All five teams in last week’s Skook News Schuylkill County football Power 5 earned victories during Week 9, leaving the rankings unchanged heading into the final week of the 2026 regular season.
Blue Mountain handed Shamokin its first loss, while Williams Valley extended its winning streak to seven games. Schuylkill Haven and Pottsville continued their winning runs, and Tri-Valley rebounded with a shutout.
The Power 5 considers more than each team’s record. Recent momentum, head-to-head results, quality of competition and overall performance all factor into the rankings.
1. Blue Mountain (8-1)
- Last week’s ranking: No. 1
- Week 9 result: Defeated Shamokin, 34-14
- Next opponent: Lansdale Catholic (1-8)
Blue Mountain strengthened its hold on the top position by handing previously unbeaten Shamokin its first loss of the season.
The Eagles led 21-14 at halftime before shutting out the Indians over the final two quarters. A 101-yard interception return by Pritiskutch helped Blue Mountain pull away for the 20-point victory.
Blue Mountain has won five consecutive games, with victories over Pottsville, Tamaqua, North Schuylkill and Shamokin during that stretch. Those results give the Eagles the strongest overall résumé in this week’s rankings.
2. Williams Valley (8-1)
- Last week’s ranking: No. 2
- Week 9 result: Defeated Shenandoah Valley, 42-28
- Next opponent: Tri-Valley (6-3)
Williams Valley scored in every quarter against a six-win Shenandoah Valley team to earn its seventh consecutive victory.
The Vikings led 28-21 at halftime before holding the Blue Devils scoreless in the third quarter. Thompson scored three rushing touchdowns, while Tre. Bair found the end zone as both a runner and receiver.
Williams Valley has not lost since its Week 2 matchup with Southern Columbia. The Vikings remain close to the top, but Blue Mountain’s victory over previously unbeaten Shamokin keeps the Eagles at No. 1.
3. Schuylkill Haven (5-4)
- Last week’s ranking: No. 3
- Week 9 result: Defeated Minersville, 42-29
- Next opponent: Marian Catholic (4-5)
Schuylkill Haven scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to pull away from Minersville and earn its third consecutive victory.
Caden Reber accounted for four touchdowns, including three on the ground, as the Hurricanes scored at least 39 points for the third straight week.
After beginning the season 0-3, Schuylkill Haven has won five of its last six games. Recent head-to-head victories over Shenandoah Valley and Tri-Valley keep the Hurricanes at No. 3 despite their four losses.
4. Pottsville (6-3)
- Last week’s ranking: No. 4
- Week 9 result: Defeated North Schuylkill, 32-21
- Next opponent: Hazleton
Pottsville erased an early 14-7 deficit by scoring 25 consecutive points against North Schuylkill.
Durham rushed for three touchdowns, including a 69-yard score, as the Crimson Tide extended their winning streak to five games. Pottsville has outscored its opponents 204-55 during that run.
The Crimson Tide have one of the county’s longest active winning streaks, but Schuylkill Haven’s recent victories over two Power 5 contenders give the Hurricanes the stronger case for No. 3.
5. Tri-Valley (6-3)
- Last week’s ranking: No. 5
- Week 9 result: Defeated Nativity BVM, 41-0
- Next opponent: At Williams Valley (8-1)
Tri-Valley responded to its loss against Schuylkill Haven by building a 35-0 halftime lead and completing a shutout of Nativity BVM.
Porter accounted for three touchdowns, throwing two scoring passes to Flory and adding a 43-yard touchdown run.
The Bulldogs also own a decisive 49-10 head-to-head victory over Shenandoah Valley. The strength of that result, along with Tri-Valley’s 6-3 record, keeps the Bulldogs at No. 5.
On the Bubble
Tamaqua (5-4)
Tamaqua defeated Selinsgrove 27-18 for its third consecutive victory. The Blue Raiders also own an earlier head-to-head win over Schuylkill Haven, but losses to Blue Mountain and Pottsville keep them just outside the rankings.
Shenandoah Valley (6-3)
Shenandoah Valley remained competitive in its 42-28 loss to Williams Valley, but the Blue Devils have now lost to Tri-Valley, Schuylkill Haven and Williams Valley. Their six victories keep them in the conversation, but those head-to-head results currently prevent a return to the Power 5.