SportzWire Big School Top 10: Week 9 Update Powered by Coach Howanitz
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 15, 2024 | Photo courtesy BLSportsPhotography.com
SportzWire Big School Top 10: Week 9 Update Powered by Coach Howanitz.
As we head into Week 9, the battle for dominance in District 2 football is intensifying, with some teams rising and others slipping as the playoff picture begins to take shape. Here’s a breakdown of how the SportzWire Big School Top 10 has shifted following last week’s action, with results that shook up the middle of the rankings and saw new faces enter the fray.
No Change at the Top
At the very top, Valley View continues to assert itself as the #1 team in the district, holding off a tough challenge from Delaware Valley, winning 35-25 to improve to 7-1. The Cougars, powered by their consistent defense and big plays, remain the team to beat.
Dallas stays strong at #2 after a commanding 37-14 victory over Crestwood, bringing their record to 5-3. The Mountaineers are proving that they can contend with the top teams, and they remain right on Valley View’s heels.
Delaware Valley holds onto the #3 spot despite falling to Valley View, bringing their record to 3-5. Their difficult schedule has toughened them for playoff action, and they remain in the mix for the top positions.
Holding Steady at #4: Abington Heights
At #4, Abington Heights took care of business in dominant fashion, with a 41-0 rout of Wallenpaupack on Thursday night. The win brings the Comets to an even 4-4, keeping them steady in the rankings as they push toward a winning record.
Mid-Rank Shakeup
The most significant movement came from Hazleton, jumping from #8 to #5 following a 20-14 victory over Pittston Area. Hazleton improved to 5-3 on the season, showing resilience and a knack for close-game victories. This rise reflects their potential to make noise in the postseason.
North Pocono also saw a major leap, moving from #9 to #6 after a solid 21-3 win over Scranton. The Trojans are finding form at the right time, bringing their record to 4-4 and positioning themselves as a team on the rise.
Scranton took a hard fall in Week 8, dropping from #5 to #7 after their loss to North Pocono. The 5-3 Knights will need to regroup quickly to avoid sliding further as the postseason approaches.
New Faces and Exits
The most notable entry into the Top 10 this week is Honesdale, jumping into the rankings at #10 after a dominating 56-7 win over Nanticoke Area. Their win evens their record at 4-4 and earns them a spot in the rankings as they continue to show improvement.
Meanwhile, Crestwood falls out of the Top 10 after their 37-14 loss to Dallas, marking a steep drop from #6 the previous week. Consistency has been an issue for Crestwood, and their latest stumble cost them their spot among the top teams.
Wilkes-Barre Area moves up one spot from #10 to #8, with a convincing 35-0 win over Valley West. The Wolfpack improve to 4-4, showing they have the firepower to hang with the best in the district.
Wallenpaupack drops from #7 to #9 after their 41-0 loss to Abington Heights, leaving them with a 3-5 record. They will need a strong finish to secure a playoff spot as their inconsistencies continue to plague them.
Looking Ahead
As Week 9 unfolds, more shakeups could be on the horizon. The fight for playoff positions is heating up, and the district’s top teams are looking to lock down their standing in what has been an unpredictable season. Expect more thrilling games and possibly more changes in next week’s Top 10 as the stakes rise even higher.
Week 9 Scores:
• Wallenpaupack (3-5): 0 at Abington Heights (4-4): 41 (F-Thursday)
• Scranton (5-3): 3 at North Pocono (4-4): 21 (F)
• Delaware Valley (3-5): 25 at Valley View (7-1): 35 (F)
• Dunmore (4-4): 21 at West Scranton (0-8): 7 (F)
• Lakeland (2-6): 24 at Western Wayne (8-0): 54 (F)
• Carbondale Area (4-4): 8 at Riverside (8-0): 17 (F)
• Susquehanna (5-3): 12 at Lackawanna Trail (7-1): 49 (F)
• Honesdale (4-4): 56 at Nanticoke Area (1-7): 7 (F)
• Mid Valley (5-3): 0 at Scranton Prep (7-1): 28 (F)
• Tunkhannock (3-5): 31 at Montrose (1-6): 0 (F)
• Pittston Area (2-6): 14 at Hazleton Area (5-3): 20 (F)
• Dallas (5-3): 37 at Crestwood (4-4): 14 (F)
• Lake-Lehman (5-3): 14 at Wyoming Area (7-1): 35 (F)
• Berwick (3-5): 37 at Williamsport (4-4): 14 (F)
• Holy Cross (3-5): 16 at Old Forge (4-4): 49 (F)
• Wilkes-Barre (4-4): 35 at Valley West (0-8): 0 (F)
• Montgomery (5-3): 55 at Holy Redeemer (0-8): 0 (F)
• Hanover Area (1-7): 56 at CMVT (4-4): 44 (F)
Stay tuned to SportzWire for more updates and insights as we approach Week 10 and the final stretch of the regular season!
