2012 District 2 Watch List
Written by: David Mika on Saturday, August 18th, 2012. Follow David Mika on Twitter.
2012-13
“Watch list”
District 2
Aaron Tohme, Senior C/OLB, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – Tohme helped to pave the way for a Crusader offensive arsenal which averaged 279.9 yards (252.1 rushing, 27.8 passing) and 23 points per game en route to a 5-6 overall record and berth in the Eastern Conference AAA playoffs opposite Berwick while adding six pancake blocks. Coughlin finished the season with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers and scored 35 total offensive touchdowns (33 rushing, two passing).
Adam Harrison, Senior DL, Berwick Area – The Bulldogs’ third-leading tackler last season, Harrison piled up 63 tackles and a fumble recovery, averaging 5.3 tackles per game.
A.J. Lenkaitis, K, Wyoming Area – Lenkaitis converted 36 extra points and one field goal for Wyoming Area last season, scoring 39 of the Warriors’ 441 points, or 8.8 percent of the team’s season scoring output.
Alex Klinger, Junior HB/DB, Berwick Area – One of three Berwick receivers with 10+ receptions last season, Klinger snagged 17 passes for 153 yards, averaging nine yards per reception. He also recorded 14 tackles and an interception on defense.
Anthony Haughton, Senior OL/DL, Pittston Area – Haughton helped to pave the way for a Patriot offensive unit which averaged 274.6 yards (165.5 rushing, 109.1 passing) and 22.1 points per game, producing a pair of 600-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard passer while scoring 31 total offensive touchdowns (21 rushing, 10 passing).
Anthony Khalife, Junior OG/DE, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – Khalife helped to pave the way for a Crusader offensive arsenal which averaged 279.9 yards (252.1 rushing, 27.8 passing) and 23 points per game en route to a 5-6 overall record and berth in the Eastern Conference AAA playoffs opposite Berwick while adding six pancake blocks. Coughlin finished the season with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers and scored 35 total offensive touchdowns (33 rushing, two passing).
Andrew Groome, Senior OL/DL, Berwick Area – A returning starter on the offensive line for the Bulldogs, Groome helped to pave the way for an offensive unit which averaged 320.3 yards (248.5 rushing, 71.8 passing) and 32.8 points per game en route to a 9-3 overall record and Eastern Conference AAA championship over Southern Lehigh, producing a 1,770-yard rusher and 760-yard passer while scoring 49 total offensive touchdowns (43 rushing, six passing).
Anthony Piccolini, Senior WR/DB, Old Forge – The third-leading receiver in a Blue Devil aerial assault which averaged 118.3 yards per game last season, Piccolini hauled in 13 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown and added another 24 rushing yards on six carries, averaging four yards per carry and 14.9 yards per reception.
Austin Mazonkey, Sophomore RB/LB, Northwest Area – The second-leading rusher in a Northwest Area ground game which averaged 181.7 yards per game en route to the Eastern Conference Class A semifinals, Mazonkey ran for 326 yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries and caught a pair of passes for 16 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and eight yards per reception.
Austin Seamon, Senior RB, Dunmore – The featured running back in a Bucks’ offensive arsenal which averaged 291.7 yards per game on the ground last season, Seamon finished his junior year with 1,342 yards and 16 touchdowns on 143 carries and caught another three passes for 60 yards, averaging 9.4 yards per carry and 20 yards per reception. Seamon ran for 100+ yards in seven of Dunmore’s 11 games last year.
Bailey Hughes, Senior OL/DL, Carbondale – Hughes helped to pave the way for a Charger offensive unit which averaged 195.3 yards (111.6 rushing, 83.7 passing) and 13.7 points per game, producing a 500-yard rusher and 780-yard passer among its featured components while scoring 20 total offensive touchdowns (14 rushing, six passing).
Billy Thomas, Senior RB/MLB, Lakeland – One of the Chiefs’ returning linebackers, Thomas totaled 41 tackles (all solo) and forced a fumble in 2011, averaging 3.7 tackles per game. He also registered a pair of rushing attempts for 17 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per carry.
Brad Emerick, OL/DL, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – Emerick helped to pave the way for a Crusader offensive arsenal which averaged 279.9 yards (252.1 rushing, 27.8 passing) and 23 points per game en route to a 5-6 overall record and berth in the Eastern Conference AAA playoffs opposite Berwick while leading the team in pancake blocks, with 10. Coughlin finished the season with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers and scored 35 total offensive touchdowns (33 rushing, two passing). Defensively, Emerick added 61 tackles (36 solo) and tied for the team lead in sacks, with five.
Brandon Dalberto, Senior TE/DE, Berwick Area – Dalberto caught one pass for eight yards and also recorded eight tackles and one sack during his junior season for Berwick.
Brandon Haddon, Senior OL/LB, Western Wayne – One of the Wildcats’ top returning tacklers from a season ago, Haddon recorded 57 tackles (38 solo), two deflected passes, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt, averaging 7.1 tackles per game. Haddon, who played in eight games, posted a trio of 10-tackle performances – against Mid Valley, Holy Cross and Lakeland.
Brandon Navoczynski, Senior OL/DL, Scranton – Condrad helped to pave the way for a Knights’ offensive unit which averaged 356.1 yards (227.6 rushing, 128.5 passing) and 28.6 points per game en route to an 8-4 overall record and berth in the District 2/4/11 AAAA subregional semifinals opposite Easton Area. The Knights finished the season with a 1,390-yard passer and three backs with season rushing totals between 380 and 1,190 yards, scoring 43 total offensive touchdowns (26 rushing, 17 passing). Defensively, Navoczynski added 64 tackles (38 solo), 1.5 sacks, eight deflected passes and a fumble recovery, averaging 6.4 tackles per game.
Brandon Ruckle, Junior OL/DL, Crestwood – Ruckle helped to pave the way for a Comet offensive unit which averaged 315.9 yards (rushing, passing) and 28.5 points per game en route to an 8-3 overall record and berth in the District 2 AAA semifinals opposite Valley View, producing a 1,000-yard passer and two 650+-yard rushers while scoring 40 total offensive touchdowns (28 rushing, 12 passing).
Brian Belcher, Junior SE/OLB, Hanover Area – The Hawkeyes’ leading returning tackler from a season ago, Belcher tallied 51 tackles (27 solo) and one sack, averaging 5.1 tackles per game.
Brian Tomasetti, Senior RB/LB, Old Forge – The third-leading rusher in a Blue Devils’ ground game which averaged 198.5 yards per game last year, Tomasetti ran for 451 yards on 75 carries and caught another eight passes for 112 yards, averaging six yards per carry and 14 yards per reception, scoring seven total touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving). The Blue Devils claimed the District 2 Class A championship before falling in a PIAA preliminary playoff game to Southern Columbia.
