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Brady Zapoticky JR QB Dallas:

A lot of great individual seasons have happened in the Mountaineers program, and Zapoticky edged his name into that conversation in a big way. The junior was the district's most dominant quarterback from start to finish, and the numbers and where the Mountaineers ended up don’t lie. Zapoticky was truly a game manger, making big play after big play for the Mounts, especially late in the season leading them all the way to the 4A state title finishing runner-up. Zapoticky completed 53% for 2,047 yards and 26 touchdowns and also showed off his mobility rushing for 315 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Aaron Crossley SR RB Wyoming Area:

From his breakout game against rival Pittston Area his Sophomore season you knew once the opportunity arose number 5 was gonna be something special. Crossley might have even exceeded those expectations, going on to be one of the program best players ever. Crossley was very muched regarded as the best or one of the best players in the district and the Lehigh commit showed why, rushing for 1,842 yards and 26 touchdowns

Lucas Lopresto FR WR Pittston Area:

Lopresto makes history becoming the first Freshmen to every make a final team, and with all that success comes with one of the best receiving years we've seen from a Freshman in recent memory. Coach Barbieri really relied on the passing game this year and Lopresto answered that call in a big way emerging as one of the Districts best deep ball threats. The Freshmen finished with 38 receptions for 680 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Zack Fox SR RB Nanticoke:

It would be hard ro argue if one player had more of a bigger impact on a program and a town did Fox did his senior year. Fox broke all kinds of records his senior year and ended long droughts. He helped lead Nantiocke to a winning record for the fifth time in 30 years, he helped lead Nanticoke to its first playoff win in 30 years, and finished as the Trojans all time rusher in school history. Through all that history Fox was dominant all season long recording a district high 1,884 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns which was fourth best.

Zach Paczewski SR WR Dallas:

Paczewski missed part of his junior season and showed in short sample what he can do, this season we saw more then a short sample. Just like his star QB Paczewski was simply the Districts best wide receiver from start to finish and their improbable state title appearance could not have happened without him. Paczewski route running and speed made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he was impossible to levae in 1 on 1 coverage and the numbers show. Paczewski recorded 57 receptions for 1,057 yards and 13 touchdowns, he also had 32 rushed for 260 yards and a touchdowns.

Nick Farrell SR TE Dallas:

Farrell filled his brother's shoes in a big way, and the senior especially later on in the season was the guy Coach Mannello went to in clutch situations. Farrell really adapted to a more modern day Tight end lining up on the outside, and his speed combined with his size was a problem for smaller corners and linebackers who were too slow. Farrell was a fantastic second option for Zapoticky where he recorded 21 receptions for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns.

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Chase Desanto JR T Wyoming Area

The Warriors program the past couple of seasons has been a mecca for producing star offensive lineman, and Desanto has been no exception to that list. At 6,4 265 Desanto has dominated opposing defensive lines, and the Warriors continue to run off tackle. Desantos 18 pancake blocks paved the way for the Districts top rushing attack as help the Warriors rush for 242.2 yards a game.

Ryan Wiaterorski SR G Nanticoke:

The Trojan's success contributed to a stellar senior class that was led by a big number 53 upfront. The Trojans' ground attack led them to their first playoff win in 30 years, and Wiateroski’s ability to pull and be the lead blocker in the Wing T was a huge reason why. Wiateroski's work upfront helped produce the district's leading rusher.

James Gryskewicz JR C Wilkes-Barre:

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he Wolfpack were one of the most fun, explosive teams in District 2, and their success was catered by a balanced attack on offense that started upfront with Gryskewicz. Gryskewiz was the leader of that group upfront that averaged 26.6 points per game en route to a District title and emerged as both a dominant run blocker, helping the Pack rush for 165 yards a game, and a great pass protector, helping the Pack throw for 152 yards a game.

Dan Sabulski SR G Dallas:

Sabulski took on the role of being the leader of one of the best o-lines in District 2 and ran off with it, helping push the Mountaineers to the state title game. Sabulski quickly emerged as one of the best linemen in the area and did a phenomenal job all year long of creating holes and getting to the second level, helping the Mounts rush for 180 yards a game. The senior was great in protection, helping the Mounts throw for 130 yards a game; the Mounts also gave Sabulski the number 76 midway through the year to honor the late Josh Balara, who died from cancer earlier this year. The selection tells you a lot about Sabulski as a person.

Brady Rosencrans SR T Dallas:

Rich Mannello and the Mounts continue to be a mecca for producing great offensive linemen in such a short span, and Rosencrans is no exception. Rosencrans helped anchor this young offensive line and was a vital piece to the Mounts's title run, especially down the line late in the season, where he was taking on some of the best d-lines in the state. The Mounts went to Rosencran's side a lot and continued to run off big number 64 en route to one of the program's best seasons.

