The top four teams remain unchanged in the Skook News Schuylkill County Power 5 following Week 5 of the 2026 high school football season, but a new team has entered the final position.
Blue Mountain strengthened its hold on No. 1 with another dominant victory, while Tri-Valley, Williams Valley and Shenandoah Valley each improved to 4-1. Schuylkill Haven returns to the rankings following its second consecutive decisive win.
How the rankings work: The Power 5 considers more than a team’s record. Quality of competition, head-to-head results, performances against common opponents, recent results, consistency and momentum all factor into the rankings.
Week 5 Schuylkill County Power 5 Rankings
| Rank | Team | Record | Previous | Week 5 Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Mountain | 4-1 | No. 1 | Defeated Tamaqua, 42-7 |
| 2 | Tri-Valley | 4-1 | No. 2 | Defeated Minersville, 31-6 |
| 3 | Williams Valley | 4-1 | No. 3 | Defeated Mahanoy Area, 41-6 |
| 4 | Shenandoah Valley | 4-1 | No. 4 | Defeated Marian Catholic, 45-26 |
| 5 | Schuylkill Haven | 2-3 | On the bubble | Defeated Nativity BVM, 63-7 |
Power 5 Team Breakdown
1. Blue Mountain (4-1)
Last week: No. 1
Week 5: Defeated Tamaqua, 42-7
Blue Mountain left little doubt about the top position by scoring all 42 of its points during the first half against Tamaqua.
The Eagles have won four games by at least 30 points, defeating Jim Thorpe 48-0, Schuylkill Haven 50-20, Pottsville 44-14 and Tamaqua 42-7. Their only loss was a competitive 45-36 game against Southern Lehigh.
Blue Mountain remains Schuylkill County’s most consistently dominant team through five weeks.
2. Tri-Valley (4-1)
Last week: No. 2
Week 5: Defeated Minersville, 31-6
Tri-Valley recorded its fourth consecutive victory while preventing Minersville from reaching the end zone.
After falling behind 3-0, the Bulldogs scored 31 of the game’s final 34 points.
Tri-Valley’s 49-10 victory over Shenandoah Valley remains the strongest individual win among the county’s top teams. The Bulldogs remain close behind Blue Mountain in the race for No. 1.
3. Williams Valley (4-1)
Last week: No. 3
Week 5: Defeated Mahanoy Area, 41-6
Williams Valley continued its dominant run by controlling Mahanoy Area from the opening quarter.
The Vikings led 14-0 at halftime before putting the game away with 27 points over the final two quarters.
Williams Valley has outscored its last two opponents 74-6, following a 33-0 shutout of Nativity BVM with the 35-point victory over Mahanoy Area. The Vikings’ only loss came against perennial state contender Southern Columbia.
4. Shenandoah Valley (4-1)
Last week: No. 4
Week 5: Defeated Marian Catholic, 45-26
Shenandoah Valley responded to its first loss of the season by overcoming an early 20-6 deficit against Marian Catholic.
The comeback was an important response following Shenandoah Valley’s 49-10 loss to Tri-Valley. The Blue Devils remain behind the Bulldogs because of that head-to-head result, but their explosive offense keeps them firmly inside the Power 5.
5. Schuylkill Haven (2-3)
Last week: On the bubble
Week 5: Defeated Nativity BVM, 63-7
Schuylkill Haven returns to the Power 5 after producing the most dominant performance of Week 5.
The Hurricanes scored 35 points in the first quarter and led Nativity BVM 49-7 at halftime.
Schuylkill Haven has won two consecutive games by a combined score of 106-23. Its three losses came against Mount Carmel, Blue Mountain and Tamaqua, giving the Hurricanes one of the county’s more difficult schedules.
Panther Valley owns the better record at 3-2, and Tamaqua defeated Schuylkill Haven head-to-head in Week 2. However, the Power 5 also weighs current form, opponent strength and performances against common opponents.
Schuylkill Haven defeated Mahanoy Area 43-16, while Panther Valley beat the Golden Bears 34-25. The Hurricanes’ recent dominance gives them the slight edge for the final position.
Teams on the Bubble
Panther Valley (3-2): The Panthers are the first team outside the rankings after defeating Tunkhannock 27-18 for their second consecutive victory. Panther Valley’s winning record keeps it directly behind Schuylkill Haven.
Pottsville (2-3): The Crimson Tide produced their best performance of the season in a 39-14 victory over Berwick. Pottsville’s three decisive losses keep it outside the top five for now.
Tamaqua (2-3): The Blue Raiders fall out of the rankings after a 42-7 loss to Blue Mountain. Their head-to-head victory over Schuylkill Haven remains significant, but consecutive losses and the Hurricanes’ recent surge have changed the order.
Pine Grove Area (2-3): Pine Grove defeated Holy Redeemer 29-14 for its second consecutive victory. The Cardinals remain outside the immediate Power 5 discussion following three decisive losses to begin the season.