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H.S. Football Notebook: Resiliency pays off for Hazleton Area

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Developer plans new PSP regional HQ for Hanover Township

After a successful first season of the District 2 Power Rankings in boys soccer, Year 2 of the system is in full swing with many non-conference or interdivisional matches taking place already.The rivalries are still intact, and they will get underway when divisional play begins in the next few days for most Wyoming Valley Conference teams.Heading into the meat of the schedule, here are some of the many story lines to follow this season.The WolfpackThe Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack has started its first season already and has even picked up a victory with a win over Wyoming Area last week. Playing in Class 4A, the highest classification in boys soccer, it won&#8217;t be easy for the team consisting of players from Meyers, GAR and Coughlin to have immediate success. But it&#8217;s a work in progress, said coach Jack Nolan.&#8220;Bringing three programs together has its challenges. The number of players doesn&#8217;t mean we will win championships,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Timing, communication and anticipation on the field must improve in order for us to get where we would like. Our boys have been working hard and understand our challenges in our first season as the Wolfpack. We hope to improve every game and compete in the 4A District Playoffs.&#8221;The merger&#8217;s impactThe merger of the Wilkes-Barre high schools&#8217; athletic programs also had an impact on other areas around the league. The Wolfpack replaced Coughlin in Division 1, but that meant Division 2 lost a pair of teams in Meyers and GAR.So realignment was needed to have a more-balanced schedule. Tunkhannock, the smallest Class 3A school, dropped to Division 2 to compensate for the loss of the two teams.Another implication of the loss of two teams meant that the WVC lost an All-State selection. The league will now get just two players selected to be All-State by the coaches instead of three.Rivalry renewedThe biggest rivalry in the WVC over the last four years has been Crestwood versus Dallas. The teams have played 10 times in that span with Crestwood winning five, the Mountaineers winning four and one tie. Each team has scored total 18 goals in those games over the last four years.Three of those matches have also come in the postseason in the District 2 final. The Comets have won two of those matches and have claimed district gold in three of the last four years.The first meeting between the two teams this season is scheduled for Thursday evening at Crestwood.New coachesA trio of new coaches arrive to the WVC this season with Kevin Curry (Pittston Area), Calvin Valeski (Berwick) and Matt Clemons (Hanover Area).2019 WVC BOYS SOCCER CAPSULESDIVISION 1Berwick (3A)Coach: Calvin Valeski, first seasonHome Field: Crispin Field and Salem Soccer Field, Berwick2018 record: 2-13-2 (overall)Key players lost: Blake Girton, Luis Garcia, Misael HernandezKey players returning: Tim Maron, Sr.; Zecheriah Demko, Jr.; Graham Marshman, Jr.Outlook: The Bulldogs lost some power from last season. Coming off a trying season and playing in a tough division might mean another long year in Berwick. Valeski graduated from nearby Southern Columbia in 2008.Crestwood (3A)Coach: David McFarland, 3rd seasonHome Field: Crestwood High School2018 record: 15-1 WVC; 16-1-0 overallKey players lost: Max Gariano, Hubert Hererra, Michael Ceklosky, Sean MurphyKey players returning: Payton Glynn, Sr.; Justin Sterling, Sr.; Nick Ruggeri, Jr.; Johnny Olejnik, Jr.; Trey Zabroski, Jr.; Ben Rossi, So.; Hunter Rolles, So.; Nick Brown, Sr.Outlook: The Comets could be a bit young this season after graduating important players from the last four years over the last two season. There&#8217;s still a lot of talent on the team though and they should compete once again for the division and district crowns.&#8220;I&#8217;m excited with what I see during our daily practices,&#8221; McFarland said. &#8220;This year&#8217;s team is a close-knitted squad, with a strong desire to learn and be competitive. Winning (another) district title is a dream, and I am optimistic that if we work hard and stay focused we can make that dream a reality.