Bryan Schor, Senior QB, Delaware Valley – A quarterback who will be a four-year starter at the helm of the Warriors’ offense, Schor had a solid season in helping lead DV to a 7-4 record and berth in the District 2/4/11 AAAA subregional quarterfinals opposite Nazareth. He connected on 97-of-196 passes for 1,474 yards and 14 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and also added 223 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 59 carries. He completed 49.4 percent of his passes and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. For his career, Schor has thrown for 3,608 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Buddy Shutlock, Senior OL/DL, Dallas – Shutlock helped to pave the way for a Mountaineer offensive unit which averaged 361.9 yards (227.2 rushing, 134.7 passing) and 33.6 points per game en route to a 10-2 record and berth in the District 2 AAA championship game opposite Valley View, producing a 1,300-yard rusher and 1,600-yard passer while scoring 54 total offensive touchdowns (31 rushing, 23 passing).
Chris Rebar, WR/DB, Mid Valley – A weapon in all three phases of the game for the Spartans, Rebar tallied 488 all-purpose yards (10 rushing, 150 receiving, 328 kickoff/punt returns) and scored four total touchdowns (three receiving, one kickoff return), averaging five yards per carry, 7.5 yards per reception, 3.8 yards per punt return and 21.8 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Rebar tallied 47 tackles (41 solo), three interceptions, four deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, averaging 4.3 tackles per game.
Christian Skrepenak, Senior OL/DL, GAR Memorial – A Pennsylvania Sportswriters’ Class AA first-team All-State selection on the offensive line, Skrepenak is a 350-pound behemoth who helped to pave the way for a GAR offensive unit which averaged 371.4 yards (270.9 rush, 100.5 pass) and 40.8 points per game en route to the District 2 Class AA championship. GAR’s offensive arsenal included three 600+-yard rushers and a 990+-yard passer, scoring 64 total offensive touchdowns (48 rushing, 16 passing).
C.J. Curry, Junior QB, Berwick Area – The backup to three-year starter Zach Pierce, Curry connected on 6-of-8 passes for 98 yards and added 36 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 13 carries in limited action last season. He replaces a career 3,000-yard passer in Pierce, who helped pilot Berwick to consecutive Eastern Conference AAA championship games.
Cody Delfino, Senior TE/DL, Lakeland – A wrecker from his position on the defensive line, Delfino chalked up 45 tackles (all solo), a team-best seven sacks, three deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He averaged five tackles per game, posting a season-high 10 stops against GAR Memorial and recording a trio of two-sack games against Scranton Prep, Carbondale and Western Wayne. Offensively, Delfino hauled in nine passes for 94 yards, averaging 10.4 yards per reception. He also helped to pave the way for a Chief rushing attack which averaged more than 190 yards per game.
Cody McAndrew, Senior DB, Valley View – McAndrew tallied 49 tackles (33 solo), three interceptions and seven deflected passes, averaging 3.8 tackles per game for the District 2 AAA champions. McAndrew was one of three Valley View defenders to finish the season with three interceptions or more.
Cody Schmitz, Senior WR/DEF, Wyoming Area – The only Warrior receiver with more than 10 receptions last season, Schmitz hauled in 14 passes for 289 yards and added another 78 yards rushing on 17 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 20.6 yards per reception, scoring four total offensive touchdowns (two rushing, two receiving). Defensively, he added 41 tackles, an interception, three deflected passes and two fumble recoveries (returning one for a touchdown). Schmitz averaged 3.7 tackles per game.
Connor Decker, Senior TE, Delaware Valley – One of four targets in a Warrior aerial assault which averaged 134 yards per game last season, Decker hauled in 18 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown, averaging 16.6 yards per reception. Decker is one of the top receiving tight ends returning among District 2′s big school teams (AAA and AAAA).
Connor Rosensweet, Senior FB/LB, Western Wayne – The Wildcats’ leading tackler from a season ago, Rosensweet tallied 98 tackles (72 solo), a sack and a forced fumble, averaging 9.8 tackles per game while finishing six of WW’s 10 games with double-digit tackle totals, including a season-high 14 stops in a narrow loss to Holy Cross. He also recorded five carries for 25 yards and caught two passes for 42 yards offensively.
Corey Moore, Senior QB, GAR Memorial – The backup to All-stater Darrell Crawford, Moore, in limited action, completed 21-of-37 passes (56.8 percent) for 397 yards and four touchdowns against four interceptions. He saw his most extensive time against Lakeland early in the season, throwing for 308 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-31 loss to the Chiefs.
Cullen Fanning, Junior TE/DE, West Scranton – A returning defensive presence for the Invaders, Fanning recorded 45 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery, averaging 5.6 tackles per game. He also caught three passes for 42 yards, averaging 14 yards per reception.
Daiqwon Buckley, Junior RB, Dunmore – The second-leading rusher in a Dunmore offensive attack which averaged more than 290 rushing yards per game last season, Buckley posted 841 yards and 12 touchdowns on 107 carries and caught a pass for nine yards. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry, finishing a quartet of games with 100+ rushing yards. For his career, the junior-to-be has run for 1,952 yards and 26 touchdowns as a Buck. He’s one of four running backs in the state since 2008 to post 1,000 or more rushing yards in his freshman campaign. The others are Nazareth’s Jordan Gray, Hopewell’s Rushel Shell and Bristol’s Donte Simmons.
Dakota Owens, Senior OL/DL, Wilkes-Barre Meyers – Owens is a returning presence in the trenches who helped to pave the way for a Mohawk offensive unit which averaged 171.6 yards (117.4 rushing, 54.2 passing) and 13.6 points per game, producing two 300+-yard rushers and a 380-yard passer while scoring 17 total offensive touchdowns (10 rushing, seven passing).
Dan Drewes, Sophomore OL/DL, Dunmore – One of the driving forces of Dunmore’s offensive line, Drewes helped to pave the way for a Buck offensive unit which averaged 350.9 yards (291.7 rush, 59.2 pass) and 35.6 points per game, reaching the District 2 Class A semifinals opposite rival Riverside. Dunmore finished the season with a pair of running backs with 840+ yards and a 650+-yard passer, scoring 50 total offensive touchdowns (44 rushing, six passing).
Dan Stevens, Junior OL/DL, Abington Heights – Stevens helped to pave the way for a Comet offensive unit which averaged 219.4 yards (123.3 passing, 96.1 rushing) and 14.3 points per game, producing an 1,190-yard passer and 480-yard rusher while scoring 19 total offensive touchdowns (11 rushing, eight passing). Defensively, Stevens added 28 tackles (19 solo) and 2.5 sacks, averaging 2.8 tackles per game.
Dante Pasqualichio, Senior QB, Abington Heights – The Comets’ field general, Pasqualichio connected on 94-of-215 passes (43.7 percent) for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns against nine interceptions, throwing for 100+ yards in five ogf AH’s 10 games and finishing four games with multiple touchdown passes. The Comet senior-to-be has thrown for 1,810 yards in his career to date. Defensively, he added 22 tackles and four pass deflections.
