District IV Football Rankings: Week 5 Brings More Shakeups and Showdowns

By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | September 25, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media

Sponsored by Coach’s Health and Fitness – Coach Lon Hazlet

Just when we thought Week 4 had flipped the script, Week 5 rewrote the entire playbook.

In true District IV fashion, what looked like a return to order has instead given way to more volatility. Some teams solidified their status, others crumbled under pressure, and a few dark horses have suddenly become impossible to ignore. Comparing Week 4 to Week 5, it’s clear: the only constant in this season is change.

Let’s take a look at how the rankings stack up now — and how far teams have climbed (or fallen) since last week.

SMALL SCHOOL RANKINGS (Class A, AA, AAA)

Notable Moves:

• Line Mountain (#5 → #3): The Eagles are quietly becoming one of the most dangerous teams in the district. Their defense is suffocating, and they’ve now added just enough offense to be feared in any matchup.

• Warrior Run (#7 → #4): A big bounce-back week for the Defenders. After tumbling from the top spot, they responded with a gritty win that reminded everyone why they were once #1.

• Montoursville (#8 → #5): Another former top dog clawing its way back. The Warriors seem to have stabilized after a rough two-week stretch.

Falling Fast:

• Bloomsburg (#3 → #6): A tough loss puts a dent in the Panthers' climb. They're still dangerous but need to clean up execution in tight games.

• Mifflinburg (#4 → #7): After surging in Week 4, the Wildcats came back to earth. Inconsistent offensive rhythm is holding them back.

• North Penn-Mansfield (#6 → #8): Still solid, but a quiet week compared to others ahead in the rankings.

Holding Steady:

• Troy and Southern Columbia (No Change): Both teams took care of business and remain firmly entrenched at the top. Until one of them slips, they’ll continue to set the bar.

LARGE SCHOOL RANKINGS (Class AAAA and Above)

Rising:

• Williamsport (#4 → #3): Back on track. The Millionaires' explosive offense showed up again in Week 5, and if they can maintain this pace, they're a serious playoff threat.

• Athens (#5 → #4): Quietly climbing, Athens is the model of consistency. Don’t count them out from making a deeper push into the top 3 soon.

Dropping:

• Shikellamy (#3 → #5): A big drop, but not an unexpected one. After a huge Week 4 win, the Braves couldn’t replicate the performance and now sit on the bubble of the top five.

Status Quo:

• Shamokin and Jersey Shore (No Change): The top two in large schools remain untouched. Both teams are playing championship-level football, and until they meet or slip, these rankings won’t budge.

Quick Comparison: Week 4 vs. Week 5

Biggest Climbers (Small School):

• Warrior Run & Montoursville: +3 spots each
  Both have shaken off rough patches and look like playoff-caliber programs again.

Biggest Fall (Small School):

• Bloomsburg & Mifflinburg: -3 spots each
  A reminder that momentum is fragile in District IV football.

Biggest Change (Large School):

• Shikellamy (-2)
  Despite a promising jump last week, consistency remains the missing piece.

Final Thoughts – Sponsored by Coach’s Health and Fitness

Week 5 reminded us that no ranking is safe.

As Troy and Southern Columbia hold strong, and Line Mountain quietly climbs into contender status, the small-school bracket is anything but predictable. Warrior Run and Montoursville, both written off after Week 4, are back in the mix—adding drama to every upcoming Friday night.

In the large-school bracket, Shamokin and Jersey Shore continue to reign. But with Williamsport finding its groove and Athens lurking, the pressure is rising—and Shikellamy will need to regroup fast to stay in the hunt.

This coverage is proudly brought to you by Coach’s Health and Fitness, where District IV’s toughest athletes are forged. Coach Lon Hazlet and his team are building the next generation of champions—on the field, in the weight room, and beyond. 

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