Week 7 produced the biggest shake-up yet in the Skook News Schuylkill County Power 5, with two teams entering the rankings.
Blue Mountain continued its dominant season, Williams Valley survived an overtime scare and Tri-Valley rebounded from its second loss. Schuylkill Haven surged into the rankings following a statement victory, while Pottsville’s third consecutive dominant performance earned the Crimson Tide the final position.
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 7 Schuylkill County Power 5 Rankings
1. Blue Mountain (6-1)
Last week: No. 1
Week 7 result: Defeated Pine Grove Area, 63-14
Next game: At North Schuylkill
Blue Mountain remains firmly in control of the top position following another dominant performance.
The Eagles scored 22 points in the opening quarter and carried a 57-7 advantage into halftime.
Blue Mountain has won all six of its games by at least 30 points, outscoring its opponents 307-55 in those victories. The Eagles’ only loss was a competitive 45-36 game against Southern Lehigh.
2. Williams Valley (6-1)
Last week: No. 2
Week 7 result: Defeated Minersville, 36-34 in overtime
Next game: Marian Catholic
Williams Valley remains No. 2 after surviving an upset attempt by Minersville.
The Vikings trailed 14-8 at halftime and 21-14 entering the fourth quarter before rallying to force overtime. Bair scored on a 10-yard run and added the two-point conversion to give Williams Valley a 36-28 advantage.
Minersville answered with a touchdown, but the potential tying two-point conversion failed.
Bair scored three rushing touchdowns, while Thompson and Witmer also reached the end zone. The comeback demonstrated resilience, but needing overtime to defeat a 1-6 opponent keeps Williams Valley from challenging Blue Mountain for the top position this week.
The Vikings’ only loss came against Southern Columbia.
3. Tri-Valley (5-2)
Last week: No. 4
Week 7 result: Defeated Mahanoy Area, 41-16
Next game: At Schuylkill Haven
Tri-Valley moves back into the top three after responding to its loss against Marian Catholic with a convincing victory.
The Bulldogs built a 27-8 halftime advantage and led 34-8 after three quarters. Hatter scored three rushing touchdowns, including a 56-yard run.
Tri-Valley’s 49-10 victory over Shenandoah Valley remains one of the strongest head-to-head results of the season. The Bulldogs’ two losses—to Line Mountain and Marian—were decided by a combined 10 points.
4. Schuylkill Haven (3-4)
Last week: On the bubble
Week 7 result: Defeated Shenandoah Valley, 48-20
Next game: Hosts Tri-Valley
Schuylkill Haven returns to the Power 5 after delivering the defining performance of Week 7.
The Hurricanes rushed for 462 yards and accumulated 484 yards of total offense against a Shenandoah Valley team that entered the game 5-1.
Schuylkill Haven’s 3-4 record does not tell the complete story. Its losses came against Mount Carmel, Tamaqua, Blue Mountain and Williams Valley. The Hurricanes lost to Mount Carmel by seven points and Williams Valley by six.
Haven has won three of its last four games, with decisive victories over Mahanoy Area, Nativity and Shenandoah Valley. Its only loss during that stretch was the 12-6 game against Williams Valley.
5. Pottsville (4-3)
Last week: On the bubble
Week 7 result: Defeated Panther Valley, 50-6
Pottsville enters the Power 5 following its third consecutive dominant victory.
The Crimson Tide built a 42-0 halftime lead against Panther Valley and extended the advantage to 50-0 before the Panthers scored in the fourth quarter.
Pottsville has defeated Berwick, Tamaqua and Panther Valley by a combined score of 111-20 during its three-game winning streak.
The Crimson Tide’s three losses came against Shamokin, Mount Carmel and Blue Mountain. Its difficult schedule and recent dominance give Pottsville the edge over Shenandoah Valley for the final position.
On the Bubble
Shenandoah Valley (5-2): The Blue Devils fall out despite owning one of the county’s best records. Both losses have been decisive, including a 49-10 defeat against Tri-Valley and a 48-20 loss to Schuylkill Haven. Shenandoah Valley also needed a late effort to escape 1-6 Minersville with a 33-28 victory in Week 6. Its five wins and victory over Marian Catholic make the Blue Devils the first team outside the rankings.
Marian Catholic (4-3): The Colts held off Nativity 25-20 for their second consecutive victory. Marian owns a signature win over Tri-Valley, but Pottsville’s recent dominance and Shenandoah Valley’s head-to-head victory over the Colts keep Marian outside the top five.
Tamaqua (3-4): The Blue Raiders ended a three-game losing streak with a 12-7 victory over North Schuylkill. Tamaqua owns head-to-head victories over Schuylkill Haven and Marian Catholic, but its overall record and recent losses keep it behind the leading contenders.
Dropped Out of the Power 5
- Shenandoah Valley: Previously No. 3
- Marian Catholic: Previously No. 5