Darnell Ashton, Senior OG/LB, Valley View – Ashton let opposing offenses know he was a force to be reckoned with by tallying 37 tackles, two sacks, two deflected passes, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries, averaging 2.8 tackles per game for Valley View.
David Sweetman, Senior WR/DB, Riverside – The featured receiver in a Viking aerial assault which averaged a little more than 100 yards per game last season, Sweetman hauled in a team-leading 43 passes for 586 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 13.6 yards per reception. Sweetman was one of two Viking receiving targets to haul in at least 30 passes, helping Riverside reach the District 2 Class A title game opposite Old Forge.
Dean Gregory, Senior OL/DL, Crestwood – Gregory helped to pave the way for a Comet offensive unit which averaged 315.9 yards (rushing, passing) and 28.5 points per game en route to an 8-3 overall record and berth in the District 2 AAA semifinals opposite Valley View, producing a 1,000-yard passer and two 650+-yard rushers while scoring 40 total offensive touchdowns (28 rushing, 12 passing).
Dustin Jones, Junior FB/LB, Lake-Lehman – The leading rusher in a Black Knight offensive attack which averaged a whopping 297.8 rushing yards per game last season, Jones piled up 818 yards and eight touchdowns on 113 carries and caught another three passes for 55 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per carry and 18.3 yards per reception. Jones was one of seven Lake-Lehman athletes who finished the 2011 season with at least 131 rushing yards.
Elijah Gresham, Senior OL/DL, GAR Memorial – A two-way weapon for the Grenadiers in the trenches, Gresham helped to pave the way for a GAR offensive unit which averaged 371.4 yards (270.9
rush, 100.5 pass) and 40.8 points per game, winning a second straight District 2 Class AA championship. Defensively, Gresham added 47 tackles (29 solo) and forced a fumble, averaging 4.3 tackles per game.
Eric Kerr, Junior WR, Holy Redeemer – Kerr’s numbers dipped a little bit in 2011, but he was still one of six Royals with at least 10 receptions at the end of the season. In all, he caught 14 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 20.9 yards per reception. Over the last two seasons, Kerr has hauled in 42 passes for 809 yards and scored five touchdowns for the Royals.
Evan Callaghan, Senior RB/LB, Crestwood – The Comets’ leading returning rusher, Callaghan posted 164 yards on 33 carries and scored five touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
Felix Dolman, Senior RB/LB, Dallas – Dolman was part of a Dallas defensive unit which averaged 13.8 points per game, limiting eight of 12 opponents to 14 points or less en route to a 10-2 overall record and berth in the District 2 AAA championship game opposite Valley View.
Garrett Rupe, Senior DB, Valley View – Rupe returns at defensive back for the Cougars after posting 29 tackles (17 solo), three interceptions, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery, averaging 2.2 tackles per game. He also recorded a pair of rushes for 19 yards and caught five passes for 98 yards, averaging 9.5 yards per carry and 19.6 yards per reception.
Gavin O’Donnell, Junior WR/CB, Lakeland – O’Donnell was utilized primarily as a defensive back in 2011, and he recorded 41 tackles (all solo), three deflected passes and two fumble recoveries, averaging 4.1 tackles per game.
Gavin Harter, Senior OL/DL, Berwick Area – A returning starter on the offensive line for the Bulldogs, Harter helped to pave the way for an offensive unit which averaged 320.3 yards (248.5 rushing, 71.8 passing) and 32.8 points per game en route to a 9-3 overall record and Eastern Conference AAA championship over Southern Lehigh, producing a 1,770-yard rusher and 760-yard passer while scoring 49 total offensive touchdowns (43 rushing, six passing).
Griffin DiBileo, Senior QB, Scranton Prep – One of two 600+-yard passers for Scranton Prep last season, DiBileo finished an efficient 57-of-101 (56.4 percent) for 602 yards and six touchdowns against two interceptions. He also added one rushing touchdown on 25 keepers.
Hunter Bednarczyk, OLB/P/K, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – Primarily utilized on defense and special teams, Bednarczyk averaged 40.5 yards per punt on 19 boots, with three of those kicks downed inside the 20 yard line. He also converted 24 extra points and one field goal, accounting for 27 total points on the season for the Crusaders. Defensively, he added 47 tackles (33 solo), a sack, two deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, averaging 4.3 tackles per game.
Jack Fagan, Senior OL/DL, Delaware Valley – A key returning presence in the trenches for Delaware Valley, Fagan helped to pave the way for a Warrior offensive unit which averaged 313.1 yards (179.1 rush, 134 pass) and 27.9 points per game, reaching the District 2/4/11 AAAA subregional quarterfinals opposite Nazareth. DV’s offense produced a 1,470-yard passer and three rushers with season totals between 220 to 785 yards, scoring 39 total offensive touchdowns (25 rushing, 14 passing).
Jake Brominski, Junior LB, Wilkes-Barre Meyers – Brominski was part of a Mohawk defensive unit which allowed an average of 31.8 points per game in 2011.
Jake McCarthy, Sophomore RB, Scranton – The second-leading rusher in a Scranton ground attack which averaged 227.6 yards per game, McCarthy ran for 525 yards and six touchdowns on 62 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per carry. He ran for a season and career-best 189 yards and three touchdowns against Delaware Valley in a 51-21 Knights’ victory. McCarthy is on pace to run for 2,100 yards in his Scranton career.
Jake Peccorelli, Senior WR/FS, Berwick Area – A two-way presence for the Bulldogs last season, Peccorelli finished as the team’s leading receiver, snagging 26 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per reception. He was also a key presence in the defensive backfield where he tallied 32 tackles and four interceptions.
James Berger, Senior ATH, Western Wayne – A multi-purpose weapon for the Wildcats, Berger made impacts on offense and defense and also as the team’s placekicker. Offensively, Berger ran for 498 yards on 59 carries and caught 20 passes for a team-best 594 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry and 29.7 yards per reception. He scored 13 total touchdowns (five rushing, eight receiving), posting four 100-yard receiving performances and two games with 100+ rushing yards. Defensively, he chipped in with 49 tackles (40 solo), four interceptions, three deflected passes, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries, averaging 4.9 tackles per game. In all, Berger scored 117 points (15 total touchdowns, three two-point conversions, 21 extra points), accounting for 36.1 percent of the Wildcats’ season scoring output.
Jamie Henzes, Senior WR/DB, Abington Heights – A returning presence in the Comets’ defensive backfield, Henzes recorded 28 tackles (18 solo), two interceptions, two pass deflections and a fumble recovery, averaging 2.8 tackles per game. He also caught a pair of passes for 15 yards.
Jason Simonovich, Senior WR/DB, Dallas – The Mounts’ top returning receiver, Simonovich snagged 25 passes for 457 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 18.3 yards per reception.
