Week 7’s results brought a shakeup in the SportzWire Big School Top 10 rankings, powered by Coach Howanitz
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 8, 2024 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
SportzWire Big School Top 10 Rankings Update: Week 8
As the high school football season progresses, Week 7’s results brought a shakeup in the SportzWire Big School Top 10 rankings, powered by Coach Howanitz. The competitive nature of District 2 football continues to provide excitement, as several teams moved up and down the rankings based on their performances. Here’s a look at how the changes unfolded after Week 7 and what led to the updated standings in Week 8.
Key Matchups Impacting Rankings:
1. Valley View continues to hold the #1 spot after a tight 21-14 win over North Pocono, which proved to be crucial in maintaining their top position. Valley View’s defense once again demonstrated resilience, while key special teams plays, including a standout 37-yard extra point by Braden Loff, due to a penalty.
2. Dallas remains steady at #2 following a convincing 35-6 win against Wyoming Valley West. Their dominant defense and consistent offense ensured they stay a force to be reckoned with in District 2.
3. Delaware Valley kept their #3 position after defeating Long Island Lutheran (NY) in a high-scoring 40-32 battle. Their offensive firepower continues to shine, but close games like this may raise questions about their defense against more local competition.
4. Abington Heights rose to #4 after a hard-fought 27-21 loss to Scranton Prep. Their climb up the rankings comes as they continue to showcase a balanced team effort on both sides of the ball.
5. Scranton also saw a positive change, moving up to #5 following a solid 31-7 win over Wallenpaupack. Their consistent play throughout the season keeps them in contention for a top spot, as they take advantage of key opportunities in each game.
6. Crestwood made a significant leap to #6 with a 28-2 win over Hazleton. Their impressive performance knocked Hazleton down from #5 to #8 in the rankings, demonstrating Crestwood’s growing confidence and cohesion as a team.
7. Hazleton, previously ranked #5, dropped to #8 after their loss to Crestwood. Despite their early season success, the defeat exposed some vulnerabilities in their offense, which they will need to address moving forward.
8. North Pocono held steady at #9 after their narrow loss to Valley View. Though they showed they could compete with the top-ranked team, a lack of finishing ability in key moments kept them from moving up.
9. Wallenpaupack remains at #7 despite their loss to Scranton, as their overall season performance still warrants respect, but they will need to bounce back quickly to avoid falling further down the rankings.
10. Wilkes-Barre Area rounds out the top 10, maintaining their position with a close 21-10 win over Pittston Area. Their consistency keeps them in the conversation, though they’ll need a signature win to move higher.
Notable Droppers and Risers:
• Crestwood’s jump from #8 to #6 highlights their growing dominance after dismantling Hazleton.
• Hazleton’s drop to #8 was one of the more significant shifts, as their defeat to Crestwood highlighted areas for improvement.
• Abington Heights continues their climb, now sitting at #4 after their thrilling win over Scranton Prep.
As Week 8 approaches, all eyes will be on whether Valley View can maintain their top spot, and if teams like Crestwood or Dallas can close the gap. With playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and the competition only intensifies from here.
