Shenandoah Valley remains the team to beat in the Skook News Schuylkill County Power 5 following another decisive victory.
Blue Mountain stays close behind after rolling past Schuylkill Haven, while Tamaqua and Tri-Valley move up following their second consecutive victories. Mahanoy Area enters the rankings after another explosive offensive performance.
The Power 5 considers records, opponent strength, head-to-head results, common opponents, overall performance and momentum.
1. Shenandoah Valley (3-0)
Last week: No. 1
Week 3: Defeated Panther Valley, 35-6
Next: Hosts Tri-Valley
Shenandoah Valley remains No. 1 after improving to 3-0 with a 29-point victory over Panther Valley.
The Blue Devils have outscored their first three opponents 143-25, winning by margins of 50, 39 and 29 points. Although the strength of their early schedule remains a consideration, Shenandoah Valley has handled every challenge placed in front of it.
The Blue Devils will face their biggest test so far when Tri-Valley visits in Week 4 for a matchup between two Power 5 teams.
2. Blue Mountain (2-1)
Last week: No. 2
Week 3: Defeated Schuylkill Haven, 50-20
Next: Hosts Pottsville
Blue Mountain remains in the second position after scoring 42 first-half points against Schuylkill Haven.
The Eagles have recorded dominant victories over Jim Thorpe and Schuylkill Haven, with their only loss coming by nine points against Southern Lehigh.
Blue Mountain has now scored 134 points through three games. Its Week 4 opponent, Pottsville, enters with momentum following a road victory over previously unbeaten Pleasant Valley.
3. Tamaqua (2-1)
Last week: No. 4
Week 3: Defeated Marian Catholic, 12-10
Next: Hosts Executive Education Academy
Tamaqua moves up one position after rallying from a 10-0 deficit to defeat previously ranked Marian Catholic.
The Blue Raiders scored the final 12 points and benefited from playing turnover-free football. McDowell broke loose for a 70-yard touchdown before Schickram scored the winning touchdown on an 8-yard run.
Tamaqua’s offense produced only 159 yards, but consecutive victories over Schuylkill Haven and Marian give the Blue Raiders one of the county’s stronger two-week résumés.
4. Tri-Valley (2-1)
Last week: No. 5
Week 3: Defeated Upper Dauphin Area, 31-22
Next: At Shenandoah Valley
Tri-Valley moves up after earning its second consecutive victory.
The Bulldogs outgained Upper Dauphin 295-149, committed no turnovers and intercepted two passes. P. Hatter produced 197 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns.
Tri-Valley also owns a favorable common-opponent comparison with Williams Valley. The Bulldogs defeated Upper Dauphin by nine points, while Williams Valley needed overtime to earn a one-point victory over the Trojans.
Friday’s game at Shenandoah Valley will give Tri-Valley an opportunity to challenge the county’s only unbeaten team.
5. Mahanoy Area (2-1)
Last week: On the Bubble
Week 3: Defeated Pine Grove Area, 45-19
Next: Hosts Schuylkill Haven
Mahanoy Area enters the Power 5 following its second consecutive victory.
The Golden Bears led Pine Grove 24-0 at halftime and 38-6 after three quarters. They accumulated 474 total yards, including 435 on the ground, while committing no turnovers.
Rucker rushed for 233 yards and four touchdowns, Stoyer added 131 yards and a score, and Matrician contributed 60 yards and a touchdown.
Mahanoy Area has scored 86 points during victories over Catasauqua and Pine Grove. That offensive momentum gives the Golden Bears the edge over Williams Valley for the final position.
On the Bubble
Williams Valley (2-1)
The Vikings defeated North Schuylkill 19-14 after trailing 14-7 at halftime. Williams Valley’s defense kept the Spartans scoreless throughout the second half. The Vikings remain the first team outside the rankings and could quickly return with another victory.
Marian Catholic (1-2)
Marian drops from No. 3 following its 12-10 loss to Tamaqua. The Colts’ two losses have come by a combined three points, but their losing record and head-to-head loss to the Blue Raiders move them outside the five.
Pottsville (1-2)
The Crimson Tide earned one of Week 3’s most notable victories by defeating previously unbeaten Pleasant Valley 20-19 on the road. Pottsville rushed for 231 yards and committed no turnovers.
Minersville (1-2)
Minersville showed improvement in a 25-20 loss to unbeaten Northern Lebanon. The Battlin’ Miners rallied from a 25-7 deficit and scored twice in the fourth quarter, but the loss was their second in a row.