions, two deflected passes, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He averaged 11.2 tackles per game, posting 10+ tackles in eight of the Mountaineers’ 11 games last year. He began the year with four consecutive 11-tackle games, then added a 16-tackle performance against Tunkhannock, a 15-tackle game against Crestwood and a 14-tackle game against West Scranton later in the year. Offensively, Wanek averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 29 rushes and caught 11 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown (15.5 avg.).
Brian Lalli, Senior WR, Valley View – The only Cougar wideout with more than 20 receptions last year, Lalli snared 45 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly 12.7 yards per catch. He also ran for 63 yards on 14 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Defensively, Lalli recorded a pair of interceptions.
Brian Maslowski, Senior RB, Greater Nanticoke – One of the key components to the Trojans’ four-win season last year, Maslowski piled up 1,261 yards and 14 touchdowns on 207 carries, averaging just under 6.1 yards per attempt. He averaged more than 125 rushing yards per game for a Nanticoke offense that averaged more than 250 yards per game.
Bryan Schor, Junior QB, Delaware Valley – Schor posted a solid statistical season as a sophomore for the Warriors, completing 105-of-188 passes for 1,494 yards and eight touchdowns against eight interceptions. He helped lead the Warriors to a victory over El Toro HS from California in the season opener and guided DV to a berth in the District 2/4/11 AAAA playoffs. In his career, Schor has thrown for 2,134 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also added 58 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 38 keepers last season.
Buddy Shutlock, Junior OL/DL, Dallas – A force in the defensive trenches for Dallas, Shutlock had a respectable sophomore season, totaling 64 total tackles, one sack and a deflected pass. He averaged 5.8 tackles per game, including a season-high 11 stops against Wyoming Valley West.
Caleb Darling, Senior QB, Lackawanna Trail – The field general operating the reins of the Lions’ offense, Darling amassed 607 total yards of offense (490 passing, 117 rushing) and threw four touchdown passes. He completed 50-of-112 passes (44.6 percent), but threw eight interceptions. Darling averaged more than 2.1 yards per carry on 55 carries.
Chris Cicilioni, Senior OL/DL, Valley View – A force along the defensive line for the Cougars, Cicilioni had himself a solid junior season. Through Valley View’s first nine games, the 6’2, 220-pound athlete racked up 56 tackles (51 solo), a team-best seven sacks, two fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal. Cicilioni averaged 6.2 tackles per game and had two games with at least two sacks.
Chris Merenich, Senior FB/LB, Mid Valley – The leading returning tackler to the Mid Valley defense, Merenich registered 84 tackles (71 solo), an interception, two fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal, averaging 8.4 tackles per game. He finished with a season-best 16 tackles against Western Wayne and had 11 tackles each against Lackawanna Trail and Susquehanna. Offensively, Merenich totaled 198 yards of offense (150 rushing, 48 receiving), averaging 11.5 yards per carry and 12 yards per rush. He scored a rushing touchdown against Montrose.
Christopher Yurechko, Senior RB, Dunmore – A threat both on the ground and catching passes, Yurechko chalked up 493 total yards of offense (415 rushing, 78 receiving) and scored four rushing touchdowns for the Bucks. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and 13 yards per reception. Yurechko was one of four Dunmore backs to surpass the 400-yard mark in rushing yards last season. Three of those four backs return in 2011.
Cody Delfino, Junior TE, Lakeland – One of three Chief receivers with more than 10 catches on the season, Delfino hauled in 11 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown, averaging 14.7 yards per reception. He also was utilized as a blocker in Lakeland’s offensive scheme which averaged 319.4 yards (241.6 rushing, 77.8 passing) and 27.1 points per game. Lakeland, which reached the District 2 AA championship game opposite GAR Memorial, produced five backs with between 220 to 850 rushing yards and a pair of 250+-yard passers, scoring 40 total offensive touchdowns (36 rushing, four passing).
Connor Decker, Junior TE, Delaware Valley – One of five Warrior players to finish the season with at least 13 receptions, Decker was the only one of the quintet to break the 20-reception mark. Decker snared 27 passes for 538 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Warriors, averaging 19.9 yards per reception.
Corey Kelly, Senior WR/DB, West Scranton – A force in the defensive backfield for the Invaders, Kelly tallied 47 tackles (26 solo), two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He averaged 4.3 tackles per game and finished with a season-best 15 stops in a West Scranton victory against North Pocono.
Daiquon Buckley, Sophomore RB, Dunmore – The featured back in Dunmore’s ground attack that averaged more than 222 yards per game, Buckley had an outstanding freshman season, finishing with 1,111 yards and 14 touchdowns on 177 carries, averaging nearly 6.3 yards per carry. Buckley is on pace to finish his career with more than 4,400 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns.
