West Scranton is embarking on a new challenge with optimism and excitement.

After competing for the last four seasons in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division II, an increase in male enrollment puts the Invaders in Class 6A, forcing a jump to Division I in the new LFC alignment.

It is a big move for the program, but with a veteran team coming back and an infusion of young talent, the players are energized.

“We are very excited,” West Scranton quarterback Jake DeLuca said. “It’s a great opportunity. I am looking forward to going into battle with my guys. We all play together. We are all focused. We have to stay together.”

West Scranton has eight starters returning on offense and nine on defense.

DeLuca headlines an explosive group of talented players on offense. He completed 96 of 197 passes for 1,158 yards and seven touchdowns last season. In the season finale, he had 185 yards passing and two touchdowns in a 41-40 loss to Honesdale, which played in the Eastern Conference Class 4A playoff game.

Three of the Invaders’ top four receivers are also returning, including speedster and track record-setter Quincy Mosley.

In 2025, Mosley caught 21 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. He then had an outstanding spring, setting a school mark of 50.09 seconds in the 400-meter run.

“A lot of people think that it is more physical for those events, and I think it is more mental,” Mosley said. “You have to be strong and focused. That is what I apply to football and basketball. My success helps me be a better leader.”

Jonye Sostre is another speedster and big-play receiver. He hauled in 15 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown and ran for 212 yards and two scores. Teammate Kazual Colbert had 19 receptions for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

“We are all close friends on our team,” DeLuca said. “We have great chemistry. The big plays are great and get a big pop from the crowd. I am eager to make plays with my guys.

“We are all focused and have a winning mindset.”

Two newcomers to watch are also quick on their feet: Running back Michael Green and athlete Austin Sostre, who could also see time as a dual-threat quarterback.

West Scranton has size and experience on the line of scrimmage. Tackle Brandon Castillo, guard Oliver Smith, center Alan Silva and tight end Sam Novak all started last season.

On defense, Mosley, Colbert, Jonye Sostre, and Shane Beck are part of a talented secondary.

Last season, Colbert had 38 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups; Jonye Sostre added 23 tackles; Mosley had 19.5 stops and two forced fumbles; and Beck had 15 tackles.

Green, a linebacker, was one of the team’s leaders with 50 tackles, including 20 solo.

Aiden Diaz, who had 23 tackles and two sacks, and Novak, who had 11 tackles, are returning defensive ends. Silva, who had five tackles for loss, and Smith anchor the interior.

Brayden Rodney, a strong safety, had three fumble recoveries and 11 tackles. Charles Johnson and linebacker Carmine Salvatore are newcomers to watch on defense.

“We have to get together and prove that we can compete,” Mosley said. “We have to always play with that next-play mentality and get some wins.”

FAST FACTS

■ Head coach: Jake Manetti (5th season, 6-34)

■ Division: LFC I

■ Last season: 2-8 overall; 1-5 (Fifth in LFC II).

■ Male enrollment: 621; Class 6A

■ Home field: Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium

CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

■ Overall record: 420-310-19

■ District 2: (Class 3A) 2006, 2007

■ LFC I: 2007

■ NEPFC II North: 2000, 2001

■ Big 11: 1974

■ Eastern Conference: 1959, 1974

SCHEDULE

Aug. 28: at Hazleton Area (6A), 7 p.m.

Sept. 4: at Carbondale Area (4A), 7

Sept. 11: Wyoming Valley West (6A), 7

Sept. 18: at Abington Heights (5A), 7

Sept. 25: at Scranton Prep (3A), 7

Oct. 2: Wallenpaupack (4A), 7

Oct. 9: Valley View (4A), 7

Oct. 16: at Scranton (6A), 6

Oct. 23: Delaware Valley (5A), 7

Oct. 30: at North Pocono (4A), 7