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Jaidyn Johnson SR DE Nanticoke

The Trojans were a feel-good story in 2023, and a big reason why is cause Johnson took his game to the next level his senior season. The 6’7 edge quickly emerged as the district's most dominant pass rusher and was a force to be reckoned with it on Friday nights. There aren't many 6’7 guys who move the way Johnson did, and it was evident recording 82 tackles and 25 sacks.

Jacob Gustitus SR DT Wyoming Area:

You heard a lot about the Warrior's explosive run game, but this defense flew under the radar as one of the best in the district, anchored upfront by big number 63. Gustitus was the Warrior's best interior lineman, and the results showed he helped the Warriors give up only 15 points per game and dominated along the way, recording 45 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Harrison Snyder SR DE Berwick:

Despite the Bulldogs having some down years as of late, one thing you can count on with this program is that they will produce defensive talent, which Snyder has shown. Snyder capped off a great three years with the Bulldogs with a dominating senior season that showed him achieving career highs. The senior recorded 95 tackles, 21 for a loss, and 10 sacks.

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Zander Coleman SR LB Hazleton:

Coleman entered the Cougars program last season, made a massive impact in his two short years under Coach Buchman, and capped off a great run with a phenomenal senior season. Coleman was all over the field, constantly flying to the football and making big plays. When on the field, the senior was dominant, emerging as the leader of this Cougars defense, recording 80 tackles, 12 for a loss, and three forced fumbles.

Devon Harris SR LB Williamsport

The Millionaires didn't make too many headlines this season, but week in and week out, Harris made his presence known. Harris was the leader of the Millonaries' defense and had three games this season where they gave up 7 points or less. Harris was a tackling machine, recording 90 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 3 sacks.

Matthew Rutkoski JR LB Wyoming Area

The Warriors and Coach Spencer produced one of the area's best defenses and had big-time playmakers at multiple positions, and Rutkoski was no exception. The Junior truly excelled this season and quickly became the leader of that linebacking core that was so good all year long. Rutkoski was always near the ball, and the numbers translate, recording 65 tackles, 10 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Max Gregor SR LB Wilkes-Barre:

The Wolfpack lost their best linebacker in 2023, and when the opportunity arose, Gregor stepped up and became a staple for the Pack. Gregor flew all over the field on Friday nights and helped the Wolfpack capture the Class 6A championship while becoming one of the WVC’s best linebackers along the way, recording 93 tackles,6 for a loss, and 6 Sacks.

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Jacob Morgan JR DB Wyoming Area

We talked earlier about Coach Spencer utilizing his weapons on defense, and no better example is Morgan. Morgan really played a Jamal Adams-type role from his safety spot, often playing in the box where he excelled, leading the teams in tackles with 80, but also providing great coverage over the top with 3 pass deflections.

Nate Malarkey JR DB Dallas:

The Mountaineer's secondary was the best in District 2, and the numbers don’t lie. They recorded 22 interceptions, and Malarkey headlined that secondary. The Junior truly was a game-changer from his safety position, emerging as a phenomenal tackler, recording 74, but was even better in coverage, recording six interceptions en route to a state title appearance.

Dylan Geskey JR ATH Dallas:

Gavin Lewis JR DB Dallas:

If you had one word to describe Lewis’s play, ballhawk would be a good choice. The Junior quickly emerged as one of District 2 best ballhawks, and his big-time plays in the secondary helped lift the Mountaineers to the state title game. Lewis's speed and athleticism were truly his x factor, and the results showed that number 23 had the game-winning interception in the district finale and finished with a team-high 7.

The Moutanieer strived off two way athletes this season and no better example of that is the production of number 4. Geskey really emerged this season as one of the best running backs in the district, and the mountaineers road in him especially late in the season. Geskey size and speed makes him so difficult to wrap up and the numbers show recording 1,473 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. Geskey was also a very solid linebacker for coach Mannello as the senior finished right around the 43 tackle mark with a interception.

Treyvon Gembitski So DB Wilkes-Barre:

The Wolfpack lost two Division 1 recruits in the offseason and had questions about who would step up, and one of those was Gembitski. The sophomore week in and week out, he showed himself to be one of the most athletic players in District 2, and that athleticism translated into him becoming one of the league's best corners. The Sophmore most of the time guarding the opposing team's best receiver, which makes his numbers even more impressive, recording 26 tackles, 4 interceptions and 8 pass defended

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WVC Coach Of The Year

Rich Mannello Dallas

The Mounts entered our preseason rankings at 4 and left number 1 unanimously. The Mounts reached levels that no one thought they could and the experience of Mannello really showed late in the postseason recording 2 wins over Bonner Prendergast and Bishop Mcdevitt in games which the Mounts were underdogs. Mannello helped build one of the best o-lines in the district with 4 new starters, as he continues to strengthen his case for best coach in the district.