Dan Repshis, Senior ATH, West Scranton – Repshis handled the vast majority of the kickoff chores for West Scranton last season, booting 57 kickoffs for an average of 39.2 yards, with a pair of touchbacks. He posted a kickoff long of at least 50 yards in six of the Invaders’ 12 games. Also utilized in limited action offensively, Repshis recorded 53 all-purpose yards (28 rushing).
Dante Pasqualichio, Junior QB, Abington Heights – One half of a two-quarterback rotation for the Comets last season, Pasqualichio completed 46-of-79 passes for 619 yards and five touchdowns against four interceptions, finishing with a completion percentage of 58.2. #9 threw for 100+ yards in three games, including a season-best 179 yards against Scranton Prep and 168 yards and two scores against West Scranton in the District 2 AAA championship game.
Darrell Crawford, Senior QB/DB, GAR Memorial – One half of the Grenadiers’ pair of 1,000-yard rushers last season, Crawford ran for 1,285 yards and threw for 590 more, accounting for 22 total touchdowns (14 rushing, 4 passing, 4 misc.). Crawford averaged 8.1 yards per carry on 158 rushes, completed 35-of-89 passes (39.3 percent) and finished eight of GAR’s 13 games with more than 100 rushing yards. Defensively, Crawford was also a weapon, recording 47 tackles (33 solo), two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
David Gawlas, Senior WR, Holy Redeemer – One of the featured targets in the Royals’ aerial assault that averaged more than 155 yards per game, Gawlas totaled 570 yards of offense (138 rushing, 432 receiving) and scored four touchdowns (2 rushing, 2 passing). He averaged more than 2.6 yards per carry and led the team in receptions, with 33. Gawlas averaged more than 13 yards per catch.
DeVaughn Chollette, Senior WR/DB, West Scranton – The Invaders’ leading returning rusher from a season ago, Chollette registered 708 yards and six touchdowns on 133 carries and caught another seven passes for 72 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per reception. He twice ran for more than 100 yards in a game, including a season-best 191 yards in the District 2 AAA playoffs against Dallas. Defensively, Chollette chalked up 92 tackles (48 solo) and recovered three fumbles, posting three performances of 12+ tackles, including a season-best 16 tackles against Eastern Conference AAA champion Valley View.
Dwayne Wright, Senior RB/DB, GAR Memorial – The third-leading rusher for the Grenadiers last season, Wright ran for 280 yards and five touchdowns on just 39 carries, averaging 7.1 yards per rush. He finished three games with at least 63 rushing yards and two games with multiple rushing touchdowns. Wright also made some contributions from his spot in GAR’s defensive backfield, totaling 35 tackles (24 solo), two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Eric Kerr, Sophomore WR, Holy Redeemer – Kerr was one of three Holy Redeemer receivers to record 25 or more receptions and 350 or more receiving yards in 2010, and he had quite a productive sophomore season. He snagged 28 passes for 517 yards and scored three touchdowns, averaging more than 18.4 yards per catch. Kerr also completed 2-of-4 passes for 24 yards and had two carries for the Royals.
Eric Laytos, Senior FB, Lackawanna Trail – The featured tailback on the Lackawanna Trail offense last season, Laytos ran for 1,021 yards and 13 touchdowns on 248 carries and caught another seven passes for 55 yards. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry and more than 7.8 yards per reception. As a team as a whole, Lackawanna Trail registered 21 touchdowns on the ground last year – with Laytos accounting for nearly 62 percent of that amount.
Eugene Lewis, Senior ATH, Wyoming Valley West – A true dual-threat type of quarterback, Lewis has amassed quite the amount of Division-1 interest and offers, from programs like Boston College, Maryland, Louisville, Pitt and Rutgers. Lewis amassed 2,424 yards of offense (1,179 rushing, 1,245 passing) and accounted for 29 total touchdowns (18 rushing, 11 passing). #7 averaged 5.5 yards per carry on 211 rushes and completed 68-of-133 passes. As a sophomore, Lewis accounted for more than 750 receiving yards.
Felix Dolman, Junior RB/LB, Dallas – Dolman was a wrecker from his position at linebacker for Dallas, amassing 47 total tackles , six sacks, a deflected pass and a forced fumble. He averaged 5.9 tackles per game for the Mountaineers, putting up a solid 10-tackle, three-sack performance against Pittston Area. Dolman also had 10 tackles against Berwick.
F.J. Constantino, Senior OL, Dallas – A returning starter from the Mountaineers’ 10-1 team a season ago, Constantino helped to pave the way for a Dallas offensive unit which averaged 316.6 yards (178 rush, 138.6 pass) and 26.3 points per game, reaching the District 2 AAA semifinals opposite West Scranton. Dallas’ offensive weaponry included four backs with between 230 to 720 rushing yards and a 1,490-yard passer, scoring 42 total touchdowns (24 rushing, 18 passing).
