District XI Week 9 Rankings: Powerhouses Stay Perfect as Playoff Push Begins

By: SportzWire | SportzWire | October 19, 2025 | Photo courtesy Mason Dannenfelser (MasonVis)

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As the regular season winds down, the heavyweights of District XI continue to flex their dominance, while contenders fight to solidify postseason spots. Week 9 brought blowouts, statement wins, and record-breaking performances that shaped the playoff picture heading into the final stretch.

Helping make sense of it all once again are Keith Groller (The Morning Call) and Tony Sibilla (Penn Sports Radio), the Lehigh Valley’s trusted duo who rank the region’s top programs each week.

BIG SCHOOL RANKINGS – WEEK 9

1️⃣ Parkland (9-0)

The Trojans continue to look like a team on their way to another district championship. The Trojans dominated in every fashion in a 53-7, mercy-rule win over Whitehall. TJ Lawrence ran for 117 yards on just 11 carries and scored four touchdowns.

2️⃣ Easton (9-0)

The Red Rovers clinched the EPC Northampton County title for the second straight year, but it wasn’t easy, as a late 36-yard field goal by Noah Borluca and a late defensive stand that led to a missed field goal were the difference in a 17-14 win over Freedom.

3️⃣ Southern Lehigh (9-0)

The Spartans routed Saucon Valley 56-20 and now face the much-anticipated battle of the unbeatens Friday night against Northwestern Lehigh. Colton Sams became the school’s all-time leader in passing TDs. He threw for four of them and has 63 in his career. Sean Steckert ran for 142 yards and a pair of TDs.

4️⃣ Nazareth (7-2)

The Blue Eagles had a three-game win streak snapped, falling to a Northampton team that got a big rushing performance from sophomore Chase Kessler and used back-to-back onside kicks to keep the ball away from Nazareth. The Blue Eagles got 177 yards and two TDs from Marquez Wimberly in the loss.

5️⃣ Freedom (5-4)

The Patriots absorbed the star running back Lashawn Johnson on the first play from scrimmage and went toe-to-toe with Easton with a staunch defensive effort. A missed field goal in the final seconds prevented the game from going to overtime, but the Patriots have come a long way since starting 0-2 and 1-3. 

6️⃣ Liberty (6-3)

The Hurricanes snapped a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 35-20 win over Bethlehem Catholic. Antonio Fontanez threw for 192 yards and a TD and ran for 76 yards and another.

7️⃣ Northampton (4-5)

The Konkrete Kids have been looking for a signature win that signifies the improvement of the program, and got it with their victory over Nazareth. Northampton ran for 448 yards, including 317 by sophomore Chase Kessler, who also scored three second-half touchdowns.

8️⃣ Bethlehem Catholic (5-4)

The Golden Hawks lost their third straight game and for the fourth time in six games after a 3-0 start. But they’re playing tough foes week in and week out in the EPC’s Northampton County Division. Axel Burkart was sacked by Parkland but will still be the No. 1 seed in the upcoming District 11 5A tournament.

9️⃣ Whitehall (7-2)

The Zephyrs had their win streak snapped by Parkland but will still be the No. 1 seed in the upcoming District 11 5A tournament. The Trojans’ defense pressured Tanner Dogmanits, who was just 4-for-15 passing for 63 yards. Jeziah Gregory ran for 61 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

🔟 Allentown Central Catholic (5-4)

The Vikings bounced back from a lopsided loss to Parkland with a win over Dieruff. They will host Whitehall in their regular-season finale, looking to keep the momentum going entering the District 11 4A semifinals, where they will have a quarterfinal-round home game.

On the Outside Looking In: Pocono Mountain East (6-3), Blue Mountain (5-4), Pocono Mountain West (5-4).

SMALL SCHOOL RANKINGS – WEEK 9

1️⃣ Northwestern Lehigh (9-0)

Northwestern scored five unanswered touchdowns before halftime to overpower Tamaqua, 56-16. The stage is set for another big showdown with Southern Lehigh next week!

2️⃣ Notre Dame-Green Pond (9-0)

Matt Bodnar continues a fantastic season with a 5 TD tossing effort in a 56-0 win over Palmerton. They finish up the regular season with Wilson Area.

3️⃣ Schuylkill Haven (9-0)

Colton Reber ran 7 times on the night. 4 of them were for touchdowns! He finished with 228 yards in a 57-0 blowout of Nativity BVM. They look to remain perfect against Tri-Valley in week 10.

4️⃣ Williams Valley (8-1)

Fletcher Thompson ran for 168 yards and 3 scores while Brady Shomper tossed for 193 yards and 3 more TDs in a 55-6 win over Shenandoah Valley. They finish up with Pine Grove next week.

5️⃣ North Schuylkill (6-3)

RB Luke Miller rushed 22 times for 286 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-14 win over Lehighton. He also became the Spartans’ all-time leading rusher as he surpassed 3,300 yards in his career. North Schuylkill looks to finish the regular season on a high note as they travel to Pottsville in Week 10.

6️⃣ Minersville (7-2)

Dante Carr passed for 155 yards and 2 scores while the Miners’ defense forced 3 turnovers, including a John Lutsky pick-six, in a 34-17 victory over Tri-Valley. Panther Valley is up next.

7️⃣ Palisades (6-3)

Palisades ran over a winless Wilson Area squad, 56-0, in a bounce-back game after a loss to NDGP. They finish up at home against Salisbury next week.

8️⃣ Northern Lehigh (6-3)

Garrett Smoyer tossed 2 TDs and ran for another as the Bulldogs handled Salisbury Township, 27-7 on the road this week. Saucon Valley will host them in Week 10.

9️⃣ Pen Argyl (6-3)

Mason Soos ran for 61 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 235 more and two scores in Saturday afternoon’s 37-20 victory over Catasauqua. They close out the regular season with their 106th meeting against Slate Belt rival Bangor.

🔟 Saucon Valley (5-4)

Braden Rohn passed for 194 yards and 2 TDs, both to freshman WR Thomas Cahill who finished with 179 yards and 3 scores in the Panthers’ loss. They look to solidify their district playoff position next week with a solid matchup with Northern Lehigh.

On the Outside Looking In: Marian Catholic (6-3).

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