Four of the five teams in the opening rankings lost, leaving Shenandoah Valley as the county’s only 2-0 team. Marian Catholic, Tamaqua and Tri-Valley move into the rankings following impressive victories.
The Power 5 considers more than records. Opponent strength, overall performance, momentum, head-to-head results and common opponents all factor into the rankings.
1. Shenandoah Valley (2-0)
Last week: No. 4
Week 2: Defeated Pine Grove, 52-13
Next: Hosts Panther Valley
Shenandoah Valley moves into the top position after another decisive victory.
The Blue Devils have outscored CMVT and Pine Grove 108-19 through two games. Against Pine Grove, Shenandoah Valley scored in every quarter, forced three turnovers and produced 384 yards of offense.
Bench threw for 254 yards and four touchdowns, with Sinkus catching two touchdown passes and recording an interception.
The strength of Shenandoah Valley’s opponents remains a consideration, and allowing Pine Grove to rush for 264 yards is a concern. Still, consecutive victories by 50 and 39 points earn the Blue Devils the top spot.
2. Blue Mountain (1-1)
Last week: No. 1
Week 2: Lost to Southern Lehigh, 45-36
Next: At Schuylkill Haven
Blue Mountain falls one position following a competitive road loss to Southern Lehigh.
The Eagles generated 452 yards, recorded 19 first downs and committed no turnovers. Kirby threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns, while Luckenbill caught nine passes for 199 yards and two scores.
Blue Mountain also benefits from a striking common-opponent comparison. The Eagles defeated Jim Thorpe 48-0 before the Olympians turned around and beat Minersville 42-10.
Allowing 504 yards prevents Blue Mountain from remaining at No. 1, but the Eagles’ overall performance keeps them near the top.
3. Marian Catholic (1-1)
Last week: On the Bubble
Week 2: Defeated Panther Valley, 26-6
Next: At Tamaqua
Marian enters the Power 5 after dominating Panther Valley at the line of scrimmage.
The Colts outgained the Panthers 349-150, held a 15-7 advantage in first downs and limited Panther Valley to only five rushing yards. Price led the offense with 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Marian’s résumé also includes a 34-33 loss to Palmerton in which the Colts led by 15 points entering the fourth quarter.
The combination of a competitive Week 1 loss and a dominant Week 2 victory moves Marian to No. 3.
4. Tamaqua (1-1)
Last week: Unranked
Week 2: Defeated Schuylkill Haven, 40-27
Next: Hosts Marian Catholic
Tamaqua produced one of the biggest turnarounds of Week 2.
After losing 44-20 to Lehighton in its opener, Tamaqua rushed for 457 yards and recorded 27 first downs against Schuylkill Haven.
McDowell carried 41 times for 351 yards and scored six touchdowns. Schickram added 109 rushing yards as the Blue Raiders controlled the game on the ground.
Tamaqua’s head-to-head victory moves it ahead of Schuylkill Haven. Friday’s meeting with Marian will provide both teams with an immediate opportunity to strengthen their ranking.
5. Tri-Valley (1-1)
Last week: On the Bubble
Week 2: Defeated Halifax, 25-0
Next: Hosts Upper Dauphin Area
Tri-Valley claims the final position after recording a road shutout against Halifax.
The Bulldogs scored all 25 points during the first half and completed the shutout after halftime. Tri-Valley has allowed only 14 points through two games, including its competitive 14-7 loss to Line Mountain.
The common-opponent comparison with Minersville also helps. Tri-Valley defeated Halifax 25-0 on the road, while Minersville beat the Wildcats 27-7 at home before suffering a one-sided loss to Jim Thorpe.
Tri-Valley’s defense and upward momentum give the Bulldogs the edge for No. 5.
On the Bubble
Williams Valley (1-1): The Vikings fall from No. 2 after losing 30-12 to Southern Columbia. Williams Valley trailed only 8-6 at halftime, but it was held to 198 total yards. The strength of the opponent keeps the Vikings close to the five.
Mahanoy Area (1-1): The Golden Bears overcame five deficits and the absence of three offensive linemen to defeat Catasauqua 41-34. Their Week 1 loss to Panther Valley keeps them outside the rankings, but the comeback victory created significant momentum.
Nativity BVM (1-1): Nativity rebounded from a 13-0 loss to Montrose by defeating Holy Redeemer 31-6. The Green Wave rushed for 226 yards, committed no turnovers and forced three turnovers.
Schuylkill Haven (0-2): The Hurricanes fall from No. 5 after losing 40-27 to Tamaqua. Schuylkill Haven has displayed big-play offensive ability, but allowing 88 points through two games and surrendering 457 rushing yards against Tamaqua drops the Hurricanes out.