Garrett Artsma, Senior FB/LB, Dallas – Artsma only played in eight games for Dallas during the Mounts’ 10-1 season last year, but he made the most of the time, finishing with 78 total tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. He averaged 9.8 tackles per game, finishing five games with 11+ tackles, including a season-best 16 tackles against Crestwood.
Greg Price, Senior RB, Susquehanna – Price was the second-leading rusher on the Sabers’ team that went 9-2 and earned a berth in the District 2 Class AA playoffs last season. He ran for 575 yards and five touchdowns on 78 carries, averaging more than 7.3 yards per carry. Price also caught a pair of passes for 16 yards.
Gunner Majer, Senior QB, Northwest Area – Majer helped lead the Rangers to a five-win season and berth in the District 2 Class A playoffs. He completed 59-of-141 passes for 693 yards and six touchdowns against 6 interceptions, completing nearly 42 percent of his passes. The Northwest field general also scored one rushing touchdown on 36 keepers.
J.J. Fives, Senior TE/WR, Scranton Prep – One of the featured athletes in the Cavaliers’ offensive attack, Fives accounted for 637 total yards of offense (492 rushing, 145 receiving) and scored six total touchdowns (5 rushing, 1 receiving). Fives was Scranton Prep’s leading rusher last season, averaging 3.9 yards per carry on 125 rushes and just under 9.1 yards per reception on 16 catches.
Jack Williams, Senior QB, North Pocono – Williams helped lead the Trojans to the District 2 AAA playoffs by completing 52-of-97 passes for 714 yards and three touchdowns against four interceptions. He completed 53.6 percent of his passes. Williams also scored one rushing touchdown on 51 keepers.
Jared Novitski, Senior QB, Lake-Lehman – Novitski helped lead the Black Knights to a seven-game winning streak and a berth in the District 2 AA playoffs by completing 101-of-183 passes for 1,329 yards and nine touchdowns and added four rushing touchdowns on 86 keepers. Novitski also converted 26-of-28 extra points and one field goal, accounting for 53 total points for the Black Knights last year.
Jared Pierce, Senior QB, Berwick Area – One of the top returning passers in District 2, Pierce connected on 131-of-236 passes for 1,696 yards and 18 touchdowns against 15 interceptions and added 321 rushing yards and eight scores on 123 carries. He completed 55.5 percent of his passes and averaged 2.6 yards per carry. Pierce has thrown for just over 2,600 yards in his career, and is on pace to throw for more than 4,000 yards in his career. He helped lead Berwick to five wins over their final seven games and earn a berth in the Eastern Conference AAA championship game opposite Valley View.
Jason Simonovich, Junior WR/DB, Dallas – The second-leading receiver in the Mountaineers’ aerial assault that averaged more than 140 yards per game in 2010, Simonovich hauled in 17 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns, averaging more than 18 yards per catch. He had a game to remember against Pocono Mountain East, finishing with six catches for 138 yards and one touchdown. Simonovich finished one other game (Williamsport, a 52-43 Dallas victory) with more than 95 receiving yards.
Jeremy Freeman, Senior RB, Berwick Area – The featured running back in Berwick’s offense, Freeman rang up 926 yards and three touchdowns on 179 carries and caught another 13 passes for 191 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and 14.7 yards per catch. Between rushing and receiving yards combined, Freeman averaged more than 93 total yards per game.
Jeremy Roberts, Senior OL/DL, Dallas – A force along the Mountaineers’ defensive line, Roberts tallied 65 total tackles, one sack, two deflected passes and a forced fumble. He averaged 5.9 tackles per game, posting a season-high 10 stops against Crestwood.
Jim Roccograndi, Senior FB/LB, Dallas – Roccograndi only played in eight games for the Mountaineers as a junior, but he had quite a solid season, amassing 102 total tackles, two sacks and three fumble recoveries. He averaged 12.8 tackles per game, finishing five of eight games with 13+ tackles, including 18-tackle performances against Berwick and Crestwood and 16 tackles against Wyoming Valley West. Offensively, Roccograndi toted the rock 37 times for 265 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
Joe Dolan, Senior OL, Abington Heights – Dolan helped to pave the way for a very productive offensive unit belonging to the District 2 AAA champion Comets, providing blocking for a pair of 1,300+-yard rushers and two 600+-yard passers in an AH offensive arsenal that averaged 389.6 yards (267.3 rush, 122.3 pass) and 34.5 points per game, scoring 52 total offensive touchdowns (41 rushing, 11 passing).