Jayson Figueroa, Junior RB/DB, Western Wayne – Figueroa had a successful sophomore season for the Wildcats, finishing as the leading rusher in a ground attack which averaged more than 230 yards per game. In all, the junior-to-be ran for 724 yards on 119 carries and caught another nine passes for 101 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 11.2 yards per reception. He scored 10 total touchdowns (all rushing). Defensively, Figueroa recorded 56 tackles (33 solo), one sack, an interception, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, averaging 5.6 tackles per game. He also returned seven kickoffs for 137 yards.
J.C. Show, Junior WR/DB, Abington Heights – One of the Comets’ key two-way players last season, Show was the team’s featured receiver and top defensive back. He hauled in 34 passes for 482 yards and added one carry for seven yards, averaging 14.2 yards per reception while scoring six total touchdowns (five receiving, one rushing). He posted a pair of 100-yard receiving games. Defensively, Show accumulated 25 tackles, a team-best four interceptions, two deflected passes and a forced fumble, averaging 2.5 tackles per game.
Jeff Skursky, Sophomore RB/DB, Wyoming Area – The second-leading rusher for the Warriors, trailing only Nick O’Brien’s breakout season, Skursky had a steady freshman season for WA, totaling 452 yards on 74 carries and scoring 11 total touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He finished two games with 100+ rushing yards and is on pace to run for 1,808 yards in his career for the green and gold. Defensively, Skursky added 55 tackles, a deflected pass and a blocked punt, averaging five tackles per game.
Jeff Steeber, Senior WR/FS, Berwick Area – The Bulldogs’ No. 2 receiver, Steeber hauled in 18 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.3 yards per reception. He also ran for 187 yards on 27 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per rush.
Jeremy Greenly, Senior RB, Lackawanna Trail – One of four Lion athletes who finished with 250+ rushing yards during the 2011 season, Greenly wound up as the team’s third-leading rusher, amassing 297 yards and nine touchdowns on 59 carries, averaging five yards per carry and a touchdown every sixth rushing attempt. Greenly’s nine touchdowns scored were good enough for the second-highest total on the team, trailing only senior back Eric Laytos, who scored 15 touchdowns.
Jerry Langan, Senior LB, Abington Heights – Langan finished the season as the Comets’ leading tackler, amassing 107 tackles (70 solo), a sack, an interception and a forced fumble, averaging 10.7 tackles per game. He finished eight of AH’s 10 games with 10+ tackles, including a season-best 15 tackles against North Pocono and a pair of 12-tackle games against Valley View and Scranton.
Jimmy Strickland, Junior ATH, Holy Redeemer – One of two 600+-yard passers in the Royals’ offensive arsenal last season, Strickland connected on 51-of-117 passes (44 percent) for 681 yards and four touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Strickland combined with senior David Gawlas to chalk up more than 1,580 passing yards for Holy Redeemer. He also caught three passes for 27 yards and two touchdowns, averaging nine yards per reception.
Joe Devine, Senior WR/DB, West Scranton – The Invaders’ top returning tackler from a season ago, Devine accumulated 59 tackles (36 solo), two interceptions and a deflected pass, averaging 6.6 tackles per game. He also caught three passes for 97 yards, averaging 32.3 yards per reception.
Joe Erzar, Senior OL/DL, Wyoming Area – Erzar helped to pave the way for a productive Warrior offensive unit which averaged 356.8 yards (281 rushing, 75.8 passing) and 40.1 points per game en route to a 7-4 overall record while producing an 1,840-yard rusher and 690-yard passer while scoring 57 total offensive touchdowns (47 rushing, 10 passing).
Joe Gigliotti, Senior QB, Carbondale – A dual-threat at the helm of the Chargers’ offensive arsenal, Gigliotti amassed 1,027 yards of total offense (781 passing, 246 rushing) and accounted for eight total touchdowns (five passing, three rushing), completing 84-of-152 passes (55.3 percent) and averaging 3.4 yards per carry on 73 rushes.
Joe Palickar, Junior OL/DL, Mid Valley – Palickar helped to pave the way for a Spartan offensive unit which averaged 299.5 yards (197.3 rushing, 102.2 passing) and 25.9 points per game, producing a 1,700-yard rusher and an 1,100-yard passer. Mid Valley scored 39 total offensive touchdowns last season (29 rushing, 10 passing).
Joe Santiago, Senior RB, Delaware Valley – The featured rusher in a Delaware Valley offensive arsenal which averaged 179.1 yards per game on the ground last year, Santiago posted 785 yards and six touchdowns on 134 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 71.4 yards per game.
Joe Starinsky, Senior WR/DB, Pittston Area – One of three Pittston receivers to finish the season with at least 10 receptions, Starinsky snared 26 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown, averaging 10.9 yards per reception. He also recorded 34 tackles (all solo), an interception and two deflected passes defensively.
Joey Lanning, Senior OG/ILB, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – A contributor on the offensive line, Lanning helped to pave the way for a Crusader offensive arsenal which averaged 279.9 yards (252.1 rushing, 27.8 passing) and 23 points per game en route to a 5-6 overall record and berth in the Eastern Conference AAA playoffs opposite Berwick while adding one pancake block. Coughlin finished the season with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers and scored 35 total offensive touchdowns (33 rushing, two passing). Defensively, he chipped in with 63 tackles (34 solo), a sack and a fumble recovery, averaging 5.7 tackles per game for the Crusaders.
John Bushinski, Senior HB/CB, Berwick Area – Bushinski inflicted his damage defensively by totaling 39 tackles and picking off a team-leading five passes for Berwick in his junior season.
John Rinaldi, Senior WR/DB, Dunmore – The only Buck wideout to finish the season with 10 or more receptions, Rinaldi snagged a team-leading 16 passes for 352 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging 22 yards per reception. He finished a pair of games with five receptions, posting a season-best 104 yards against Western Wayne and 73 yards against Riverside. Defensively, Rinaldi snatched five interceptions, which led the Bucks, and returned one of the picks for a touchdown.
John Rhodes, Senior QB, Western Wayne – Rhodes handled the reins of Western Wayne’s offensive arsenal which averaged better than 32 points per game last season, connecting on 64-of-132 passes (48.5 percent) for 1,205 yards and 11 touchdowns against nine interceptions, averaging 120 yards through the air per game. Rhodes threw for 100+ yards in a game seven times and finished two games with multiple touchdown passes.
Jon Sekelsky, Senior OL/MLB, Lakeland – The leading returning tackler from Lakeland’s defensive unit a season ago, Sekelsky posted 61 tackles (all solo), two sacks and three deflected passes, averaging 5.5 tackles per game. He posted a season-high 10 tackles in Lakeland’s game opposite Lackawanna Trail. He also had a pair of nine-tackle games against Dunmore and Honesdale.
