District 11 Big School Week 5 Top 10: Week 4 Recap
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | September 19, 2024 | Photo courtesy BLSportsPhotography.com
District 11 Big School Week 5 Top 10: Week 4 Recap
Week 4 brought significant changes to the District 11 Big School Top 10 rankings, as some key matchups saw teams climb higher, while others took a tumble. With some powerhouse performances and surprising outcomes, let’s break down what happened and how it impacted the rankings.
#1 Freedom Continues Their Dominance
Freedom High School retains the #1 ranking after a commanding 38-10 victory over previously #2 ranked Nazareth. This was a crucial win for Freedom, as they showcased both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Freedom’s ability to control the game from start to finish solidified their place at the top of the rankings, and they’ll be looking to carry that momentum forward.
#2 Liberty Rises After Win Against Northampton
Liberty climbs up to #2 from #3 after a 16-7 victory over Northampton. The game wasn’t a high-scoring affair, but Liberty’s defense played a major role in keeping Northampton’s offense in check. The rise to the second spot comes as a result of Liberty’s steady performances throughout the season, and they’ll now have their eyes on challenging Freedom for the top spot.
#3 Easton Surges After Win Over Bethlehem Catholic
Easton moves up from #4 to #3 after a 28-7 win over Bethlehem Catholic. Easton’s offense found its rhythm, and their defense was able to hold Bethlehem Catholic to just one score. Easton continues to look like a well-rounded team, and their rise in the rankings reflects their growing confidence and ability to win crucial games.
#4 Parkland Breaks into the Top 5
Parkland makes a significant leap from #6 to #4 after an impressive performance in Week 5. Their 42-7 win over East Stroudsburg South was a statement game, as they dominated from start to finish. Parkland’s offense was firing on all cylinders, and their defense was equally impressive, shutting down East Stroudsburg South’s attempts to mount a comeback.
#5 Nazareth Falls After Tough Loss
Nazareth experienced a setback, falling from #2 to #5 after their 38-10 loss to Freedom. While the loss was disappointing, Nazareth remains a talented team that will likely bounce back in the coming weeks. They’ll need to regroup and find their form quickly if they want to challenge for the top spot again.
#6 Emmaus Stays Consistent
Emmaus holds steady at #6 after a strong 42-7 win over Stroudsburg. Emmaus continues to put up consistent performances week after week, and while they haven’t made significant moves up the rankings, they remain a team capable of pulling off a big upset. Their balanced approach on both sides of the ball has kept them in the mix as we head deeper into the season.
#7 Blue Mountain Slides After Loss
Blue Mountain drops from #5 to #7 following a tough 30-8 loss to Northwestern Lehigh. It was a difficult game for Blue Mountain, as they struggled to generate offense and couldn’t keep pace with Northwestern Lehigh. Despite the loss, Blue Mountain remains in the top 10, but they’ll need to bounce back quickly to avoid further slippage in the rankings.
#8 Southern Lehigh Climbs Into the Rankings
Southern Lehigh enters the top 10 at #8 after a key win over North Schuylkill, 36-14. Southern Lehigh’s defense was the standout, stifling North Schuylkill’s offense and forcing crucial turnovers. Their rise into the rankings shows they’re a team to watch as they continue to build momentum.
#9 Dieruff Enters the Top 10
Dieruff makes their debut in the top 10 at #9 after another strong performance. Their consistent play throughout the season has finally paid off, earning them recognition among the district’s best. They’ll need to prove they can maintain this level of play as the competition stiffens in the coming weeks.
#10 Northampton Holds On Despite Loss
Northampton stays in the top 10, but drops from #8 to #10 after their 16-7 loss to Liberty. While the loss was a tough one, Northampton has shown enough resilience to remain in the rankings. They’ll need to rebound quickly if they want to avoid slipping out of the top 10 altogether.
Key Takeaways from Week 4
• Freedom’s Dominance: Freedom continues to prove why they’re the top-ranked team in the district, with another impressive victory over a top contender. They remain the team to beat as the season progresses.
• Liberty and Easton Rising: Both teams capitalized on their Week 5 victories to move up in the rankings. Liberty’s solid defense and Easton’s balanced attack have put them in prime position to challenge for the top spot in the coming weeks.
• Parkland’s Leap: Parkland’s big win over East Stroudsburg South propelled them into the top 5. Their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball makes them a dangerous team going forward.
• Nazareth’s Setback: After falling to Freedom, Nazareth will need to regroup quickly to avoid further drops in the rankings. They still have the talent to compete, but their margin for error is getting smaller.
• New Faces in the Top 10: Southern Lehigh and Dieruff enter the rankings, showing the depth of talent in District 11. Both teams will be looking to build on their recent success as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
Week 5 promises to bring more action and movement in the rankings, as the battle for supremacy in District 11 heats up. Stay tuned for more exciting matchups and potential shakeups in the top 10!