Joe Gigliotti, Junior QB, Carbondale Area – Gigliotti went through some growing pains in his sophomore season for the Chargers, completing 61-of-142 passes for 799 yards and five touchdowns against 13 interceptions, finishing with a completion percentage of 42.9. He also recorded 57 quarterback keepers, but didn’t score any rushing touchdowns.
Joe Ksiazkiewicz, Senior QB, Hanover Area – Ksiazkiewicz had a solid junior season, in part because the burden of needing to air out the rock was allieviated by the presence of 2,500-yard rusher Andrew Fogartch. #6 completed 35-of-94 passes for 763 yards and seven touchdowns against four interceptions and added a pair of rushing touchdowns on 46 keepers. He threw for 100+ yards in a game three times last season, including a 211-yard performance against Mid Valley and 151 yards and two scoring passes against Wyoming Area in the Eastern Conference AA playoffs.
Joe McCarthy, Senior ATH, Scranton – A real weapon in the Knights’ offensive scheme, McCarthy finished the 2010 season with 1,379 total yards of offense (665 rushing, 264 receiving, 450 passing) and had a hand in 14 total touchdowns (8 rushing, 3 receiving, 3 passing). McCarthy averaged 4.8 yards per carry, finishing as the Knights’ leading rusher. He also averaged 20.3 yards per reception and completed 40-of-82 passes.
Joe Merli, Senior RB, Holy Cross – One of the keys to the Crusaders’ three-pronged rushing attack that averaged more than 200 yards per game en route to a berth in the Eastern Conference Class A championship game, Merli ran for 786 yards and 10 touchdowns on 110 carries and caught two passes for 10 yards. He averaged more than 7.1 yards per carry and finished second on the team in rushing yards.
John Karazia, Senior OL/DL, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – A key returning presence to the Crusaders’ offensive line, Karazia helped to pave the way for a Coughlin offensive unit which averaged 236.5 yards (199 rush, 37.5 pass) and 18.7 points per game, en route to the Eastern Conference AAA semifinals opposite Valley View. The Crusaders produced a pair of 700+-yard rushers and two quarterbacks with between 120 to 285 passing yards and scored 23 total offensive touchdowns last season – 19 rushing, four passing.
Jordan Dempsey, Senior QB, Dunmore – Dempsey helped lead the Bucks to a seven-win season and berth in the District 2 Class A championship game opposite eventual PIAA runner-up Riverside. He completed 69-of-125 passes for 942 yards and 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions, connecting on 55.2 percent of his passes. Dempsey also added two rushing touchdowns on 38 keepers.
Jordan Houseman, Junior WR, Pittston Area – The featured target in the Patriots’ aerial assault that averaged just under 90 yards per game, Houseman corralled 41 passes for 539 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per catch. He also registered 60 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 carries, finishing as the Patriots’ third-leading rusher.
Jordan Nicholoff, Senior OL/DL, Holy Cross – The Crusaders boasted quite the run-centric offensive unit a season ago, and Nicholoff helped to pave the way for the Holy Cross ground-and-pound offense which averaged 245.1 yards (220.8 rushing, 24.3 passing) and 20.6 points per game, producing three backs with season rushing totals between 760 and 1,020 yards. Holy Cross scored 33 offensive touchdowns – 31 rushing, two passing – in 2010.
Joseph Ingaglio, Senior OL/LB, Western Wayne – A force at linebacker for the Wildcats last season, Ingaglio registered 74 tackles (45 solo), 2.5 sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries. He averaged 7.4 tackles per game, finishing with a season-best 14 stops in a game against Holy Cross.
Joseph Parsnik, Senior RB, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – The key returning athlete to the Crusaders, Parsnik amassed 1,288 yards of total offense in 2010 (1,104 rushing, 45 receiving, 129 passing) and had a hand in 14 total touchdowns (12 rushing, 1 receiving, 1 passing). Parsnik averaged 5.6 yards per carry, 15 yards per reception and completed 7-of-24 passes. Coughlin finished the season with five victories and earned a berth in the Eastern Conference AAA playoffs.
Justin Barber, Junior OL/DL, Lackawanna Trail – Barber helped to pave the way for a Lions’ offensive unit which averaged 226.6 yards (169.3 rush, 57.3 pass) and 22 points per game last season, producing two backs with at least 330 rushing yards and a 490-yard passer, scoring 26 total offensive touchdowns (21 rushing, 5 passing).
Keifer Rogers, Senior RB/LB, Dallas – One of the keys to the Dallas linebacking corps, Rogers accumulated 86 total tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, averaging 8.6 tackles per game. He had a season high 14 tackles against Wyoming Valley West and followed that performance up the following week with a 12-tackle game against Crestwood. All told, Rogers had four total games of 10+ tackles for Dallas.