Jonathan Gillow, Senior TE/DE, Honesdale – A two-way presence returning for the Hornets, Gillow recorded 18 tackles (15 solo), four sacks and a fumble recovery, averaging 1.8 tackles per game and posting a two-sack performance against Dunmore. Offensively, the 6’3 target for field general Kevin Miller hauled in nine passes for 150 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 16.7 yards per reception.
Jordan Houseman, Senior WR, Pittston Area – Perhaps Pittson’s best two-way player, Houseman enjoyed a successful junior season in which he hauled in a team-leading 37 passes for 471 yards and added 76 yards rushing on 10 carries, averaging 7.6 yards per carry and 12.7 yards per reception while scoring nine total offensive touchdowns (five receiving, four rushing). He also added 24 tackles (all solo), a team-best four interceptions, two deflected passes and a fumble recovery, averaging 2.4 tackles per game.
Jordan Stout, Junior HB/LB, Berwick Area – One of Berwick’s rising linebackers, Stout totaled 17 tackles, a sack and an interception as a sophomore.
Joseph Taylor, Senior OL/DL, Wyoming Area – Taylor helped to pave the way for a productive Warrior offensive unit which averaged 356.8 yards (281 rushing, 75.8 passing) and 40.1 points per game en route to a 7-4 overall record while producing an 1,840-yard rusher and 690-yard passer while scoring 57 total offensive touchdowns (47 rushing, 10 passing). Defensively, he added 31 tackles (16 solo), four sacks and an interception, averaging 3.9 tackles per game.
Justin Barber, Senior OL/DL, Lackawanna Trail – A returning starter on the offensive line for Lackawanna Trail, Barber helped to pave the way for a Lion offensive unit which averaged 292.3 yards (233.4 rush, 58.9 pass) and 29.1 points per game, helping the team finish 8-3 overall and reach the District 2 Class A semifinals opposite Old Forge. LT produced four backs with 250+ rushing yards and a 530-yard passer, scoring 39 offensive touchdowns (34 rushing, five passing).
Justin Wilk, Senior TB/ILB, Pittston Area – One of the Patriots’ top returning scorers from a season ago, Wilk ran for 600 yards and eight touchdowns on 125 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry while posting a season-best 112 yards in a narrow loss to Williamsport.
Karlon Quiller, Senior WR/DB, Scranton – The featured receiver in a Knights’ aerial assault which averaged better than 128 yards per game in 2011, Quiller, a transfer from Scranton Prep, snagged 27 passes for 732 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging a whopping 27.1 yards per reception. He finished three of Scranton’s 12 games with 135 yards or more. Defensively, Quiller also made an impact, recording 25 tackles (23 solo), an interception and 12 deflected passes, averaging 2.5 tackles per game.
Kevin Miller, Junior QB, Honesdale – Miller posted quite a successful statistical season for Honesdale, amassing 1,732 yards of total offense (1,264 passing, 468 rushing) and accounting for 17 total touchdowns (14 passing, three rushing). He completed 80-of-159 passes (50.3 percent), throwing for 100+ yards in a game six times, and averaged 4.4 yards per carry on 107 rushes, posting one 100-yard rushing performance. Miller is on pace to throw for 3,792 yards for the Hornets.
Korey Welkey, Junior DEF, GAR Memorial – One of the top returning tacklers from GAR Memorial’s defensive unit a season ago, Welkey finished his sophomore season by tallying 93 tackles (56 solo) and forcing a fumble, averaging 7.8 tackles per game. He posted a season-best 13 tackles in consecutive games against Hanover Area and Lake-Lehman.
Kota Kishel, Senior WR, Crestwood – One of the Comets’ top skill position players, Kishel finished his junior season with 158 yards rushing on 12 carries and caught another 14 passes for 316 yards, averaging 13.2 yards per carry and 22.6 yards per reception while scoring two touchdowns (both receiving). He ran for a season-best 96 yards against Williamsport and had 150 receiving yards against East Stroudsburg North.
Kris Roccograndi, Senior LB, Dallas – Roccograndi was part of a Dallas defensive unit which averaged 13.8 points per game, limiting eight of 12 opponents to 14 points or less en route to a 10-2 overall record and berth in the District 2 AAA championship game opposite Valley View.
Kyle Carney, Junior RB/DB, Honesdale – One of District 2′s top returning multi-purpose running backs, Carney was one of seven athletes in the state to post 550+ rushing and receiving yards each in the 2011 season. In all, he finished with 629 yards rushing on 89 carries and hauled in a team-best 30 passes for 569 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per carry and 18.9 yards per reception. In all, Carney stung the Hornets’ opposition for 16 touchdowns (10 rushing, six receiving), finishing two games with 100+ rushing yards and three games with 100+ receiving yards.
Kyle Czarkowski, Senior FB/DL, Scranton – Czarkowski tallied 33 tackles (22 solo), a sack, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal for the Knights, averaging 3.3 tackles per game.
Kyle Keihart, Senior QB, Lakeland – Keihart operated the controls of Lakeland’s offensive attack which averaged 288.2 yards and 22 points per game in 2011 by connecting on 88-of-147 passes for 995 yards and 12 touchdowns against eight interceptions and adding another 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 80 carries. Keihart completed 59.9 percent of his passes and averaged three yards per carry, throwing for 100+ yards in a game four times.
Liam Callejas, Senior QB, Valley View – The man at the controls of Valley View’s offensive arsenal which averaged 34.6 points per game last season, Callejas connected on 52-of-95 passes for 941 yards and 12 touchdowns against 11 interceptions and added another 158 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 49 carries. He connected on 54.7 percent of his passes, throwing for 100+ yards three times, and averaged 3.2 yards per rush. He’s posted a record of 18-7 over the last two seasons as a varsity starting quarterback.
Logan Bullock, Senior OL/DL, Dallas – Bullock helped to pave the way for a Mountaineer offensive unit which averaged 361.9 yards (227.2 rushing, 134.7 passing) and 33.6 points per game en route to a 10-2 record and berth in the District 2 AAA championship game opposite Valley View, producing a 1,300-yard rusher and 1,600-yard passer while scoring 54 total offensive touchdowns (31 rushing, 23 passing).
Lucas Benton, Senior RB, GAR Memorial – Benton proved to be a valuable piece to the Grenadiers’ District 2 Class AA championship team last season, both offensively and defensively. On the offensive side of the ball, Benton amassed 1,003 all-purpose yards (659 rushing, 344 receiving) and scored 11 total touchdowns (six rushing, five receiving), averaging 6.8 yards per carry on 97 rushes and 20.2 yards per reception on 17 catches. He posted a 130-yard receiving game against Lakeland and finished four games with 80+ rushing yards. He was one of three 600+-yard rushers for the Grenadiers. Defensively, Benton added 46 tackles (34 solo), two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, averaging 3.5 tackles per game.
