Pictured above: #3 Corbin Lankford of North Pocono. Photograph taken by John Maros.
Abington Heights
2019 Record: 5-9
2020 Record: Did not play due to COVID-19
2021 Projected Record: 6-8
Head Coach: Frank Dyska
Notable Players: Aidan Crum (midfielder), Yoshi Matsui (midfielder)
Notable Graduates: Gray-Paul Bossi, Russell Booth
It has been way too long since we have seen the Comets on the pitch. They were one of three teams who did not play in 2020 due to COVID-19. So, just like any other team who has been out for almost two years, there is a lot unknown about them heading into 2021. We spoke to sophomore Samuel Specht on what it was like to miss his freshman season, and on how he thinks the team will do this Fall.
I was very disappointed that our season was canceled last year and especially sorry for the seniors. It was very hard watching other teams play when we couldn’t.
Heading into 2021, I am excited to get out on the field and play. I believe Abington has a number of gifted players that, working together, can make us a very competitive team.
Delaware Valley
2020 Record: 10-2
2021 Projected Record: 5-9
Head Coach: Aaron Stark
Notable Players: Travis Kelly (senior), Nolan Sukovich (senior)
Notable Graduates: Hunter Sickler, Owen Henry, Mark Cavallaro, Zach Matthews, Mason VanHorn, Danny Zhivkovich, Nick Kaylani
This Warriors roster is looking very different than what it looked like in 2020. All seven of their all-stars last season are now graduated, which will definitely have a major impact on their performance this year. As preseason workouts begin, there is only a few more weeks left to decide who fills which void on the field. Returning to the team in 2021 is Nolan Sukovich who scored 2 goals and assisted 3 last season, also Travis Kelly (2G, 2A). This team will be looking for a new leader up top who can be a goal producer.
Honesdale
2020 Record: 3-7-2
2021 Projected Record: 7-7
Head Coach: Wendell Kay
Notable Players: Drew Howell (senior, forward), Peter Kase (midfielder, junior), Nate Hugaboom (goalkeeper, junior)
Notable Graduates: Bobby Kretschmer, Liam Kase
Drew Howell, the Hornets’ leading scorer last season will be returning for his senior season. In 2020 he scored 4 goals and assisted 2. Goalkeeper Nate Hugaboom was 6th overall in the league with 116 saves, and is only a junior. 1/2 of the Kase brothers will be back in 2021. Liam, the eldest brother has graduated, while Peter will be entering his junior season. Last year he scored 3 goals for the Hornets.
North Pocono
2020 Record: 9-2-1
2021 Projected Record: 13-1
Head Coach: Graig Arcurie
Notable Players: Jordan Carr (goalkeeper, senior), Corbin Lankford (midfielder, senior), Jonah Yurkanin (midfielder, senior), Jake Silva (midfielder, senior), Cayden Lougee (midfielder, senior), Evan Layland (defender, junior)
Notable Graduates: Matt Kowalski, Noah Budnovitch, Brooks Hanna
We like almost everything about this team heading into 2021, and honestly what isn’t there to like. They are projected to finish atop the division, and they have 3 returning all-stars. One minor thing that might catch the eye, is that they lose two very strong defenders. But knowing this Trojan squad, they can definitely overcome that. Jordan Carr will be returning to his natural position following the departure of Brooks Hanna. Here is what Head Coach Graig Arcurie, and some of the other players had to say about the team, and if this Trojan squad can win it all:
“I definitely think our team has an opportunity to be one of the top teams in class 3A of district 2. We have a talented group of kids with great technical ability across the board. If they continue to work hard and focus on getting better each day they have a chance to be really special. Heading into this season we are looking to continue building our Family first culture. All the players are on the same page with the same objective and I'm hoping it will be a fun season.” - Coach Graig
“We also have a talented group of freshmen that will be joining team... between us... we might have the 3 best freshmen in the entire Lackawanna League and possibly top 5 in all district 2. Obviously they have to produce, but they are super talented with lots of high level club/odp experience. They will definitely be given the opportunity to do so.” - Coach Graig
