Week 5 to Week 6: Breaking Down the SportzWire Big School Top 10 Shifts in District 11
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | September 26, 2024 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
The SportzWire Big School Top 10, powered by Coach Pat, saw some notable changes from Week 5 to Week 6, driven by key performances and decisive victories on the field. Let’s explore the major movers and shifts that have reshaped the rankings for District 11.
Top 3 Hold Their Ground
• #1 Freedom (Previous: #1)
Freedom continues to assert their dominance and remains at the top of the rankings for the second consecutive week. A commanding 56-16 win over William Allen solidified their position at the pinnacle of the Top 10, with their unbeaten record and consistently strong performances.
• #2 Liberty (Previous: #2)
Liberty also held onto their #2 spot with an impressive 42-0 shutout victory over Dieruff. Their defense, which has been a strong point all season, continues to make them a formidable force within District 11.
• #3 Parkland (Previous: #4)
Parkland moved up a spot from #4 to #3 after an emphatic 31-6 win against Nazareth. Their solid offensive and defensive display helped them leapfrog Easton, who dropped from #3 to #4. Parkland is now challenging Liberty for the runner-up position as they continue to climb.
Movements in the Middle of the Rankings
• #4 Easton (Previous: #3)
Easton experienced a minor slip from #3 to #4 after suffering a close 28-21 loss to Emmaus. While the loss didn’t completely knock them out of the top 5, their consistency will need to improve if they want to stay competitive with the teams above them.
• #5 Emmaus (Previous: #6)
Emmaus jumped from #6 to #5 with their narrow victory over Easton. This win was crucial in proving that they can compete with the top teams in District 11, positioning them as a legitimate threat going forward.
New Entrants and Shifts in the Bottom Half
• #7 Blue Mountain (Previous: #7)
Blue Mountain held steady at #7 after a dominant 49-7 victory against Bangor Area. Their commanding win reaffirmed their place in the rankings, though they will need to string together a few more strong performances to break into the top 5.
• #8 Northampton (Previous: #10)
Northampton made one of the biggest jumps of the week, climbing from #10 to #8. They secured a solid 41-10 victory over Whitehall, pushing Dieruff out of the rankings and establishing themselves as a rising contender.
• #9 East Stroudsburg South (New Entry)
Making their debut in the rankings at #9 is East Stroudsburg South. A convincing 54-14 win over Pleasant Valley catapulted them into the Top 10, replacing Dieruff and showing that they’re a team to watch in the weeks to come.
• #10 Southern Lehigh (Previous: #8)
Southern Lehigh slipped two spots from #8 to #10 despite a close 34-25 loss to Pottsville. They narrowly held onto their place in the Top 10, but with several teams on the rise, they’ll need to rebound quickly to maintain their position.
Notable Drop-Outs
• Dieruff (Previous: #9)
Dieruff dropped out of the rankings after a tough 42-0 loss to Liberty. They’ll need to regroup and find their form if they hope to make it back into the Top 10 in the coming weeks.
Final Thoughts
The Week 6 SportzWire Big School Top 10 saw significant shifts, especially in the middle and lower half of the rankings. Teams like Parkland, Emmaus, and Northampton are showing upward momentum, while Easton and Southern Lehigh will be eager to bounce back from their recent losses. With every week bringing new challenges and standout performances, expect more movement as the season progresses.
This analysis highlights the key wins and losses that influenced the rankings from Week 5 to Week 6, creating a more competitive landscape in District 11 as teams fight for top positions.