Lucas Durkin, Junior WR/DB, Carbondale – One of the Chargers’ top returning receivers, Durkin snagged 18 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.2 yards per reception.
Luke Height, Senior K, GAR Memorial – Height converted 46 extra points and two field goals for the Grenadiers last season, accounting for 52 of the team’s school-record 530 points scored, or 9.8 percent of the team’s season scoring output. Height was one of five GAR players to score 50 or more points during the 2011 season.
Marc Romancyzk, Senior FB/ILB, Pittston Area – The Patriots’ leading rusher in 2011, Romancyzk finished his junior season with 623 yards on 109 carries and caught another six passes for 25 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 4.2 yards per reception. He scored three touchdowns – all rushing – posting a season-high 103 rushing yards against Berwick in the midst of the Bulldogs’ eight-game winning streak to close the season.
Mark Donaghey, Senior OL, Riverside – A returning starter on the Riverside offensive line, Donaghey helped to pave the way for a Viking offensive unit which averaged 282.3 yards (171.3 rush, 111 pass) and 21.2 points per game, producing a 1,280-yard passer and two backs with at least 875 rushing yards. Riverside scored 32 total offensive touchdowns (21 rushing, 11 passing) and finished 7-5 overall, reaching the District 2 Class A championship game.
Mark Seber, Senior LB, Mid Valley – The leading returning tackler from a Mid Valley defensive unit which allowed an average of 23.7 points per game last year, Seber finished with 60 tackles (47 solo), a half a sack and a forced fumble, averaging 5.5 tackles per game. His season high for tackles in a game was seven, posted on two occasions. Offensively, he also caught three passes for 32 yards, averaging 10.7 yards per reception.
Marlinn Walters, Senior QB, Scranton – Waiters helped lead Scranton to an 8-4 record and berth in the District 2/4/11 AAAA subregional semifinals opposite Easton Area by connecting on 72-of-132 passes (54.5 percent) for 1,395 yards and 16 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and adding 148 yards and four touchdowns on 49 carries. He threw for 100+ yards in five of the Knights’ 12 games and also posted three games with three or more touchdown passes.
Marshall Kupinski, Senior RB/LB, Scranton Prep – The Cavaliers’ featured running back from a season ago, Kupinski totaled 702 yards on 190 carries and caught another 11 passes for 132 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and 12 yards per reception while scoring 10 total touchdowns (eight rushing, two receiving).
Martin Strenk, Senior RB, Delaware Valley – The second-leading rusher in a Warrior offensive arsenal which averaged 179.1 yards per game on the ground a season ago, Strenk returns after posting 607 yards and six touchdowns on 107 carries and adding another five receptions for 33 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 6.6 yards per catch.
Martin Walsh, Junior QB/DB, Mid Valley – Walsh helped lead the Spartans to a 6-5 record and berth in the District 2 Class AA playoffs opposite Wyoming Area by connecting on 75-of-149 passes for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions and adding another three touchdowns on the ground on 48 keepers. He averaged 1.4 yards per carry and 102 passing yards per game. Defensively, Walsh added eight tackles (six solo) and recovered a fumble.
Matt Cashman, Senior WR/DB, Berwick Area – Berwick’s fourth-leading tackler in 2011, Cashman notched 59 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception, averaging 4.9 tackles per game. He also ran for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per rush.
Matt Gorton, Senior LB, Scranton – The top returning tackler from the Knights’ defensive unit a season ago, Gorton notched 79 tackles (55 solo), an interception, two deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, averaging 7.2 tackles per game. He posted a season-best 15 tackles (11 solo) against Wallenpaupack.
Matt Mancuso, Senior K, Old Forge – Mancuso returns for his senior season after successfully converting 31-of-35 extra points and 4-of-5 field goals, accounting for 42 Blue Devil points on the season, or 11.1 percent of the team’s season scoring output.
Michael Vieria, Senior WR/DB, Old Forge – The second-leading receiver in an Old Forge aerial assault which averaged 118.3 yards per game, and one of four Blue Devil players with at least 13 receptions last season, Vieria hauled in 19 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns and added another 12 rushes for 56 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and 14.3 yards per reception. Defensively, Vieria also picked off a pair of passes.
Mike Boland, OL/DL, Dunmore – One of the driving forces of Dunmore’s offensive line, Boland helped to pave the way for a Buck offensive unit which averaged 350.9 yards (291.7 rush, 59.2 pass) and 35.6 points per game, reaching the District 2 Class A semifinals opposite rival Riverside. Dunmore finished the season with a pair of running backs with 840+ yards and a 650+-yard passer, scoring 50 total offensive touchdowns (44 rushing, six passing).
Mike Burke, Senior OL/DL, Scranton Prep – A key returning presence in the offensive trenches for the Cavs, Burke helped to pave the way for a Scranton Prep offensive unit which averaged 275.6 yards (146.5 passing, 129.1 rushing) and 15.7 points per game, producing two 600+-yard passers and a 700-yard rusher while scoring 25 total offensive touchdowns (13 passing, 12 rushing).
Mike Condrad, Senior OL/DL, Scranton – Condrad helped to pave the way for a Knights’ offensive unit which averaged 356.1 yards (227.6 rushing, 128.5 passing) and 28.6 points per game en route to an 8-4 overall record and berth in the District 2/4/11 AAAA subregional semifinals opposite Easton Area. The Knights finished the season with a 1,390-yard passer and three backs with season rushing totals between 380 and 1,190 yards, scoring 43 total offensive touchdowns (26 rushing, 17 passing).
Mike Kolcharno, Senior WR/DB, Dunmore – Kolcharno is a returning contributor from a Buck defensive unit which allowed a scant 91 points in 11 games (8.3 points per game), limiting nine of 11 opponents to 14 points or less, with four shutouts. Dunmore finished 10-1 overall.
Mike Loftus, Senior TE/DL, Riverside – One of two Viking targets in the passing game who finished the season with 30 or more receptions, Loftus hauled in 31 passes for 376 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 12.1 yards per reception.
Nicholas Dranchak, Senior QB, Riverside – A dual-threat athlete at the helm of a Riverside Viking team which reached the District 2 Class A championship game opposite Old Forge, Dranchak finished his junior season by amassing 2,163 total yards of offense (1,285 passing, 878 rushing) and accounting for 20 total touchdowns (11 passing, nine rushing). He completed 101-of-200 passes (50.5 percent) and averaged 6.7 yards per carry on 132 rushes. For his career, Dranchak has thrown for 2,665 yards and 24 touchdowns for Riverside.
Nicholas Maritato, Senior SE/DE, Honesdale – Maritato was a terror on the defensive side of the ball for the Hornets last season, not because he amassed a large number of tackles, but rather because he did a little bit of everything. In all, he totaled 44 tackles (33 solo), 2.5 sacks, six deflected passes, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked field goals, averaging 4.4 tackles per game. In limited offensive action, he caught a quartet of passes for 31 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per reception.