Kota Kishel, Junior WR, Crestwood – The favorite target of career 2,800-yard passer Nick Aigeldinger last season, Kishel snagged a team-best 24 passes for 415 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 17.3 yards per reception.
Kyle Kiehart, Junior QB, Lakeland – A dual-threat athlete at the helm of a Chiefs’ offense that averaged 27 points per game last year, Kiehart tallied 1,005 yards of offense (703 passing, 302 rushing) and had a hand in four total touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing). Kiehart completed 51.5 percent of his passes (52-of-101) and averaged just under 4.1 yards per carry on 75 rushes. He threw for 130+ yards twice and ran for 70+ yards on two occasions as well. Defensively, Kiehart chalked up 24 tackles, one sack, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery.
Kyle Walsh, Senior TE, Riverside – The top returning receiver from the Vikings’ aerial assault that rang up almost 2,000 yards last season, Walsh snared 14 passes for 209 yards and a trio of touchdowns, averaging just over 14.9 yards per catch. The Viking tight end had quite a coming-out party in the PIAA finals against Clairton, surpassing the 100-yard mark in receiving yards and scoring a touchdown on a 60-yard reception.
Laquan Jackson, Senior DL, Riverside – A key returner from the Riverside defensive line a season ago, Jackson had a solid season, racking up 48 tackles (42 solo), 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He averaged 4.2 tackles per game.
Liam Callejas, Junior QB, Valley View – The field general at the controls of the Cougars’ offensive unit last season, Callejas completed 92-of-153 passes for 1,043 yards and eight touchdowns against eight interceptions. Callejas connected on 60.1 percent of his passes and averaged just under 87 passing yards per game. He also recorded three rushing touchdowns on 68 keepers.
Louis Febbo, Senior RB, Old Forge – One of four Blue Devil backs to finish the 2010 season with more than 200 yards rushing, Febbo was the leader by quite a margin, running for 885 yards and nine touchdowns on 204 carries and catching nine passes for an additional 55 yards. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry and 6.1 yards per reception.
Luke Seaberg, Senior QB, Tunkhannock – The field general operating the reins of the Tigers’ offense, Seaberg connected on 48-of-107 passes for 691 yards and five touchdowns, finishing with a completion percentage of 44.8. He also scored one rushing touchdown on 25 keepers.
Malcolm Sweeting, Senior ATH, West Scranton – A key performer in all three phases of the game for the District 2 AAA runners-up, Sweeting had himself quite the solid junior season, amassing 1,396 all-purpose yards (6 passing, 45 rushing, 813 receiving, 191 punt returns, 341 kickoff returns) and scored nine total touchdowns (8 receiving, 1 kickoff return). Sweeting was West Scranton’s leading receiver, averaging 17.3 yards per catch and finishing four games with more than 100 receiving yards. He also averaged 11.9 yards per punt return and 24.3 yards per kick return. Defensively, Sweeting posted 26 tackles (20 solo), a team-best five interceptions and seven deflected passes.
Mark Ranaudo, Senior OL, Delaware Valley – Ranaudo helped to pave the way for a Warrior offensive unit which averaged 285.1 yards (144.9 rush, 140.2 pass) and 23.4 points per game, producing three backs with at least 200 rushing yards and a 1,490-yard passer. Delaware Valley scored 34 total offensive touchdowns in 2010 (26 rushing, eight passing).
Mark Soltis, Senior OL, Valley View – A key returning presence in the trenches for the Eastern Conference AAA champion Cougars, Soltis helped to pave the way for a Valley View offensive unit which averaged 287.8 yards (200.3 rush, 87.5 pass) and 20.2 points per game, producing a pair of backs with between 400 to 1,600 yards and a 1,000-yard passer. The Cougars scored 33 total offensive touchdowns (25 rushing, eight passing).
Marshall Kupinski, Junior RB, Scranton Prep – The second-leading rusher in the Cavaliers’ offensive scheme, Kupinski ran for 385 yards and six touchdowns on 96 carries and caught three passes for 57 yards, averaging just under 4.1 yards per carry and 19 yards per reception. Kupinski’s six rushing scores accounted for half of Scranton Prep’s season total of rushing touchdowns.
Martin Steve, Senior OL, Hanover Area – An imposing figure in the trenches and one of the anchors of Hawkeyes’ offensive line, Steve helped to pave the way for a Hanover Area offensive unit which averaged 336.6 yards (267 rush, 69.6 pass) and 30.3 points per game en route to the Eastern Conference AA semifinals opposite Wyoming Area. Steve helped to pave the way for 2,500-yard rusher Andrew Forgatch as well as a 760-yard passer. The Hawkeyes scored 46 total offensive touchdowns (39 rushing, seven passing).
