Small Schools Shake-Up: Week 4 to Week 5 Recap
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | September 16, 2024 | Photo courtesy blSportsPhotography.com
Small Schools Shake-Up: Week 4 to Week 5 Recap Powered By Coach Howanitz
Week 4 saw several exciting matchups that set the stage for changes in the small school rankings heading into Week 5. The top teams solidified their positions, while a few teams climbed the ranks with strong performances, and others saw their rankings slip. Here’s a breakdown of how the games played out and what the latest rankings reveal about the season’s trajectory.
Scranton Prep Holds Strong at #1
Scranton Prep continues to hold the top spot in the small school rankings after a close, hard-fought 28-25 victory over Delaware Valley. The Cavaliers have demonstrated their ability to handle pressure and come through in critical moments, further solidifying their reputation as the team to beat. Scranton Prep remains unbeaten, and their strong showing keeps them comfortably at #1 in Week 5.
Western Wayne and Wyoming Area on the Rise
Western Wayne continues to look like a team on a mission. Their dominant 21-0 shutout of Crestwood not only showcased their defensive abilities but also earned them a secure spot at #2 for Week 5. Western Wayne’s balanced attack on both sides of the ball makes them a legitimate threat to Scranton Prep’s dominance. Wyoming Area also remains strong, following a 56-6 dismantling of Lakeland in Week 4. The blowout victory keeps Wyoming Area firmly entrenched in the #3 spot for Week 5.
Mid Valley and Riverside Stay Consistent
Mid Valley and Riverside continued their solid seasons with wins in Week 4. Mid Valley’s 27-14 victory over Honesdale demonstrated their offensive versatility, keeping them at #4. Meanwhile, Riverside’s convincing 42-12 win over Lake-Lehman further solidified their standing at #5. Both teams have shown they can handle adversity, but tougher challenges lie ahead.
Lackawanna Trail and Old Forge Hold Steady
Lackawanna Trail’s steady play was on full display in their 28-7 win over Dunmore. They’ve shown that they can compete with anyone, and their #6 ranking reflects their consistency. Old Forge also put up a dominant 42-7 win over Hanover Area, keeping them at #7 heading into Week 5.
Susquehanna and Carbondale Make Moves
One of the biggest changes in Week 5 is the rise of Carbondale into the rankings at #9. Carbondale’s 28-0 shutout win over Holy Cross was a statement game that propelled them into the top 10. Susquehanna also had a strong Week 4, earning a 40-14 victory over Holy Redeemer, which keeps them at #8 in the rankings.
Dunmore Falls Out, Lake-Lehman Holds On
Dunmore’s tough loss to Lackawanna Trail in Week 4 knocked them out of the top 10 for Week 5. Meanwhile, Lake-Lehman, despite their Week 4 loss to Riverside, remains in the rankings at #10. Lake-Lehman has shown resilience throughout the season, but their position in the top 10 remains precarious as tougher matchups loom.
What’s Next?
As Week 5 approaches, Scranton Prep remains the top dog, but Western Wayne and Wyoming Area are hot on their heels. With Carbondale making a strong case for their spot in the top 10 and teams like Mid Valley and Riverside continuing to shine, the race to the playoffs is heating up. Expect more exciting shifts in the rankings as the season progresses and each team fights for a chance to finish on top.
