District XI Football Rankings: Week 2 Recap & Breakdown

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | September 1, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

Two weeks into the 2025 high school football season and the action in District XI is already delivering fireworks. Week 2 brought thrilling rivalries, breakout stars, and statement wins that reshuffled the rankings in both the Big School and Small School divisions.

Helping us break it all down again this week are two of the region’s most trusted voices: Tony Sibilla, longtime Colonial League play-by-play announcer for Penn Sports Radio, and Keith Groller, legendary high school sports reporter with The Morning Call. Together, they provide the insights powering our weekly rankings.

And of course, these rankings are fueled by Fit AF Nutrition, your source for clean, performance-driven meals designed for athletes, families, and active lifestyles across the Lehigh Valley. Just like the top programs in District XI, Fit AF is built on preparation, discipline, and peak performance, on and off the field.

Big School Rankings – Week 2

1. Parkland (2-0)

Naquan Thomason stepped in for the cramping TJ Lawrence and kept the Trojans’ ground game steady, but the big spark was a blocked punt returned for a touchdown in an 18-7 win over Freedom. Another major test looms with Northampton.

2. Nazareth (2-0)

Payton Falzone lit up Whitehall, throwing for three TDs and running for three more in a 62-33 rout. The Auburn commit is living up to the hype.

3. Southern Lehigh (2-0)

The Spartans forced three turnovers in a 28-0 shutout of Blue Mountain, with Sean Steckert pounding out 142 yards and 2 TDs.

4. Easton (2-0)

The Red Rovers rolled Spring-Ford 36-3 behind 338 rushing yards. Chris Martinez had a career-high 172 yards, while Cole Ordway scored four total TDs.

5. Northampton (2-0)

The Konkrete Kids stayed unbeaten with a 48-19 win over ES South. Chase Kessler scored three times, and coach John Toman notched career win #150.

6. Bethlehem Catholic (2-0)

Kayden Vassa exploded for 5 TDs and over 400 yards of offense in a 35-14 win over Emmaus.

7. Whitehall (1-1)

Despite a strong game from Tanner Dogmanits (2 passing TDs, 1 rushing), the Zephyrs couldn’t keep up with Nazareth’s firepower.

8. Liberty (1-1)

The Hurricanes surged past ACC with 31 unanswered points in a 38-14 win. Antonio Fontanez threw for two scores and broke free for a 73-yard TD run.

9. Freedom (0-2)

Lashawn Johnson ran for 117 yards, but turnovers and a limited passing attack doomed the Patriots against Parkland.

10. Pocono Mountain West (2-0)

Christian Stiehler ran for 144 yards and 2 TDs, while Jerel Sims added two more through the air in a 34-28 win over Lenape Valley.

Outside Looking In: Emmaus (0-2), Allentown Central Catholic (1-1).

Small School Rankings – Week 2

1. 1. Northwestern Lehigh (2-0)

The Tigers roared in the Mountain Road Rumble, crushing Northern Lehigh 56-13. Mason Bollinger’s 100-yard pick-six before halftime sealed the deal.

2. Notre Dame-Green Pond (2-0)

Matt Bodnar was on fire, throwing five TDs in a 63-0 rout of Salisbury. Jonathan Striba hauled in two scores and 131 yards.

3. North Schuylkill (2-0)

Balanced domination in a 50-7 win over Tamaqua: Caden Mengel tossed for 202 yards and 3 TDs, while Luke Miller ran for 116 and 3 more.

4. Schuylkill Haven (2-0)

The Hurricanes scored on their first six possessions in a 54-0 blowout of Panther Valley. Five different players found the end zone.

5. Williams Valley (1-0)

Sophomore Fletcher Thompson powered the Vikings with 163 rushing yards and 2 TDs in a 42-0 shutout of Mahanoy Area.

6. Catasauqua (2-0)

The Rough Riders rolled Wilson Area 34-7 to stay unbeaten.

7. Pen Argyl (2-0)

Caiden Faust ran for 2 TDs, and Mason Soos added two through the air in a comeback 27-20 win over Palmerton.

8. Palisades (2-0)

The Pirates stunned Saucon Valley 17-0 behind Max Woerner’s 130-yard, 2-TD performance.

9. Minersville (2-0)

Paiten LaPoint scored four times—two receiving, plus a punt and kick return—in a 49-6 rout of Shenandoah Valley.

10. Northern Lehigh (1-1)

The Bulldogs briefly led Northwestern before the Tigers took control. Still, Chris Frame remains one of the region’s most dynamic two-way threats.

Outside Looking In: Saucon Valley (1-1).

Closing Thoughts

From Payton Falzone’s aerial fireworks to Mason Bollinger’s game-sealing house call and Colton Reber’s clutch playmaking, District XI football has been nothing short of electric through two weeks. The contenders are starting to separate themselves, but the battles ahead promise plenty of drama.

Stay tuned every week as Tony Sibilla and Keith Groller deliver the stories behind the scores, and remember, the District XI Rankings are fueled by Fit AF Nutrition.

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