The Schuylkill County High School Football season kicked off this past weekend with plenty of excitement, setting the tone for what promises to be an action-packed year.
Each week, we’ll release the “Schuylkill County High School Football Power 5”; a ranking that goes beyond simple win-loss records. These power rankings evaluate overall strength, performance, and momentum by factoring in the quality of opponents, margin of victory, head-to-head matchups, and recent trends, giving a clearer picture of where each team truly stands.
1. North Schuylkill (1-0)
The Spartans looked every bit like a district title favorite with a 62-20 rout of Mount Carmel at the Silver Bowl. Senior tailback Luke Miller put on a show with 234 rushing yards, four total TDs (including an 86-yard punt return), and two-point conversions for good measure. QB Caden Mengel added two touchdown passes, while the defense shut out the Red Tornadoes in the second half. NS piled up 474 yards of offense and showed off its trademark depth and senior leadership.
2. Williams Valley (1-0)
The Vikings wasted no time making noise, with Evan Achenbach taking the season’s opening kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown in a 54-0 demolition of Upper Dauphin. QB Brady Shomper accounted for four scores, while RB Fletcher Thompson paced the ground game. WV’s defense was suffocating, allowing just 79 total yards, and the offense rolled up 346. This veteran group is already in midseason form.
3. Tri-Valley (1-0)
Even with their starting QB out, the Bulldogs had no trouble in a 50-14 win over York Catholic. Parker Hatter ran wild for 98 yards and three scores, while emergency QB Trey Porter stepped in with 107 passing yards and a highlight jump-pass TD. Add in a pick-six by Cooper Carl and a rushing attack that went for 231 yards, and Tri-Valley showed why it’s always among the county’s most physical, disciplined teams.
4. Schuylkill Haven (1-0)
The Hurricanes ended a six-year drought in the Backyard Brawl, stunning Blue Mountain 34-27 in a wild finish. Colton Reber rebounded from a first-half miscue with 205 rushing yards and three second-half TDs, including the game-winner on a 27-yard catch with 11.8 seconds left. Haven rolled up 508 yards of offense, with QB Max Heim adding two touchdown passes. A massive rivalry win puts Haven squarely in the mix.
5. Marian Catholic (1-0)
Junior star Rory Dixon almost single-handedly spoiled Hanover Area’s stadium debut, scoring five touchdowns and piling up 226 rushing yards, 48 receiving yards, and an interception in a 42-24 victory. Marian’s defense forced five turnovers, including an 85-yard pick-six by Dominick Rodino. When Hanover cut the lead to 28-24, Dixon took over with a game-clinching 70-yard drive. A statement win that proves Marian has firepower.
Honorable Mention: Nativity BVM (1-0)
The Green Wave shut down Holy Redeemer 36-0 behind QB Colt Mason, who scored three times (two rushing, one on a pick-six). The defense allowed just 94 total yards and forced multiple turnovers. Despite heavy graduation losses, Nativity’s physical line and opportunistic defense looked ready to reload in 2025.
Other Notables:
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Minersville (1-0): QB Dante Carr (UCF commit) had four total touchdowns in a 35-13 win at Halifax, showing the Battlin’ Miners can move the ball through the air and on the ground.
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Blue Mountain (0-1): Fell in heartbreaking fashion to Schuylkill Haven despite huge plays from Cohen Kirby and Chase Guers. The Eagles still look like a contender.