The first half of the 2025 high school football season is in the books, and several Schuylkill County programs are making strong statements.
Schuylkill Haven and Williams Valley continue to look like the county’s best two teams, while Marian Catholic’s perfect start is its best in nearly two decades. North Schuylkill bounced back in a big way, and the rest of the field remains highly competitive. Here’s how the county stacks up after Week 5.
1. Williams Valley (5-0)
Last Week: #1 | Week 5 Result: Beat Tri-Valley 14-7 | Next: vs. Schuylkill Haven (5-0)
The Vikings leaned on QB Brady Shomper (151 yards, 2 TDs) and a bruising offensive line to grind out a rivalry win over Tri-Valley. The defense limited the Dawgs to just 112 total yards in a gritty victory. Now, Williams Valley hosts Schuylkill Haven in what could be the game of the year in Schuylkill County.
2. Schuylkill Haven (5-0)
Last Week: #2 | Week 5 Result: Beat Minersville 48-38 | Next: at Williams Valley (5-0)
The Hurricanes' Colton Reber exploded for 353 rushing yards and four TDs against Minersville. Niko Castillo added three scores as Haven rolled up 494 yards on the ground. They’ve scored 259 points in five games, but the biggest test awaits this Friday in a battle of unbeatens against Williams Valley.
3. Marian Catholic (5-0)
Last Week: #3 | Week 5 Result: Beat Mahanoy Area 35-13 | Next: vs. Minersville (3-2)
For the first time since 2006, the Colts are 5-0. RB Rory Dixon and WR Jake Tom continue to provide big plays, while the defense forced six Mahanoy turnovers. A clash with Minersville will be their first true test of the season.
4. North Schuylkill (3-2)
Last Week: On the Bubble | Week 5 Result: Beat Jim Thorpe 36-14 | Next: at Northwestern Lehigh (5-0)
After back-to-back losses, the Spartans roared back thanks to Luke Miller’s 361-yard, 4-TD performance. The senior reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic players in District 11. North Schuylkill still has plenty to prove, but a win over unbeaten Northwestern Lehigh would put them right back in the mix.
5. Tri-Valley (3-2)
Last Week: #5 | Week 5 Result: Lost to Williams Valley 14-7 | Next: at Panther Valley (2-3)
The Dawgs’ defense kept them in it, but they couldn’t generate enough offense in the 14-7 loss to Williams Valley. A key game at Panther Valley looms.
On the Bubble
Minersville (3-2) – Despite a strong showing from Dante Carr (358 total yards, 4 TDs), the Miners fell in a shootout with Schuylkill Haven. After two straight losses, they’ll try to spoil Marian’s perfect season in Week 6.
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Pottsville (2-3) – The Crimson Tide hung with unbeaten Southern Lehigh for three quarters, even taking a lead in the second half, before being overpowered late by Sean Steckert. Pottsville showed grit and balance on both sides of the ball and still looks like a playoff-caliber team. The Tide need to take care of business this week against struggling Lehighton.
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Tamaqua (2-3) – Sophomore Terrance McDowell continues to lead, rushing for 216 yards and 4 TDs in a Homecoming rout of Salisbury. The Blue Raiders are trending upward.
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Blue Mountain (2-3) – Senior Carter Smith broke out with three touchdowns in a 35-0 win over Bangor. The Eagles will face a much stiffer test when Palisades comes to town.