Notable Changes Driven By Key Performances In District 4’s Small School Top 10 rankings
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 1, 2024 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
As we transition from Week 6 to Week 7 in District 4’s Small School Top 10 rankings, powered by Coach Hazlet, there have been some notable changes driven by key performances and pivotal matchups. The rankings reflect a dynamic competition among the top teams, with several making significant moves either up or down the list.
Top 10 Changes Breakdown
1. Troy (#1): Troy held steady at the top spot after another convincing performance in Week 6. Their 41-6 victory over Wyalusing Valley showcased their continued dominance, cementing their place as the team to beat in District 4.
2. Danville (#2): Danville also held onto their #2 ranking, thanks to a strong 34-8 victory over Southern Columbia. Their commanding win reaffirms their standing as a powerhouse in the district, closing in on Troy at the top.
3. Mount Carmel (#3): Mount Carmel remains at #3 after their solid 42-21 win over Hughesville. They continue to show their strength on both sides of the ball, making them a formidable challenger as the season progresses.
4. Lewisburg (#4): Lewisburg made a notable jump, climbing from #5 to #4 after a 27-13 victory over Loyalsock Township. This win pushed them up in the rankings, leapfrogging Southern Columbia, who suffered a significant loss.
5. Warrior Run (#5): Warrior Run made the most significant jump of the week, moving up from #7 to #5. Their explosive 70-24 win over North Penn-Mansfield Senior demonstrated their offensive prowess and earned them a higher position in the rankings.
6. Muncy (#6): Muncy rose from #8 to #6 after a 41-7 rout of Montgomery. Their continued success week after week has seen them climb steadily through the rankings, becoming a team to watch as they aim for a higher finish in the coming weeks.
7. Southern Columbia (#7): Southern Columbia experienced the biggest drop of the week, falling from #4 to #7. Their 34-8 loss to Danville knocked them down the rankings, but they remain in the top 10 and will be looking to bounce back.
8. Loyalsock Township (#8): Loyalsock dropped from #6 to #8 following their 27-13 loss to Lewisburg. Despite the setback, they stay within the top 10, though their position is now more precarious.
9. Towanda (#9): Towanda enters the top 10 this week at #9 after a strong 40-14 win over Canton Area. Their victory secured them a spot in the rankings, and they will look to build on this momentum going into Week 7.
10. Line Mountain (#10): Line Mountain remains in the top 10, but their position slipped from #9 to #10 after a close 43-40 loss to Steelton Highspire. While their competitive performance kept them in the rankings, they are now on the edge and will need a win in Week 7 to avoid being pushed out.
Key Matchups that Shaped Week 7 Rankings
• Troy vs. Wyalusing Valley: Troy’s 41-6 blowout win demonstrated their dominance and kept them at #1. Their offense continues to put up big numbers while their defense shuts down opponents.
• Danville vs. Southern Columbia: This was the pivotal game of the week. Danville’s convincing win over Southern Columbia not only solidified their position at #2 but also caused Southern Columbia to fall three spots in the rankings.
• Warrior Run vs. North Penn-Mansfield Senior: Warrior Run’s offensive onslaught in their 70-24 win was one of the most eye-catching performances of the week, leading to their rise to #5.
• Lewisburg vs. Loyalsock Township: Lewisburg’s solid 27-13 win propelled them up to #4, while Loyalsock’s fall to #8 highlighted the tight competition in the middle of the top 10.
Teams on the Rise and Fall
• On the Rise: Warrior Run and Muncy are the two biggest risers this week, moving up two spots each. Both teams put in commanding performances, with Warrior Run’s 70-point outburst standing out as a highlight of Week 6.
• Falling: Southern Columbia and Loyalsock Township experienced the most significant declines, with Southern Columbia dropping from #4 to #7 and Loyalsock falling from #6 to #8. Both teams are still in the top 10 but will need to rebound in the coming weeks to avoid further slippage.
Looking Ahead to Week 7
As we move into Week 7, all eyes will be on whether Troy can maintain their dominance at the top and if Danville will continue their push for the #1 spot. Warrior Run and Muncy, both on the rise, will be looking to keep their momentum going, while Southern Columbia and Loyalsock will be focused on rebounding from their recent losses.
With several key matchups on the horizon, the rankings are sure to see further shakeups as the district’s top small schools battle for supremacy and playoff positioning. Stay tuned to SportzWire for ongoing coverage and updates as the season heats up.