Week 4 produced the biggest shake-up yet in the Skook News Schuylkill County Power 5 high school football rankings.
Tri-Valley delivered the week’s biggest statement by routing previously unbeaten Shenandoah Valley, while Blue Mountain continued its dominant start with a 30-point victory over Pottsville. Williams Valley also entered the rankings following a commanding shutout.
How the Power 5 Is Ranked
The Power 5 considers more than a team’s record. Quality of competition, head-to-head results, recent performance, consistency and momentum all factor into the rankings.
1. Blue Mountain (3-1)
Last week: No. 2
Week 4: Defeated Pottsville, 44–14
Week 5: At Tamaqua
Blue Mountain takes over the No. 1 position based on the strongest and most consistent overall body of work through four weeks.
The Eagles have won three games by at least 30 points, defeating Jim Thorpe 48–0, Schuylkill Haven 50–20 and Pottsville 44–14. Their only loss was a competitive 45–36 game against a strong Southern Lehigh team.
Blue Mountain led Pottsville just 10–7 at halftime before taking complete control and outscoring the Crimson Tide 34–7 over the final two quarters. The Eagles accumulated 492 yards of offense, including 360 on the ground, and did not commit a turnover.
Sam Foose rushed for 179 yards and three touchdowns, while Shane Amato added 122 yards and a score. Daubert also returned an interception 68 yards for a touchdown.
Tri-Valley recorded the best victory of Week 4, but Blue Mountain’s consistency and complete four-game résumé give the Eagles the slight edge for the top position.
2. Tri-Valley (3-1)
Last week: No. 4
Week 4: Defeated Shenandoah Valley, 49–10
Week 5: At Minersville
Tri-Valley makes the week’s biggest jump after dismantling previously unbeaten and top-ranked Shenandoah Valley.
The Bulldogs built a 35–3 halftime advantage and finished with a 49–10 victory. They rushed for 355 yards, outgained the Blue Devils 432–207 and forced three turnovers.
Peyton Hatter delivered one of the season’s best individual performances, rushing for 256 yards and five touchdowns on 19 carries. He also caught two passes for 50 yards. Porter completed 5 of 7 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown without an interception.
Tri-Valley has won three consecutive games since its 14–7 season-opening loss to Line Mountain. The Bulldogs are firmly in the championship conversation and have a legitimate argument for the top spot.
3. Williams Valley (3-1)
Last week: On the bubble
Week 4: Defeated Nativity BVM, 33–0
Week 5: Hosts Mahanoy Area
Williams Valley re-enters the Power 5 following its most complete performance of the season.
The Vikings held Nativity BVM to 97 total yards and seven first downs in a 33–0 shutout. Williams Valley rushed for 342 yards and controlled the game from beginning to end.
Brady Thompson was the driving force, carrying 28 times for 284 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught a 25-yard pass and recorded an interception on defense.
Williams Valley’s only loss came against perennial state contender Southern Columbia. With three victories and a dominant Week 4 performance, the Vikings have earned their place among the county’s best.
4. Shenandoah Valley (3-1)
Last week: No. 1
Week 4: Lost to Tri-Valley, 49–10
Week 5: At Marian Catholic
Shenandoah Valley falls from the top position after being overwhelmed by Tri-Valley.
The Blue Devils entered the game averaging more than 49 points per contest but were limited to 10 points, five first downs and 207 total yards. They also committed three turnovers.
One difficult night does not erase Shenandoah Valley’s 3-0 start, which included three victories by at least 29 points. However, the lopsided nature of the loss requires a significant drop in this week’s rankings.
The Blue Devils will have an immediate opportunity to rebound against a Marian Catholic team pushing for a place in the Power 5.
5. Tamaqua (2-2)
Last week: No. 3
Week 4: Lost to Executive Education, 32–30
Week 5: Hosts Blue Mountain
Tamaqua drops two positions but retains the final spot after narrowly losing to a 3-1 Executive Education team.
The Blue Raiders led 22–20 at halftime and remained within striking distance throughout the game. They scored a touchdown and two-point conversion in the fourth quarter before falling two points short.
Tamaqua owns consecutive victories over Schuylkill Haven and Marian Catholic. The Blue Raiders’ 12–10 head-to-head victory over Marian is the deciding factor for the No. 5 position.
A home matchup against No. 1 Blue Mountain gives Tamaqua an opportunity to make a major statement in Week 5.
On the Bubble
Marian Catholic (2-2)
Marian Catholic scored 42 second-half points in a 49–14 victory over Minersville. Matt Price scored three rushing touchdowns, while Marian’s two losses have come by a combined three points. Its head-to-head loss to Tamaqua keeps the Colts just outside the rankings.
Panther Valley (2-2)
The Panthers rebounded with a 35–0 shutout of Greater Nanticoke. Panther Valley also owns a head-to-head win over Mahanoy Area but has suffered convincing losses to Marian Catholic and Shenandoah Valley.
Schuylkill Haven (1-3)
The Hurricanes recorded one of Week 4’s most impressive victories, defeating previously ranked Mahanoy Area 43–16. Their 1-3 record keeps them outside for now, but Schuylkill Haven is trending upward.
Mahanoy Area (2-2)
The Golden Bears fall out of the Power 5 after their 27-point loss to Schuylkill Haven. They also have a head-to-head loss to Panther Valley but can quickly recover with a Week 5 victory over Williams Valley.