&#8221;Dallas (3A)Coach: Chris Scharff, 22nd seasonHome Field: Dallas High School2018 record: 13-2-1 WVC, 14-2-1 overallKey players lost: n/aKey players returning: Zach Holthaus, Sr., striker; Ryan Fisher, Sr., D; Jake Hockenberry, Sr., MF; Dereck Gordon, Sr., GKOutlook: Year in and year out, the Mountaineers are the most balanced team. They never seem to have a down year and are always in contention for the division and district titles. Expect the same again this season.Hazleton Area (Class 4A)Coach: Ryan Scarcella, 4th seasonHome Field: Maple Manor Field2018 record: 7-8-1 WVC, 8-8-2 overallKey players lost: Will Garcia, Jeremy Aquino, Kevin GarciaKey players returning: Josh Kmieciak, D; Gabe Fabian, F; Luke Daveler, M; Noah Matriccino, M; Ryan Zamonas, D; Chris Wolk, M; Joey Rosero, M; Raul Lara, M; John Ashton, D; Mike Mehalshick, M; Ricky Blase, D; Nate Bacon, D; Alex Castiglia, FOutlook: The Cougars are coming off one of their best season in years past. With many key players back this year from that squad, big things could be on the horizon for the team.Nanticoke Area (3A)Coach: Josh Olzinski, 2nd seasonHome Field: Greater Nanticoke Area High School football field2018 record: 2-14 WVC, 3-15-0 overallKey players lost: Garrett Dzugan, William Kanjorski, Christian MavusKey players returning: Isaiah Johnson, Sr., GK; Adam Eckhart, Sr., F; Joe Day, Jr., CM; Matthew Gomelko, So., CM; Khalil Khaun, Fr., MOutlook: It was a rough start to the coaching career of Olzinski last year with just a few victories. But, there&#8217;s plenty of optimism around the squad this year. With another season under his belt of coaching and plenty returning players, the Trojans should be in for an upswing.&#8220;Entering this season, our team is focused on improvement and experience, as we faced the elite competition in Division 1 last year,&#8221; Olzinski said. &#8220;Because we faced this high level of play, I feel our team is much more prepared and is ready to make an impact. As a coach, I am pleased to see our numbers increase and more athletes get involved.&#8221;Pittston Area (3A)Coach: Kevin Curry, first seasonHome Field: Pittston Primary Center, Rock Street, Hughestown2018 record: 2-13-1 WVC, 2-14-1 overallKey players lost: Kyle MlodzinskiKey players returning: David Butler, Sr., D; Bryan Rowan, Jr., M; Josh Noone, Jr., F; Kevin Talipan, So., M; Matt Jasienski, So., M; David Durling, Fr., DOutlook: The team scored just nine total goals last season en route to just two victories. With a new coach and a new offense implemented, Curry is expecting a much different team this season.&#8220;If we put the work in to defend as a team, I expect us to compete for a spot in the 3A district playoffs,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We have a tough schedule compared to others in 3A because we have to play the top three seeds from last year&#8217;s bracket (Crestwood, Dallas, and Wyoming Valley West) twice in the regular season. More than anything, we hope to make it difficult for all the teams we play.&#8221;Wilkes-Barre Area (Class 4A)Coach: Jack Nolan, 14th seasonHome Field: Solomon/Plains Elementary School2018 record: n/aKey players: Logan Davison, Sr., M; Tanner Nilon, Jr., F; Chad Regan, Sr., M; Dante Vitali, Sr., M; Joel Vazquez, Sr., GK; Eric Balchun, Sr., M; David Sikora, Sr., M; Kevin Pala, Sr., D; Cole Walker, Jr., D; Jacob Cortez, Jr., D; Matt Anstett, So., DOutlook: It&#8217;s not going to happen overnight where the Wolfpack immediately contend for championships. But there is plenty of optimism after strong offseason workouts and camp. It will take time, but if things progress further, the team could be in contention for a District 2 Class 4A title when all is said and done.&#8220;My outlook for this season is to be competitive in every match,&#8221; Nolan said. &#8220;We certainly would like to be in the mix in Division 1 in the conference, but I&#8217;m not sure if we are there yet. We will find out how successful we might or might not be quickly with our first four league games coming against Hazleton, Crestwood, Dallas, and Valley West.&#8221;Wyoming Valley West (3A)Coach: Charlie Whited, 10th seasonHome Field: Spartan Stadium2018 record: 13-2-1 WVC, 14-3-1 overallKey players lost: Kevin Grodzki, Nate Naugle, Chris Stoodley,Key players returning: Scott Nilson, Sr., MF; Tyler Gillispie, Sr., D; Ryan Stevens, Jr., D/MF; Landon Serbin, Jr., MFOutlook: The Spartans are young with just four starters returning, including the keeper. If the team can gel together quickly, it will be another productive season. If not, they might be in danger of missing out on the postseason.&#8220;Improvement as the season goes will be our goal,&#8221; Whited said. &#8220;We lost our entire defense except senior Tyler Gillispie. Scott Nilson is our only other senior starter. We will also start two freshman and graduated 14 from last year.