“The team is beyond excited to play. Talent can be found throughout each player. Not to mention the strong participation for summer sessions. Especially with Covid-19 troubles in the past, the seniors are willing to give it their all for one last season.” - Jake Silva
“This season is sure to be an exciting one. Although we lost a few key seniors from last season, our younger players are ready to step up into their positions and pick up right where we left off. We certainly hope this year is going to be the season we finally win a district championship, however we realize there is going to be tough competition along the way. For my senior season, I want to go out helping the team to win a district championship along with winning the Lackawanna League.” - Corbin Lankford
“We are going to win it. No if, ands, or buts. This is North Pocono's year. We're the team everyone fears.” Q: what are you looking forward to the most in your senior season) “Playing on a team with many other developed players. We have a great group of guys. And of course, playoffs.” - Jonah Yurkanin
Scranton
2020 Record: 3-8-1
2021 Projected Record: 3-11
Head Coach: Shamus McCormick
Notable Players: Sebastian Carmona (forward, junior), Sudik Dhakal (midfielder, senior)
Notable Graduates: Liam Moran, Fedli Ahmetbeg
One of Division 1‘s most exciting players last season in Liam Moran graduated, along with their goalkeeper Fedli Ahmetbeg who is now playing for Penn State Scranton. The Knights will now turn to Sebastian Carmona as someone who should be able to produce on the offensive side of things. There aren’t many bright spots heading into 2021 for this team, but Carmona is definitely one.
Scranton Prep
2020 Record: 2-10
2021 Projected Record: 4-10
Head Coach: Sean Curry
Notable Players: Will Granci (defender, senior)
Notable Graudates: Spencer Keihl, Patrick Sullivan, Kai Keating-Loughney
The Cavaliers will be in desperate search for a playmaker this season. Spencer Keihl has graduated and will be playing with Lebanon Valley College. Will Granci, an all-star in 2020, is a great defender, but sadly cannot carry the offense. This team was very different back in 2019, and will now be searching for wins two years in a row. We spoke to Will on his thoughts about this season:
“I am excited about heading into the new season. My teammates have been working very hard this off season to improve, and I am looking forward to getting back on the pitch for one more year. Although we graduated a lot of seniors, our desire to win remains the same. There are lots of new faces that I am hopeful can fuel a successful run this season. We are all happy and ready to start!”
Valley View
2020 Record: 8-4
2021 Projected Record: 11-3
Head Coach: Danny Berg
Notable Players: Bryce Sokoloski (defender, junior), Shay Gillen (midfielder, senior), Liam Harrison (forward, senior), Matt Cole (goalkeeper, senior)
Notable Graduates: Ryan Cesarini
2019 All-State player Ryan Cesarini’s high school soccer career has come to an end, but that doesn’t necessarily impact the future of this team. Yes, he did lead the team in goals, but Shay Gillen and Liam Harrison were both all-stars last year, and are due for a very good encore in 2021. Bryce Sokoloski will be manning the defense in junior season, and goalkeeper Matt Cole who led the league in saves in 2020, will be back for his senior year.
Wallenpaupack
2020 Record: 6-4-2
2021 Projected Record: 7-7
Head Coach: Scott Bonagura
Notable Players: Luke Kiesendahl (midfielder, senior), Ashton Struck (forward, senior)
Notable Graduates: Christopher Maurice, Ben Falgie, Dieter Burckes, Konrad Zaba-Poplawski
There are quite a few players not returning to this Buckhorn squad in 2021. Two bright spots are Luke Kiesendahl and Aston Struck. In 2020, Kiesendahl scored 6 goals which was best on the team. Struck, led the team with 5 assists and scoring 3. Christopher Maurice who anchored the defense last season has graduated, along with goalkeeper Ben Falgie. So those will be two holes needed to be filled.
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