Week 7 Shake-Up: Analyzing the SportzWire District 11 Small School Top 10 Rankings and Key Game Impacts
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 1, 2024 | Photo courtesy Brad Loff
The latest changes in the SportzWire Small School Top 10 between Week 6 and Week 7 brought some notable shifts in the rankings, reflecting the outcomes of last week’s games and the continued competition within District 11. Let’s break down the movements and discuss the key games that influenced these changes.
Top 10 Changes
1. Northwestern Lehigh (#1): Northwestern Lehigh remains firmly in the top spot for the second consecutive week. Their dominant performance this season continues to set them apart as the team to beat.
2. Tamaqua (#2): Tamaqua also holds onto their #2 position from Week 6. Their decisive 51-0 victory over Bangor Area on September 27 only solidified their standing in the rankings.
3. Schuylkill Haven (#3): Schuylkill Haven moves up one spot from #4 to #3 this week, thanks to a strong showing against Williams Valley, defeating them 38-30. This game likely had the most direct impact on the rankings, as both teams were in the top 4.
4. Williams Valley (#4): After a close loss to Schuylkill Haven, Williams Valley drops from #3 to #4. The tight nature of the game suggests that Williams Valley is still a strong contender, but the defeat slightly knocked them down in the rankings.
5. Notre Dame (#5): Notre Dame held firm at #5 for the second straight week after their convincing 49-19 win over Northern Lehigh. They continue to show consistency on both sides of the ball.
6. Nativity (#6): Nativity maintains their #6 ranking from Week 6. Their shutout victory (50-0) over Shenandoah Valley indicates that they remain a powerful force in the league.
7. Northern Lehigh (#7): Despite a 49-7 loss to Notre Dame, Northern Lehigh keeps their spot at #7. While the defeat was significant, their overall performance this season was enough to maintain their place in the top 10.
8. North Schuylkill (#8): North Schuylkill also stays steady at #8, riding out a solid victory (49-19) over Notre Dame of Green Pond in Week 6.
9. Saucon Valley (#9): Saucon Valley moves up one position from #10 to #9 after a blowout 62-14 victory over Catasauqua. Their offensive firepower is helping them climb the ranks.
10. Marian (#10): Marian makes their first appearance in the top 10, sliding into the #10 spot after their narrow 20-14 win against Minersville. They replace Minersville, who was in the #9 position in Week 6 but fell out of the rankings after their loss.
Teams on the Rise and Fall
• On the Rise: Schuylkill Haven made the most significant jump this week, moving from #4 to #3, capitalizing on their victory against Williams Valley. Marian’s appearance in the rankings at #10 also signals a shift as they enter the top 10 for the first time.
• Falling: Williams Valley’s drop from #3 to #4 reflects the tight competition within the top 4 teams. Minersville’s drop out of the top 10 after their Week 6 loss opened the door for Marian to claim the final spot.
Week 6 Game Highlights
• Tamaqua vs. Bangor Area: Tamaqua’s dominant 51-0 win showcased their defensive strength and offensive efficiency, further solidifying their hold on the #2 spot.
• Schuylkill Haven vs. Williams Valley: Schuylkill Haven’s hard-fought 38-30 victory was the marquee matchup of the week, affecting the top of the rankings.
• Saucon Valley vs. Catasauqua: Saucon Valley’s blowout win (62-14) demonstrated their offensive capabilities, which led to their rise in the rankings.
• Marian vs. Minersville: Marian’s close 20-14 win propelled them into the top 10, while Minersville’s loss caused them to fall out.
As the season progresses, these rankings will continue to shift as teams battle for supremacy within District 11. Stay tuned to SportzWire for ongoing coverage of small school football action.
