With opening weekend complete, Skook News unveils its first Schuylkill County Power 5 high school football rankings of the 2026 season.
The Power 5 is not determined solely by records. Opponent strength, quality of performance, momentum and how each team performed in victory or defeat are all considered. Victories carry significant weight, however, giving four opening-week winners the top four positions.
1. Blue Mountain (1-0)
Week 1: Defeated Jim Thorpe, 48-0
Next: At Southern Lehigh
Blue Mountain delivered the most complete performance of opening weekend. The Eagles scored 21 points in the first quarter, led 28-0 at halftime and kept Jim Thorpe off the scoreboard.
Blue Mountain’s offense produced touchdowns through the air and on the ground, while its defense allowed only 50 total yards and held the Olympians to minus-24 rushing yards. The Eagles now face a major test against defending PIAA Class 4A champion Southern Lehigh.
2. Williams Valley (1-0)
Week 1: Defeated Upper Dauphin Area, 15-14, in overtime
Next: Hosts Southern Columbia
Williams Valley’s opener was not pretty, but the Vikings found a way to win.
Despite losing three turnovers, Williams Valley outgained Upper Dauphin 252-168 and received a strong defensive performance. Fletcher Thompson rushed for 160 yards, scored in overtime and powered across the goal line for the winning two-point conversion.
The Vikings will need a cleaner offensive performance when they welcome Southern Columbia.
3. Minersville (1-0)
Week 1: Defeated Halifax, 27-7
Next: At Jim Thorpe
Minersville controlled its opener, building a 20-0 halftime lead and carrying a 27-0 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Derek Derenzo scored on an 87-yard run and connected with Jordan Bowers for two touchdowns. The Battlin’ Miners also kept Halifax scoreless through the first three quarters.
That combination of explosive offense and strong defense earns Minersville the No. 3 position in the opening Power 5.
4. Shenandoah Valley (1-0)
Week 1: Defeated CMVT, 56-6
Next: At Pine Grove
No team made a bigger opening-week statement than Shenandoah Valley.
The Blue Devils led 28-0 after the first quarter and 49-0 at halftime. They scored through their offense, defense and special teams while keeping CMVT off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter.
The strength of the opponent prevents Shenandoah Valley from climbing higher, but a 50-point victory deserves recognition. The Blue Devils now have an opportunity to build additional momentum when they visit Pine Grove.
5. Schuylkill Haven (0-1)
Week 1: Lost to Mount Carmel, 48-41
Next: At Tamaqua
Schuylkill Haven is the lone winless team in the opening Power 5, but the Hurricanes are placed behind four teams that earned victories.
The Hurricanes went on the road and traded scores with Mount Carmel in a heavyweight Coal Region matchup. Schuylkill Haven generated 544 yards of offense and remained within one score at the finish.
Allowing 48 points and leaving with a loss prevents Schuylkill Haven from ranking higher. However, scoring 41 points against an opponent of Mount Carmel’s caliber demonstrated enough to keep the Hurricanes inside the five.
On the Bubble
Panther Valley (1-0): The Panthers rushed for 310 yards and produced 405 total yards in a 34-25 victory over Mahanoy Area. Panther Valley’s Week 2 meeting with Marian will provide another opportunity to strengthen its Power 5 résumé.
North Schuylkill (0-1): The Spartans scored 34 points and competed with Jersey Shore for much of the game, but surrendering 35 second-half points in a 49-34 loss keeps them outside the opening Power 5. A strong performance against Notre Dame-Green Pond could quickly return North Schuylkill to the conversation.
Marian Catholic (0-1): Marian led Palmerton 33-18 after three quarters before surrendering 16 unanswered points in a 34-33 loss. The Colts displayed Power 5-level offensive ability but must prove they can finish games.
Tri-Valley (0-1): The Bulldogs led Line Mountain for three quarters before falling 14-7. Tri-Valley’s defense keeps it in the conversation, but the offense must improve after producing only 172 total yards.