District 11 Small School Top 10 Recap
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | September 18, 2024 | Photo courtesy BlSportsPhotography.com
District 11 Small School Top 10 Recap:
Week 4 was a game-changer in District 11’s small school football landscape, with major shake-ups in the rankings following several key matchups. With victories and defeats reshaping the standings, here’s how the top 10 teams fared and how the rankings evolved.
#1 Northwestern Lehigh: Dominance Continues
Northwestern Lehigh continues to hold the #1 spot after a commanding 30-8 victory over Blue Mountain. Their performance on both sides of the ball solidified their place at the top, showcasing their consistency and resilience. Northwestern Lehigh has now established themselves as the team to beat in District 11, with no signs of slowing down as they head into Week 6.
#2 Tamaqua: A Statement Win
Tamaqua solidified their #2 ranking with a convincing 48-7 win over Jim Thorpe. Tamaqua’s offense was unstoppable, and their defense proved too much for Jim Thorpe to handle. This dominant performance keeps them in close pursuit of the top spot, and they will look to maintain this momentum in the coming weeks.
#3 Schuylkill Haven Shines
Schuylkill Haven remains steady at #3 after an explosive 59-8 victory over Mahanoy Area. Schuylkill Haven’s offense exploded, with the team scoring at will, while their defense shut down Mahanoy completely. They’ve continued to show they are one of the most formidable teams in the district and will be a tough opponent for any team they face moving forward.
#4 Notre Dame Climbs the Rankings
Notre Dame made a significant move in the rankings, climbing to #4 after their impressive 24-7 win over Saucon Valley. Their defense was stout, limiting Saucon Valley’s scoring opportunities, while their offense put together consistent drives. With this win, Notre Dame now finds themselves in the top five, showcasing their potential to challenge the top three teams in the district.
#5 Williams Valley Surges Ahead
Williams Valley earned a major victory over Minersville in a thrilling 42-36 contest, which allowed them to leap from #9 in Week 4 to #5 in Week 5. Their offensive firepower was on full display, with Williams Valley showing they can win high-scoring battles. This rise in the rankings is well-deserved, but they’ll need to keep their momentum going as tougher matchups await.
#6 Minersville Drops in a Close One
Minersville slipped from #8 to #6 following their narrow 42-36 loss to Williams Valley. Despite the loss, Minersville demonstrated they are a tough team that can compete with the best in the district. They’ll need to regroup after this close defeat, but they remain a top contender.
#7 Nativity Enters the Top 10
Nativity made their way into the rankings for the first time this season, debuting at #7 after an impressive 34-13 win over Tri-Valley. Nativity’s balanced attack and solid defense have made them a team to watch as they move into the top half of the rankings. With more key games on the horizon, they have the opportunity to climb even higher.
#8 Northern Lehigh Holds Steady
Northern Lehigh maintained their #8 ranking after a 46-22 win over Palisades. Northern Lehigh’s offense was clicking, and their defense did enough to contain Palisades. They continue to be a consistent force in the district and will look to continue their upward trajectory in the weeks ahead.
#9 Saucon Valley Slides
Saucon Valley experienced a drop from #5 to #9 after their 24-7 loss to Notre Dame. It was a tough week for Saucon Valley, as they struggled to generate offense against Notre Dame’s stingy defense. They will need to bounce back quickly if they hope to remain in the top 10.
#10 Tri-Valley Falls, But Stays in the Top 10
Tri-Valley rounds out the top 10 after their 34-13 loss to Nativity. Though they fell in the rankings, they’ve shown enough throughout the season to hold onto a spot in the top 10. However, they’ll need to regroup quickly if they hope to avoid further drops in the rankings.
Key Takeaways from Week 4
• Northwestern Lehigh and Tamaqua Stay Strong: Northwestern Lehigh continues to dominate, but Tamaqua is right behind them, looking to take over the top spot. Both teams are playing at an elite level and are separating themselves from the pack.
• Notre Dame and Williams Valley on the Rise: Both teams had significant wins in Week 5, and their rankings reflect their upward momentum. Notre Dame’s solid defense and Williams Valley’s high-powered offense are making waves.
• Nativity Makes a Splash: Nativity entered the top 10 for the first time this season, and with their strong performance in Week 5, they could continue to climb if they maintain their form.
• Saucon Valley and Tri-Valley Face Challenges: Both teams experienced tough losses in Week 5, causing them to slide down the rankings. They’ll need to regroup and bounce back quickly to stay competitive in the district.
Week 5 promises more exciting matchups that could further shake up the rankings. As teams continue to battle for position, every game becomes more crucial in the race for the District 11 crown. Stay tuned for more thrilling high school football action!
