Week 6 brought major changes to the Skook News Schuylkill County high school football Power 5, including a new No. 2 team and a newcomer entering the rankings.
Blue Mountain strengthened its hold on the top position with a 60-point victory, while Williams Valley moved up following another defensive battle. Marian Catholic recorded the week’s biggest upset by defeating previously second-ranked Tri-Valley.
Week 6 Power 5 Rankings
| Rank | Team | Record | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Mountain | 5-1 | No change |
| 2 | Williams Valley | 5-1 | Up 1 |
| 3 | Shenandoah Valley | 5-1 | Up 1 |
| 4 | Tri-Valley | 4-2 | Down 2 |
| 5 | Marian Catholic | 3-3 | New |
The Power 5 considers more than each team’s record. Quality of competition, head-to-head results, performances against common opponents, recent results, consistency and momentum all factor into the rankings.
1. Blue Mountain (5-1)
Last week: No. 1
Week 6 result: Defeated Panther Valley, 60-0
Next Opponent: Pine Grove Area
Blue Mountain remains the unquestioned No. 1 after delivering its most dominant performance of the season.
The Eagles scored 42 points in the first quarter and shut out a Panther Valley team that entered the game with a winning record.
Blue Mountain has won all five of its games by at least 30 points. The Eagles have outscored their opponents 244-41 in those victories, with their only loss coming in a competitive 45-36 game against Southern Lehigh.
2. Williams Valley (5-1)
Last week: No. 3
Week 6 result: Defeated Schuylkill Haven, 12-6
Next Opponent: At Minersville
Williams Valley moves into the No. 2 position after grinding out a hard-fought victory over Schuylkill Haven.
The Vikings have won four consecutive games since their loss to Southern Columbia. They have allowed only 12 points over their last three games, including a 33-0 shutout of Nativity BVM and a 41-6 victory over Mahanoy Area.
3. Shenandoah Valley (5-1)
Last week: No. 4
Week 6 result: Defeated Minersville, 33-28
Next Opponent: Schuylkill Haven
Shenandoah Valley moves up one position after surviving a determined challenge from Minersville.
The five-point victory over a 1-5 opponent was not Shenandoah Valley’s strongest performance, but the Blue Devils found a way to improve to 5-1. Their only loss came against Tri-Valley, which remains an important factor when comparing the two teams.
4. Tri-Valley (4-2)
Last week: No. 2
Week 6 result: Lost to Marian Catholic, 24-21
Next Opponent: At Mahanoy Area
Tri-Valley falls two positions after being upset by Marian Catholic.
The Bulldogs were outgained 321-206 and finished with 116 rushing yards and 90 passing yards. They also committed two turnovers while Marian Catholic played turnover-free football.
The loss carries weight, but Tri-Valley’s complete résumé keeps the Bulldogs inside the top four. Their 49-10 victory over Shenandoah Valley remains the strongest head-to-head result among the county’s leading teams.
5. Marian Catholic (3-3)
Last week: On the bubble
Week 6 result: Defeated Tri-Valley, 24-21
Next Opponent: Nativity BVM
Marian Catholic enters the Power 5 after recording the week’s biggest upset.
The Colts controlled the statistical matchup against Tri-Valley, finishing with advantages in first downs, rushing yards, passing yards and total offense. Marian Catholic accumulated 321 yards, did not commit a turnover and held Tri-Valley to 206 total yards.
Marian Catholic’s 3-3 record may not immediately stand out, but the Colts own victories over Tri-Valley, Panther Valley and Minersville. Two of their losses—to Palmerton and Tamaqua—came by a combined three points. The head-to-head win over Tri-Valley gives Marian Catholic the strongest case among the teams competing for the final position.
On the Bubble
Pottsville (3-3)
The Crimson Tide recorded their first shutout of the season with a 22-0 victory over Tamaqua. Welsh threw three touchdown passes to Strencosky as Pottsville earned its second consecutive victory. The Crimson Tide are the first team outside the rankings.
Schuylkill Haven (2-4)
The Hurricanes fall out of the Power 5 after losing 12-6 to Williams Valley. Despite their record, Schuylkill Haven remains in the discussion after consecutive dominant victories over Mahanoy Area and Nativity BVM, followed by a competitive game against the No. 2 team.
North Schuylkill (2-4)
The Spartans have gained momentum with consecutive victories over Springfield Township and Pine Grove Area. North Schuylkill led Pine Grove 40-0 at halftime in a 52-13 victory and has outscored its last two opponents 87-27.
Mahanoy Area (3-3)
The Golden Bears rebounded with a 37-6 victory over Nativity BVM. Matrician scored three touchdowns, and Perez returned an interception 51 yards. Decisive losses to Williams Valley and Schuylkill Haven keep Mahanoy Area outside the top five.