Nick O’Brien, Senior ATH, Wyoming Area – The phrase “one-man wrecking crew” would aptly apply to Nick O’Brien, as he literally carried the Warriors on his back to the District 2 Class AA championship game opposite GAR Memorial. Offensively, O’Brien amassed 2,544 yards of total offense (1,847 rushing, 697 passing) and accounted for 38 total touchdowns (29 rushing, nine passing). He averaged 9.6 yards per carry on 192 rushes and completed 46.5 percent of his passes, throwing for 100+ yards once and running for 100+ yards nine times (including four games of 200+ yards and one of 300+). Defensively, O’Brien added 74 tackles (38 solo), two interceptions, four deflected passes, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, avergaing 6.7 tackles per game. On special teams, he averaged 31.1 yards per punt on 20 boots; 16.6 yards per punt return on nine attempts; and 27.4 yards per kickoff return on nine attempts. O’Brien accounted for 196 of WA’s 441 points scored on the season, or 44.4 percent of the team’s season scoring output. He has run for 3,263 yards in his Warrior career.
Nikolai Pritchyk, Senior FB/SS, Western Wayne – A two-way presence returning to a Wildcat team which averaged 32.4 points per game, Pritchyk ran for 555 yards on 99 carries and caught another six passes for 81 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 13.5 yards per reception, scoring seven total touchdowns offensively (six rushing, one receiving). Defensively, Pritchyk ranks among the Wildcats’ top returning tacklers, having posted 66 stops (46 solo), an interception (returned for a touchdown) and a fumble recovery (also returned for a touchdown). He averaged 6.6 tackles per game, finishing with a season-best 15 tackles (12 solo) against Lakeland in the team’s season finale. Pritchyk finished as WW’s third-leading scorer, with 54 total points.
Parrish Bennett, Senior RB/CB, Wilkes-Barre Meyers – A transfer from Hanover, Bennett was the primary offensive catalyst for a Hawkeye football team which won just three games all of last season, Bennett posted 1,608 rushing yards on 269 carries and caught another 17 passes for 332 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 19.5 yards per reception. He scored 16 total touchdowns (13 rushing, three receiving), leading the team in rushing attempts, rusing yards, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns scored. Defensively, he added 33 tackles (21 solo), two interceptions and three deflected passes, averaging 3.3 tackles per game.
Paul Papi, Junior OL/DL, Old Forge – Papi helped to pave the way for an offensive arsenal which averaged 316.8 yards (198.5 rush, 118.3 pass) and 29.2 points per game, producing three 450+-yard rushers and a 1,490-yard passer. In all, Old Forge scored 48 total offensive touchdowns (36 rushing, 12 passing) in winning the District 2 Class A championship and reaching the PIAA playoffs.
Quinn Karam, Junior RB/LB, Abington Heights – The featured running back in an Abington Heights ground game which averaged less than 100 yards per game, Karam posted 483 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 carries and caught another three passes for 21 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and seven yards per reception. He ran for a career-best 174 yards on 32 carries against North Pocono.
Raekwon Patrick, Senior OL/DL, Valley View – Patrick posted 29 tackles (17 solo), averaging 2.2 tackles per game for the District 2 AAA champion Cougars last season.
Remmington Hedden, Senior RB/LB, Carbondale – Hedden ran for 220 yards on 58 carries and caught another 14 passes for 133 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry and 9.5 yards per reception while scoring four total touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving).
Rich Sickler, Junior DEF, GAR Memorial – One of four GAR Memorial players with 90 or more tackles during the 2011 season, Sickler posted 90 tackles (53 solo) and recovered a pair of fumbles, averaging 8.1 tackles per game. He posted a season-best 14 tackles in a PIAA AA playoff loss to Pen Argyl.
Robbie Siclari, Senior RB, Western Wayne – Siclari did some damage despite playing in only one full game and a very small portion of a second in the 2011 season. In that short time, he amassed 401 all-purpose yards (198 rushing, 33 receiving, 170 kickoff/punt returns) and scored five total touchdowns (four rushing, one kickoff return). Siclari averaged 7.9 yards per carry, 33 yards per reception, 11 yards per punt return and 31.8 yards per kickoff return.
Ron Tomasetti, Senior WR/LB, Mid Valley – A key two-way presence returning for the Spartans in 2012, Tomasetti hauled in 41 passes for 714 yards and four touchdowns as a junior, averaging 17.4 yards per reception and nearly 65 yards per game. He finished six of Mid Valley’s games with four or more receptions and went over the 100-yard mark on three occasions. Defensively, Tomasetti was a wrecker at linebacker, totaling 44 tackles (35 solo), a team-best five sacks, an interception, a deflected pass and two forced fumbles. He averaged four tackles per game.
Rudy Goodwin, Senior OL/DL, Wilkes-Barre Meyers – Goodwin is a returning presence in the trenches who helped to pave the way for a Mohawk offensive unit which averaged 171.6 yards (117.4 rushing, 54.2 passing) and 13.6 points per game, producing two 300+-yard rushers and a 380-yard passer while scoring 17 total offensive touchdowns (10 rushing, seven passing).
Ryan Paulish, Junior OL/DL, Old Forge – Paulish helped to pave the way for an offensive arsenal which averaged 316.8 yards (198.5 rush, 118.3 pass) and 29.2 points per game, producing three 450+-yard rushers and a 1,490-yard passer. In all, Old Forge scored 48 total offensive touchdowns (36 rushing, 12 passing) in winning the District 2 Class A championship and reaching the PIAA playoffs.
Ryan Zapoticky, Senior QB, Dallas – A dual-threat athlete at the helm of Dallas’ offensive arsenal which averaged 33.6 points per game and reached the District 2 AAA championship game, Zapoticky is coming off of a junior season in which he amassed 2,124 yards of total offense (1,616 passing, 508 rushing) and accounted for 30 total Mountaineer touchdowns (23 passing, seven rushing). He connected on 115-of-188 passes (61.2 percent) and averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 82 rushes. He’s on pace to throw for more than 3,200 yards in his career.
Sam Demianovich, Senior RB, Carbondale – The featured back in Carbondale’s offensive arsenal, Demianovich ran for 504 yards on 86 carries and caught a team-leading 22 passes for 231 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 10.5 yards per reception while scoring seven total touchdowns (all rushing).
Sam Falcone, Senior LB, Pittston Area – Pittston’s leading returning tackler, Falcone posted 54 tackles (all solo), a deflected pass, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, averaging 5.4 tackles per game while posting consecutive 14-tackle games against Wyoming Valley West and Wyoming Area to end the season.
Sean Sanderson, Senior WR/DB, Abington Heights – The Comets’ second-leading receiver last season, Sanderson caught 14 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.5 yards per reception. He also posted 16 tackles (11 solo) on defense.