Martin Strenk, Junior RB, Delaware Valley – The second-leading rusher for the Warriors behind 979-yard back Chris Cohen, Strenk ran for 256 yards and scored six touchdowns on 60 carries, averaging just under 4.3 yards per carry.
Matt Aten, Senior TE, Lackawanna Trail – Aten was utilized both as a receiver and a blocker in the Lions’ offense. As a blocker, Aten helped to pave the way for a Lions’ offensive unit which averaged 226.6 yards (169.3 rush, 57.3 pass) and 22 points per game last season, producing two backs with at least 330 rushing yards and a 490-yard passer, scoring 26 total offensive touchdowns (21 rushing, 5 passing). As a receiver, Aten hauled in eight passes for 136 yards and a touchdown, averaging 17 yards per reception.
Matt Reams, Senior OL, Wyoming Valley West – Reams helped to pave the way for a Valley West offensive unit which averaged 345.6 yards (230.7 rush, 114.9 pass) and 28 points per game, reaching the District 2/4/11 AAAA subregional quarterfinals opposite Whitehall. The Spartans produced three backs with at least 350 yards and a quarterback who both passed and ran for more than 1,000 yards each. WVW scored 42 total offensive touchdowns (31 rushing, 11 passing).
Matt Riggi, Senior FB/LB, Abington Heights – The top returning defensive weapon from the Comets’ 12-1, District 2 AAA championship team last year, Riggi chalked up 103 tackles (67 solo), four sacks and deflected a pass. He averaged 7.9 tackles per game, finishing four of AH’s 13 games with double-digit tackle totals. Riggi posted his best statistical game in the Comets’ Homecoming game against North Pocono, recording 10 tackles and a pair of sacks.
Mike Galantini, Senior OL, Valley View – A key returning presence in the trenches for the Eastern Conference AAA champion Cougars, Galantini helped to pave the way for a Valley View offensive unit which averaged 287.8 yards (200.3 rush, 87.5 pass) and 20.2 points per game, producing a pair of backs with between 400 to 1,600 yards and a 1,000-yard passer. The Cougars scored 33 total offensive touchdowns (25 rushing, eight passing).
Mike Pietrowski, Senior OL/DL, Riverside – Pietrowski helped to pave the way for one of the most productive offensive units in all of District 2 last season, regardless of classification. The Viking senior-to-be was a part of the offensive line that helped to pave the way for an offensive arsenal which averaged 353.9 yards (213.2 rush, 140.7 pass) and 36.3 points per game en route to the PIAA Class A championship game opposite Clairton. The Vikings produced four backs with between 360 and 1,200 rushing yards (including a pair of 1,000-yard rushers) and a 2,100-yard passer, scoring 82 total offensive touchdowns (51 rushing, 31 passing).
Nathan Clark, Senior RB, Montrose – The second-leading rusher in the Meteors’ run-centric offense that averaged more than 170 yards per game, Clark accumulated 626 yards and three touchdowns on 144 carries. Clark averaged more than 4.3 yards per carry. He accounted for 25 percent of Montrose’s rushing touchdowns last season.
Nicholas Dranchak, Junior ATH, Riverside – In limited action on the offensive side of the ball, Dranchak tallied 351 total yards of offense (135 rushing, 117 receiving, 99 passing) and accounted for five total touchdowns (2 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 passing). He averaged more than 4.6 yards per carry, 19.5 yards per reception, and completed 6-of-20 passes.
Nick Aigeldinger, Senior QB, Crestwood – A dual-threat athlete for the Comets, Aigeldinger amassed 1,964 yards of offense (1,314 passing, 650 rushing) and had a hand in 23 total touchdowns (13 passing, 10 rushing). Aigeldinger completed 99-of-180 passes (55 percent) and averaged 4.7 yards per carry on 137 rushes.
Nick O’Brien, Junior ATH, Wyoming Area – O’Brien had quite the solid sophomore season for the green and gold, amassing 1,273 total yards of offense (1,035 rushing, 174 receiving, 64 passing) and accounted for 22 total touchdowns (17 rushing, 4 receiving, 1 passing). O’Brien completed 3-of-14 passes and averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 181 rushes and 11.6 yards per catch on 15 receptions. For his career, O’Brien has run for more than 1,400 yards.
Nick Shelley, Senior RB/WR, Lake-Lehman – The top returning rusher in the Black Knights’ offensive scheme, Shelley ran for 683 yards and six touchdowns on 104 carries and caught another 22 passes for 277 yards and two additional touchdowns. He averaged just under 6.6 yards per carry and 12.6 yards per reception.
Noe Herrera, Senior K, West Scranton – The Invaders’ primary place kicker, Herrera converted 42 extra points, accounting for 42 of West Scranton’s 384 points last year (10.9 percent). Herrera went a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points against Dallas and a perfect 5-for-5 against Wallenpaupack Area and Valley View.
