Here are the rankings after Week 11 powered by Gaughan Auto Store:

BIG SCHOOL

  1. Crestwood Comets (10-1), defeated Nanticoke 61-7 (Last week: 1)
    The score nor how easy the Comets rolled was a surprise. That game was earned during the regular season being the No. 1 seed. Next is a rematch with the Dawgs and a chance to host the district title game in two weeks.
    Next up: vs. Berwick (5-6) – Friday – (Listen on NPF)
  2. Valley View Cougars (9-2), defeated Honesdale 54-7 (Last week: 3)
    The Cougars defense allowed only one first down and negative yardage in the first half last Friday night before the starters were removed. That defense will be the key to their district title defense. They will be facing one of the best running backs in the area this week and cannot let the Mounts dictate the pace with the running game.
    Next up: vs. Dallas (9-2) – Friday – (Watch on NPF)
  3. Dallas Mountaineers (9-2), defeated Wyoming Area 49-28 (Last week: 5)
    Two surprising losses plus a weak strength of schedule put the Mounts on the road for the semifinals. Plenty of playoff history between them and Valley View. Another chapter in a good rivalry between two of the better programs in the district.
    Next up: at Valley View (9-2) – Friday- (Watch on NPF)
  4. Hazleton Area Cougars (8-3), lost to Freedom 38-0 (Last week: 2)
    Unfortunately, the Cougars had to play their playoff game without QB Tyler Wolfe and that put Hazleton at a major disadvantage. Even though it was an eight-win season, there has to be some disappointment because expectations in the division and subregional were high. They can claim they are the District 2 Class 6A champs.
    Next up: Season complete
  5. Delaware Valley Warriors (6-5), defeated Pittston Area 41-0 (Last week: NR)
    The roller coaster continues for the football team that is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. Dominated in the regular season finale. Dominating in the district semfinal. Warriors with a chance to win their seventh straight district title on Thursday.
    Next up:  at Scranton (8-3) – Friday – (Listen on NPF)
  6. Scranton Knights (8-3), defeated Abington Heights 42-7 (Last week: NR)
    The Knights seem to be back on track after some trip-ups in the second half of the season. They will try to avenge their loss to Delaware Valley a couple weeks ago. The game was tied at halftime so it was close before the Scranton offense disappeared in the second half. That can’t happen this time around.
    Next up: vs. Delaware Valley (6-5) – Friday – (Listen on NPF)







SMALL SCHOOL

  1. Lakeland Chiefs (11-0), defeated Holy Redeemer 69-29 (Last week: 1)
    Lakeland limited their starters and still put up 69 points. It is never easy to beat a team twice in one season but the Chiefs were pretty dominant in the regular season matchup and are a heavy favorite at home this time around.
    Next up: vs. Dunmore (8-3) – Friday – (Listen on NPF)
  2. Western Wayne Wildcats (9-2), defeated Carbondale Area 36-7 (Last week: 2)
    The thorn in the Wildcats side has been Prep for the past several seasons. Now, they get the Cavaliers at home and a chance for redemption. It won’t be easy as Scranton Prep has improvedover the last part of the season. It should be a great game with two very good programs.
    Next up: vs. Scranton Prep (8-3) – Friday
  3. Scranton Prep Cavaliers (8-3), defeated Lake-Lehman 42-7 (Last week: 3)
    Prep has pretty much been king of the hill so it’s their title to defend. They are able to run the ball and that’s what will retain that title. This is a team on a mission after London Montgomery went down to prove they are still a championship team.
    Next up: at Western Wayne (9-2) – Friday
  4. Dunmore Bucks (8-3), defeated Riverside 17-14 (Last week: 4)
    Dunmore will have to play the perfect game this Friday and that may still not be enough. The Bucks running game has been better the second half of the season, but that plays right into Lakeland’s strength up front. What will Dunmore come up with to pull the upset will be interesting.
    Next up: at Lakeland (11-0) – Friday – (Listen on NPF)
  5. Lackawanna Trail Lions (7-4), defeated Old Forge 24-21 OT (Last week: NR)
    The Lions lost the battle but won the war with the overtime win on the road last week. A group of freshmen have led the way as they have matured over the season. Now, Trail will try to go on another state run and don’t doubt what they are capable of doing.
    Next up: vs. Jenkintown (7-4) – Friday – (Listen on NPF)
  6. Old Forge Blue Devils (7-4), lost to Lackawanna Trail (Last week: 5)
    They won their division on a field goal. Then lost the district on a field goal. Definitely a disappointing end to the season for the Blue Devils who have been a regular participant in state football games over the past decade.
    Next up: Season Complete