District 11 Small School Top 10: Changes from Week 7 to Week 8
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
As Week 8 arrives, the District 11 Small School Top 10 rankings saw notable shifts after a weekend filled with hard-fought games and standout performances. Here’s a look at the changes in the rankings and what led to the new order.
1. Northwestern Lehigh Holds the Top Spot
Northwestern Lehigh continues to dominate, maintaining their position at #1 for another week. With a convincing win over Wilson Area (42-7), their hold on the top position remains firm heading into Week 8.
2. Schuylkill Haven Climbs to #2
One of the most significant changes is Schuylkill Haven’s jump from #3 to #2. After securing a decisive victory over Pine Grove (35-0), Schuylkill Haven’s strong defense and relentless offense helped them leapfrog Tamaqua, who slipped in the rankings.
3. Williams Valley Stays Steady at #3
Williams Valley keeps its #3 ranking after another solid performance, taking down Pottsville (47-0). The offense was firing on all cylinders, and their defense stifled Pottsville, ensuring they hold their ground in the top 3.
4. Notre Dame Rises to #4
Notre Dame’s strong 42-15 win against Pen Argyl has boosted them from #5 to #4. Their improved ranking reflects their consistent play on both sides of the ball.
5. Tamaqua Drops to #5
Tamaqua, who was ranked #2 last week, slides down to #5 after a tough 43-7 loss to Southern Lehigh. This shift is a significant drop in the rankings, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum against challenging opponents.
6. Nativity Stays Put at #6
Nativity remains steady at #6 despite a 50-8 victory over Mahanoy Area. While the win was dominant, it wasn’t enough to push them higher in the rankings with the other teams’ strong performances.
7. North Schuylkill Moves Up to #7
North Schuylkill moves up one spot to #7 after defeating Bangor Area 67-27. Their explosive offense continues to make waves, showing their potential to rise further in the coming weeks.
8. Northern Lehigh Drops to #8
Northern Lehigh slips one spot after a close win over Wilson Area (31-14). While they secured the victory, it wasn’t as dominant as some of the other teams in the rankings, causing a slight drop.
9. Saucon Valley Holds Steady at #9
Saucon Valley remains at #9 for another week after a narrow 21-20 win against Pleasant Valley. Their ability to win tight games keeps them in the Top 10, but they’ll need more convincing wins to climb higher.
10. Tri Valley Returns to the Top 10
Tri Valley re-enters the rankings at #10 after defeating Panther Valley 42-10. Their return to the Top 10 shows that they can compete with the best, and they’ll look to continue their ascent in the coming weeks.
As we head into Week 8, these rankings reflect the shifting landscape of District 11 small school football. With critical matchups on the horizon, expect more shake-ups as teams continue to battle for playoff positions.
