Since midseason, powerhouses have flexed their dominance, underdogs have stolen headlines, and playoff positioning is starting to take shape. Comparing Week 5 to Week 9, some teams have surged with momentum, while others are scrambling to rediscover their early-season spark. Let’s dive into how the rankings look now — and who’s rising, falling, and holding strong as the postseason looms.

Riverside made a statement in one of Northeastern PA’s most storied rivalries, overwhelming Old Forge 49-8 under the lights. Junior Jared Jackson’s punt return touchdown set the tone early, and the Vikings never looked back, dominating on both sides of the ball. With standout performances from Brayden Rose, Ny-jai Scott-holt, and 4-star lineman Tavian Branch, Riverside’s energy carried through even after the starters exited. As the Vikings celebrate this emphatic win, their focus now turns to a high-stakes showdown with Lackawanna Trail—a clash many are calling the regional championship before the regional championship.

The Mid Valley-based NEPA Storm 10U softball team went undefeated in Apalachin, New York, posting wins over Eyota Travel Softball and Southern Tier Thunder. Grace Whitling and Frankie Nails each homered over the weekend, while pitchers Nora Piercy, Grace Eboli, and Emma Fredericks combined for 20 strikeouts across both games. The Storm’s explosive offense and dominant pitching set the tone as they now prepare for the USSSA Fall State Championship in Quakertown on November 1–2.

Caden’s leadership extends beyond his stats. As a three-year captain, his coach, Sante Romaldini, described him as a player who “sets the expectation on and off the field” and “motivates the rest of the team through his work ethic.” He’s become a four-year varsity starter, leading not just with goals, but with grit, vision, and composure.

Crestwood captured the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 championship with a 2–1 comeback victory over Wyoming Area on Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Area’s Wolfpack Stadium. Wyoming Area struck first late in the second quarter when Lucia Campenni scored off an assist from Juliana Siani, giving the Warriors a 1–0 halftime advantage.

Abington Heights won its third straight game and dominated on the ground, scoring six rushing touchdowns. Jayden Anglin has led the way since Nick Bradley went down to injury, as he totaled 72 rushing yards and three touchdowns in this game.

From dominant 9-0 juggernauts to rising programs finding their stride, District XI football is heating up just in time for November. Parkland, Easton, and Southern Lehigh headline the big-school elite, while Northwestern Lehigh, NDGP, and Schuylkill Haven continue their march toward perfection in the small-school ranks.

Gabe Davis scored twice in a two-minute span, and Valley View leaned on 251 rushing yards to beat Wyoming Valley West 52-21. Davis caught a 35-yard touchdown from Caleb Brown, returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards, and the Cougars finished it off with five rushing scores and a 34-yard field goal from Braden Loff.

Scranton Prep made history at Dunmore Stadium, rolling past Jersey Shore 51–19 as head coach Terry Gallagher earned his 100th career win. Junior Noah Krzywiec’s 50-yard catch and two touchdowns set the tone, while senior quarterback Will McPartland accounted for four scores in a milestone night that reminded everyone Prep football remains a powerhouse in District 2.

The Weston Field Skatepark is now open, giving Scranton’s skaters, riders, and creators the space they’ve been waiting for. Built for expression and connection, this isn’t just a park, it’s progress.

Homecoming night turned historic in Clarks Summit as Abington Heights senior Gavin Anders became the all-time leader in receiving yards. Behind strong efforts from Noah Kayal and Jayden Anglin, the Comets stormed past Scranton 49–13 to improve to 7–2 on the season.

For Jon Casey and Kathleen Casey Anderson, this year’s Steamtown Marathon was more than 26.2 miles, it was a heartfelt tribute and a stride toward change. Running in memory of their late mother, Susan Casey, and in honor of young Eddie Kaufman’s courageous battle, the siblings carried the spirit of Build-N-Athlete’s mission with every step: breaking barriers so every child can play the sport they love. Kathleen’s third-place overall finish in 2:52 wasn’t just a personal triumph, it symbolized the power of purpose, community, and running for something bigger than yourself.

Senior forward hits 30-goal milestone in win over Berwick, surpassing a mark that stood since 2009.

Riverside freshman Faith Pavalonis is already on a path few athletes ever reach. The Moosic native will once again wear Team USA colors this summer at the United World Games, proving that hard work, balance, and belief can take a young athlete from a local gym to the global stage.

Week 8 delivered a little bit of everything, a record-breaking performance in Wilkes-Barre, a freshman hero in Tunkhannock, and one of the loudest homecoming shows in the region. From the gridiron to the halftime stage, SportzWire continues to shine the spotlight on the athletes, teams, and communities that make Friday nights unforgettable.