Nyeem Wartman, Senior TE/LB, Valley View – A lethal two-way threat for the Cougars, Wartman is a potential Division-1 prospect who already boasts several verbal scholarship offers from programs like North Carolina State and Boston College, among others. Defensively, Wartman posted 115 tackles, averaging just under 10 tackles per game. From his tight end spot on offense, he snagged 13 passes for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging more than 17 yards per catch.
Parrish Bennett, Junior ATH, Hanover Area – An all-around type of athlete for the Hawks, Bennett rang up 373 all-purpose yards (63 rushing, 100 receiving, 201 kickoff/punt returns) and scored three total touchdowns (2 receiving, 1 fumble return). Bennett averaged 4.8 yards per carry, 50 yards per reception and 16.9 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Bennett was a weapon in the Hawks’ defensive backfield, totaling 26 tackles, three interceptions, three deflected passes, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Pat Fricke, Senior WR, Scranton Prep – One of four Cavalier receivers with a double-digit number of catches, Fricke led the way, grabbing 19 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns, averaging just over 15.9 yards per catch.
Pat Ingulli, Senior WR/DB, Wallenpaupack Area – The feature running back in the Buckhorns’ run-centric offensive attack that averaged more than 230 yards per game, Inguilli ran for 773 yards and eight touchdowns on 142 carries and caught another three passes for 11 yards. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and 3.7 yards per reception. Defensively, Inguilli recorded 39 tackles (35 solo), one interception and five deflected passes. He returned the interception 59 yards for a touchdown against West Scranton.
Pat Jeffers, Senior RB/LB, Valley View – One of District 2’s top returning rushers from a season ago, Jeffers racked up an impressive 1,695 yards and 17 touchdowns on 282 carries, averaging just over six yards per carry for the Eastern Conference AAA champion Cougars. For his career, Jeffers has run for more than 2,300 yards, and has a chance to surpass the 4,000-yard rushing mark for his career. Jeffers also caught five passes for 24 yards and one additional touchdown.
Paul Brace, Senior ATH, Dallas – A multi-purpose offensive weapon for the Mountaineers, Brace finished a solid junior season with 1,299 total yards of offense (91 passing, 407 rushing, 801 receiving) and had a hand in 16 total touchdowns (9 receiving, 5 rushing, 2 receiving). Brace completed 2-of-3 passes and did not throw an interception; averaged 8.1 yards per carry on 50 rushes; and hauled in a total of 47 passes for an average of more than 17 yards per catch. Brace ran for 100+ yards once and had three games of 100+ receiving yards; six games with five or more catches; and nine total games with 55+ receiving yards. Defensively, Brace recorded 74 total tackles and deflected 11 passes.
Pete Murazzi, Junior RB/K, Lackawanna Trail – Murazzi handled the placekicking chores for the Lions last season, converting 11 extra points and 7-of-8 field goal attempts. He scored 39 total points for LT. Offensively, Murazzi posted 71 yards on 33 carries and scored one touchdown, averaging more than 2.1 yards per carry.
Robbie Siclari, Junior RB, Western Wayne – Almost an equal threat as a rusher and receiver, Siclari recorded 624 yards of offense (314 rushing, 310 receiving) and scored seven total touchdowns (4 rushing, 3 receiving). Siclari averaged 7.1 yards per carry and just under 19.4 yards per reception. Defensively, Siclari recorded 77 tackles (52 solo), an interception, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also returned 17 combined kickoffs and punts for 489 yards, averaging 25.8 yards per punt return and 31.3 yards per kickoff return.
Robert Heyen, Senior RB, Holy Cross – The feature back in Holy Cross’ three-headed monster rushing attack, Heyen posted a solid junior season, racking up 1,020 yards and 14 touchdowns on 178 carries and adding another six receptions for 48 yards. He averaged just over 5.7 yards per carry and eight yards per reception. Heyen was the Crusaders’ second-leading receiver in both number of receptions and receiving yards, accounting for nearly 25 percent of HC’s receptions on the season. Defensively, Heyen posted a pair of interceptions, returning both for touchdowns.
Ron Tomasetti, Junior WR/CB, Mid Valley – The featured receiver in the Spartans’ aerial assault that averaged just under 78 yards per game, Tomasetti caught 29 passes for 502 yards and five touchdowns, averaging more than 17 yards per reception. Tomasetti finished three games with five or more catches and five games with more than 65 receiving yards. Defensively, Tomasetti recorded 25 tackles (22 solo) and recovered a fumble.
