Western Wayne football team prepares in earnest for 2023 LFC campaign

VARDEN — On Monday morning, Western Wayne began its first week of double sessions in the run-up to the 2023 Lackawanna Football Conference season.

The Wildcats are now under the direction of rookie head coach Shane Grodack, a graduate of the program who’s served as an assistant for nearly two decades.

Grodack succeeds Randy Wolff, who stepped down after seven successful seasons. He’ll be leaning heavily on a solid nucleus of battle-tested veterans, three of whom are expected to take on leadership roles this fall.

Frankie Leyshon, Carter Mistishin and Ethan Grodack are all versatile athletes who will contribute on both sides of the ball.

“All three of these kids are tremendous athletes who have prepared for this season with a work ethic matched by few in the off-season,” Coach Grodack said.

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“Frankie, Ethan and Carter will be a huge part of the success this team has this year. They each have in their own way shown positive leadership by example to the rest of the team.”

Western Wayne is scheduled to play its lone exhibition game of the season on Saturday. The ‘Cats will travel to Lackawanna Trail for a tri-scrimmage with the Lions and Athens.

Action gets underway at 10 a.m.

Veteran leadership

Western Wayne returns a solid nucleus and despite suffering key losses to graduation will field a talented team.

Leading the charge both on and off the field this fall will be three returning starters. Frankie Leyshon, Ethan Grodack and Carter Mistishin are all seniors and each is expected to take on a leadership role.

Leyshon is a three-year starter at quarterback. He’s coming off a stellar season in which he passed for more than 1,200 yards and a dozen touchdowns.

“Frankie is an emotional leader with a strong arm,” Coach Grodack said. “He understands our offensive philosophy and executes it precisely.”

Leyshon connected on nearly 60 percent of his attempts as a junior and threw just six picks. He also contributed to the Wildcat ground game with three rushing TD runs.

“I’m very excited about having a bigger leadership role this year,” Frankie said. “I've always tried to be a leader on and off the field. On the field, I’m ready to lead my offense to do the things we do best.”

Grodack is fresh off a breakout season on both sides of the ball.

He evolved into one of the LFC’s best defensive backs, excelling against the run and in coverage. Offensively, Grodack stepped in at wide receiver and caught seven passes.

“Ethan isn’t the most vocal player, but makes a statement on the field with his play,” Coach Grodack said. “He knows the offense inside-out and as a converted quarterback knows what Frankie is thinking all the time.”

Grodack has a nose for the ball and a knack for stepping up in big situations. He earned a game ball for the Wildcats’ wild 28-27 win over Abington Heights last year.

“I want the younger kids to look up to me and to set a great example as a team leader,” Ethan said.

“My goal is to have a good season on both sides of the ball and for the team to make it right back into the district championship game.”

Mistishin started off as a talented soccer player, but decided to give football a try as a frosh. He grew up watching his favorite team, the Giants, with his grandfather.

“Carter is tough as nails,” Coach Grodack said. “He’s a great kid who’s willing to do the heavy lifting on both sides of the ball.”

Mistishin is the definition of a versatile athlete, poised to make key contributions on offense, defense and special teams. He’ll be starting at fullback, linebacker and kicker.

“I’m excited to be a leader this year,” Carter said. “Our biggest goal as a team is to have a winning record. If we plays as a team and execute well, we can make a run at the district championship.”

Setting the stage

Western Wayne is coming off yet another stellar LFC campaign.

The Wildcats piled up nine wins overall and once again made a deep postseason run. The local lads advanced all the way to the District 2 Class AAA championship game before falling to Scranton Prep.

This year Coach Grodack’s squad will begin its regular season slate Friday, August 25 on the road at Lake Lehman.

Opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the legendary black turf.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Western Wayne football set for Year 1 of the Shane Grodack coaching era