Shakir Soto, Senior OL/DL, GAR Memorial – The top returning statistical leader among GAR’s defensive unit, Soto, a Pitt recruit, tallied 114 tackles (79 solo), a team-best nine sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt, averaging 10.4 tackles per game. He finished nine of GAR’s 13 games with 10+ tackles, including 13 stops in a PIAA AA preliminary game against Pen Argyl and 15 tackles (a season high) against Nanticoke. Soto was selected to the Pennsylvania Sportswriters’ Class AA All-State team on the defensive line.
Teaguen Labatch, Senior QB, Wilkes-Barre Meyers – Labatch finished his junior season by completing 37-of-94 passes (39.4 percent) for 387 yards and five touchdowns. He also added one rushing touchdown on 24 keepers.
Thomas Cosgrove, Senior WR/DB, Holy Redeemer – The featured receiver in a Royal passing attack which averaged 158.9 yards per game last season, Cosgrove hauled in a team-best 27 passes for 504 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 18.7 yards per reception and a touchdown every fourth catch. He was one of six Holy Redeemer receivers to finish the season with 10 or more catches.
Tom Everson, Senior OL/DL, Delaware Valley – A returning presence in the trenches for Delaware Valley, Everson helped to pave the way for a Warrior offensive unit which averaged 313.1 yards (179.1 rush, 134 pass) and 27.9 points per game, reaching the District 2/4/11 AAAA subregional quarterfinals opposite Nazareth. DV’s offense produced a 1,470-yard passer and three rushers with season totals between 220 to 785 yards, scoring 39 total offensive touchdowns (25 rushing, 14 passing).
Tony DeSando, Senior TE/DL, Old Forge – Primarily utilized as a blocker for the District 2 Class A champion Blue Devils, DeSando helped to pave the way for an offensive arsenal which averaged 316.8 yards (198.5 rush, 118.3 pass) and 29.2 points per game, producing three 450+-yard rushers and a 1,490-yard passer. In all, Old Forge scored 48 total offensive touchdowns (36 rushing, 12 passing) in winning the District 2 Class A championship and reaching the PIAA playoffs.
Tony Politz, Senior RB, Northwest Area – The Rangers’ leading rusher for the 2011 season, Politz posted 1,410 yards on 188 carries and caught another nine passes for 177 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry and 19.7 yards per reception. He scored 13 touchdowns (all rushing), which easily led the entire Ranger team.
Travis Potter, Senior LB, Berwick Area – Berwick’s leading tackler from a season ago, Potter tallied 67 tackles and two sacks, averaging 5.6 tackles per game.
Trent Grove, Senior TE/DE, Wyoming Area – Primarily utilized as a blocker in a Warrior offensive unit which averaged 356.8 yards (281 rushing, 75.8 passing) and 40.1 points per game, Grove helped to pave the way for an 1,800-yard rusher and 690+-yard passer en route to the District 2 Class AA championship game. He also hauled in seven passes for 138 yards and a touchdown, averaging 19.7 yards per reception. Defensively, Grove added 22 tackles and a sack.
Tyler Armillay, Junior OL/DL, Riverside – A returning starter on the Riverside offensive line, Armillay helped to pave the way for a Viking offensive unit which averaged 282.3 yards (171.3 rush, 111 pass) and 21.2 points per game, producing a 1,280-yard passer and two backs with at least 875 rushing yards. Riverside scored 32 total offensive touchdowns (21 rushing, 11 passing) and finished 7-5 overall, reaching the District 2 Class A championship game.
Tyler Brady, Senior RB/OLB, Lakeland – A two-way presence for the Chiefs, Brady was the team’s second-leading rusher, amassing 586 yards and four touchdowns on 113 carries and hauling in three passes for 16 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 5.3 yards per reception. Also a force defensively, Brady tallied 49 tackles (all solo), four deflected passes and a fumble recovery, averaging 4.5 tackles per game.
Tyler Phillips, Senior RB/DB, Valley View – Phillips had a breakout junior season for the 11-2, District 2 AAA champion Cougars, posting a team-best 1,553 yards and 23 touchdowns on 161 carries and adding another eight receptions for 18 yards, averaging 9.6 yards per carry and 2.3 yards per reception. He netted an average of 119.5 rushing yards per game for Valley View, finishing nine games with 100+ rushing yards. Defensively, he added nine tackles (five solo), an interception and a deflected pass, averaging less than one tackle per game. Phillips also returned a combined seven kickoffs and punts for 130 yards.
Will Hendel, Senior QB, Wallenpaupack – Hendel helped lead the Buckhorns to a 7-4 overall record and berth in the Eastern Conference AAAA semifinals opposite Bethlehem Liberty by connecting on 53-of-125 passes (42.4 percent) for 792 yards and seven touchdowns, finishing two games with 100+ passing yards and two games with multiple touchdown passes. He also scored one rushing touchdown on 16 keepers.
Will Masteller, Senior HB/DB, Berwick Area – Masteller posted 64 tackles and two sacks from his position in the defensive backfield, averaging 5.5 tackles per game.
Will Updegrove, Junior TE/DE, Berwick Area – Updegrove missed the majority of his sophomore season due to injury, but is one of Berwick’s rising juniors. He caught one pass for 20 yards and added six tackles defensively.
Zac Evans, Senior FB/MLB, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin – One of two Crusader backs to each rush for 1,000 yards or more in 2011, Evans ran for 1,027 yards and nine touchdowns on 169 carries and caught another three passes for 10 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 3.3 yards per reception. He posted six 100-yard rushing performances for the Eastern Conference AAA semifinalists. Defensively, Evans added 83 tackles (60 solo) and recovered a fumble, averaging 7.5 tackles per game.
Zach Faust, Sophomore OL/DL, GAR Memorial – Faust helped to pave the way for a GAR offensive unit which averaged 371.4 yards (270.9 rush, 100.5 pass) and 40.8 points per game en route to the District 2 Class AA championship. GAR’s offensive arsenal included three 600+-yard rushers and a 990+-yard passer, scoring 64 total offensive touchdowns (48 rushing, 16 passing).
Zack Lanunziata, Senior RB/LB, Wyoming Area – One of the top returning tacklers from the Warriors’ defensive unit a season ago, Lanunziata tallied 54 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery, averaging 4.9 tackles per game.
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August 21st, 2012 at 6:30 am
Rob, you can leave a reply and enter your picks, it is nice to see the kids names who’ve worked hard and belong here. I say add them! Fellow D2 fan 🙂
August 20th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Mark, the WVW coach probably didn’t get in touch with the website to tell them who his key players were. That’s my guess.
August 20th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Jimbo, I’m sure all those DV guys make you happy 🙂
August 20th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Glad to see all these Scranton Knights and West Invaders on the list!! Let’s go fellas, have a GREAT season!!
August 20th, 2012 at 11:35 am
Where are the WVW players on the list?