Ryan Nichols, Senior RB/CB, Lakeland – The featured back in a potent Chiefs’ ground attack that averaged more than 241 yards per game, Nichols ran for 851 yards and eight touchdowns and caught another seven passes for 91 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry and 13 yards per reception. Nichols finished four Lakeland games with at least 119 rushing yards and had two games with multiple rushing touchdowns. He also returned seven punts for 25 yards and 11 kickoffs for 266 yards and one touchdown (against Scranton Prep). Nichols also converted 31 extra points for the Chiefs, scoring a total of 89 of Lakeland’s 325 points last season (27.4 percent).
Shakir Soto, Junior OL/DL, GAR Memorial – One of the key contributors along the GAR defensive line, Soto had quite the solid sophomore season, racking up 97 tackles (54 solo), eight sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He averaged 8.1 tackles per game, finishing four games with 10+ tackles, including a season-best 16 tackles and three sacks against Hanover Area and 10 tackles and three sacks against Greater Nanticoke.
Shallek Powell, Senior WR/DB, GAR Memorial – A key weapon in the Grenadiers’ defensive backfield, Powell registered 49 tackles (35 solo), four interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal. He averaged 4.1 tackles per game. Offensively, Powell amassed 311 total yards (57 rushing, 254 receiving) and scored three total touchdowns (1 rushing, 2 receiving). Powell averaged 5.7 yards per carry and 18.1 yards per reception.
Steve Camasta, Senior OL, Wallenpaupack Area – One of the key returnees in the trenches from the Buckhorns’ offensive line a season ago, Camasta helped to pave the way for a unit which averaged 239 yards (159.8 rush, 79.2 pass) and 22 points per game, producing two 500+-yard rushers and two 200+-yard passers. Wallenpaupack Area scored 26 total offensive touchdowns last year – 21 rushing, five passing.
Tony Morgante, Senior OL, Crestwood – The Comets’ top returning offensive lineman, Morgante helped to pave the way for a Crestwood offensive arsenal which averaged 305 yards (173.6 rush, 131.4 pass) and 21.5 points per game. The Comets featured three backs with season rushing totals between 250 to 650 yards and a 1,300-yard passer. Crestwood scored 32 total offensive touchdowns (19 rushing, 13 passing).
Tyler Armillay, Sophomore OL/DL, Riverside – Armillay helped to pave the way for a Viking offense that produced a pair of 1,000 yards rushers and four total backs with between 360 and 1,200 rushing yards; a 2,100-yard passer and a unit that scored 82 total touchdowns (51 rushing, 31 passing). The Vikings averaged more than 300 yards and 36.3 points per game last season. Defensively, Armillay was part of a Viking unit (including reserves) that held eight opponents to 14 points or less, with four shutouts, including consecutive playoff shutouts of Southern Columbia and Schuylkill Haven.
Tyler Brady, Junior RB/OLB, Lakeland – The third-leading rusher in Lakeland’s potent rushing offense, Brady racked up 538 yards and seven touchdowns on 96 carries and caught one pass for 14 yards. Brady averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had a pair of 100-yard rushing performances against Carbondale and Western Wayne. Defensively, Brady added 33 tackles, one sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Tyler Hinkley, Senior RB, Holy Cross – The third part of the equation in the Crusaders’ rushing attack, Hinkley ran for 765 yards and seven touchdowns on 172 carries and also caught two passes for 11 yards. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and 5.5 yards per reception.
Tyler Kapinus, Senior FB/LB, Valley View – The second-leading rusher for the Cougars last season, Kapinus tallied 425 yards and a trio of touchdowns on 76 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He also caught six passes for 38 yards. Defensively, through the Cougars’ first 10 games, Kapinus recorded 66 tackles (60 solo).
Tyler Rakausas, Senior TE/LB, West Scranton – One of the keys in the Invaders’ linebacking corps a season ago, Rakausas amassed 66 tackles (34 solo), one sack and one forced fumble, averaging six tackles per game. He finished with a pair of 10-tackle games against Dunmore and Delaware Valley.
Will McLaughlin, Senior WR/DB, Wallenpaupack Area – One of the featured targets in the Buckhorns’ seldom-utilized passing attack, McLaughlin snared 17 passes for 371 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging more than 21.8 yards per catch. He finished four of Wallenpaupack’s 10 games with at least 50 receiving yards. Defensively, McLaughlin recorded 21 tackles (18 solo), an interception, five deflected passes, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
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August 17th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Teams better watch out for #82 Eric Leslie aka T.O. from WPHS. He was the #1 WR last year in district 12 as a JR with 861 yards. This year as a SR we are looking to get him 1000. This young WR is every coach dream player. He’s coachable,listens,has a great attitude and he’s a leader on and off the field. You tell me what coach wouldn’t want a player like this. Watch out for those speedboys Click Click Boom!