SportzWire Small School Top 10: Week 8 Rankings Shake-up
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 8, 2024 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
SportzWire Small School Top 10: Week 8 Rankings Shake-up
The Week 8 SportzWire Small School Top 10 rankings, powered by Coach Howanitz, have revealed several notable changes after a series of key matchups. These shifts come as teams across District 2 continue to battle for top spots as the regular season inches closer to its final stretch.
Scranton Prep Holds Firm at #1
Scranton Prep, despite facing a tough challenge from Abington Heights, held on to their #1 spot with a narrow 27-21 victory. The Cavaliers showcased their ability to grind out a win even when the pressure was on, reaffirming their place at the top of the rankings for another week.
Western Wayne and Wyoming Area Secure Their Positions
Western Wayne, now #2, solidified their position after a commanding 42-16 win over West Scranton. Their offense continued to dominate, while their defense put on another stellar performance, making them a serious threat as the season progresses. Similarly, Wyoming Area holds onto their #3 ranking after a dominant 55-7 victory over Hanover Area. Their impressive all-around play and ability to capitalize on turnovers continue to separate them from the pack.
Riverside Climbs to #4
Riverside made a significant statement in Week 7 with a 62-20 blowout of Holy Cross. This commanding victory allowed them to move up a spot, surpassing Lackawanna Trail and establishing themselves as a team to watch heading into the final stretch of the season.
Lackawanna Trail Falls to #5
Despite an impressive 39-6 win over Carbondale, Lackawanna Trail dropped to #5. With Riverside putting on such a dominant performance, the Lions’ spot in the rankings took a hit, but they remain a force in the small school division and could easily climb back with continued strong performances.
Mid Valley Drops to #8
Mid Valley suffered a tough blow in Week 7 with a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Dunmore. This narrow defeat saw them slide down to #8 from their previous #6 position. With playoff hopes still alive, Mid Valley will need to regroup and come out stronger in the coming weeks.
Dunmore Joins the Top 10
Dunmore has made their first appearance in the rankings this season, entering at #10 after their clutch win over Mid Valley. The Bucks’ defense stepped up when it mattered most, and their resilience allowed them to secure the victory in a crucial game.
Carbondale Exits the Rankings
Carbondale Area, previously ranked #10, fell out of the Top 10 after a 39-6 loss to Lackawanna Trail. Despite showing flashes of potential earlier in the season, the Chargers struggled to keep up in this matchup, which ultimately cost them their place in the rankings.
Looking Ahead
As we move into Week 9, every game becomes critical, and teams will be looking to cement their positions or claw their way back into the Top 10. Keep an eye on the top-ranked teams as they face increasingly difficult matchups, with playoff implications on the line.