&#8221;DIVISION 2Hanover Area (2A)Coach: Matt Clemons, first yearHome Field: Hanover Area High School2018 record: 2-12 WVC, 2-12-0Key players lost: n/aKey players returning: Zackary Evans, Sr., GK; Edward Gensel, Sr., D; Sebastian Mozquera, Sr., Striker; Kaleb Rigol, Sr., D; Ryan Bohlin, Jr., D; Tristan Davies, Jr., Striker; Cael Davis, Jr., Striker; Nicholas Evans, Jr., D; Ethan Chafin, Fr., M; Matthew Griffin, Fr., M; Brett Martinez, Fr., MOutlook: The Hawkeyes have had problems over the last several seasons maintaining a competitive level in the division and district. With a new coach, it&#8217;s possible those misfortunes will change, but it will likely take some time.Holy Redeemer (2A)Coach: Mike Davitt, 4th seasonHome Field: Luzerne County Complex, Forty Fort2018 record: 6-7-1 WVC, 7-9-1 overallKey players lost: Lucas BarnakKey players returning: Lance McGrane, Jr, GK; Ethan Cegelka, D; Jimmy Dunleavy, Sr. MOutlook: The Royals missed out on the playoffs last season with a young team. This time around, they have plenty of returning players and should be in contention for this year and the foreseeable future.Lake-Lehman (2A)Coach: Mike Kostrobala, 14th seasonHome Field: Lake-Lehman High School2018 record: 10-2-2 WVC, 11-4-2 overallKey players lost: Justin Timonte, Abe DabsehKey players returning: Kyle Sincavage, Sr., F; Andrew Battin, Sr., M; Nate Salus, Sr., D; Max Paczewski, Jr., MOutlook: The Black Knights lost seven starters from last year&#8217;s team that lost just twice in the conference. They always seem to kick into gear when it matters. You can expect much of the same from the squad this season, perhaps more if they get hot sooner.&#8220;Our returning players can play with anyone but our season will depend on the new guys,&#8221; Kostrobala said. &#8220;We&#8217;ve made good progress during preseason and as long as we continue to improve each day hopefully we can peak for playoffs.&#8221;MMI Prep (Class A)Coach: Jeremy Peese, 2nd seasonHome Field: MMI Athletic Complex2018 record: 1-13-0 WVC, 1-15-1 overallKey players lost: Libby Eckhart, Alex Sessock, Keefer Hoover, Nick Carrato, Kaity McGeehanKey players returning: Carter Frask, Sr., F; Marcus Kassick, Sr., D; Kai Mele, Sr., M; Josiah Pacchioli, Sr., F; Ben Putnam. Sr., D; Grant Warren, Sr., M; James Kelly, Jr., GK; Greg Leonard, Jr., D; David Castro, So., D; Keiran Mele, So., M; Caden Pease, Fr., FOutlook: There is a good core group returning for this season from last year&#8217;s team. With another year of experience under their belts, the Preppers should be able to improve on last season&#8217;s record.&#8220;Our team declaration states &#8216;Today, I will show a good attitude, a high work rate, and solid thinking. Tomorrow, I will be proud of what I did today.&#8217; As each player stands by this, I expect that they will make MMI Prep and their families proud, and I believe that this will translate into a very special soccer season.&#8221;Tunkhannock (3A)Coach: Mark Stroney, 9th seasonHome Field: Tewksbury Field, Digger Drive, Tunkhannock2018 record: 8-7-1 WVC, 10-7-1 overallKey players lost: Eddie Melan, Alex Paduck, Zach RossKey players returning: Drew DiMeolo, Sr., M; Jaxson Montross, Sr., D; Ethan Munley , Sr., GK; Braiden Jerome, Jr., M/FOutlook: Stroney has 13 freshmen on the team with a few likely to be starters. He always has his team prepared for every opponent. Playing in Division 2 this season, the Tigers could benefit during the regular season. If they get into the district tournament, that momentum could carry them.Wyoming Area (2A)Coach: Rick Branco, 3rd seasonHome Field: Tenth Street Elementary School, Wyoming2018 record: 8-4-2 WVC, 10-4-4 overallKey players lost: Damien Bronsburg, Mike Remley, Eddie Galushka, Brett KostikKey players returning: Luke Coolbaugh, Sr. F; Nick Belles, Sr., M; Gavin Lahart, Sr., M/F; Adam Wisnewski, Jr., GK; Riley Gerhardt, Jr., M/F; Zach Kostik, So., DOutlook: The Warriors put together a strong season a year ago, and with many of those players returning the expectations are even higher. There&#8217;s certain tough competition in the division, but the team should be right in the mix with those other clubs.Wyoming Seminary (Class 2A)Coach: Aaron Littzi, 2nd seasonHome Field: Nesbitt Stadium, Kingston2018 record: 11-1-2 WVC, 11-1-2 overallKey Players lost: Edge Miller, Will Ziegler, Ryan AndersonKey players returning: Reggie Grayek, Sr., M; Luke Johns, Jr., F; Santi De Los Rios, Jr., D; Jared Weisenberge, Sr., M; Cooper Wood, Jr., MOutlook: Graduating 15 seniors, including six starters from last year&#8217;s team that claimed a district title, the Blue Knights have been reloading the last several seasons. This year shouldn&#8217;t be too much different, even though there&#8217;s only three seniors on the squad.&#8220;With so many young players we are looking to work hard daily and improve as we move through the season,&#8221; Littzi said. &#8220;Through hard work and preparation we strive to meet our goals and be a competitive team again this year.&#8221;<style>
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<div class="neCaption">Striker Zach Holthaus returns for the Dallas Mountaineers this season. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_dal_dr5_faa.jpg</photo0><caption0>Striker Zach Holthaus returns for the Dallas Mountaineers this season. </caption0><photoCredit0>Times Leader file photo </photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Dave RosengrantFor Times Leader</bylineMeta></div>

WVC Soccer Preview: Story lines to follow this season