Here are the rankings after Week 4 powered by Gaughan Auto Store:
BIG SCHOOL
- Dallas Mountaineers (4-0), defeated West Scranton 56-20 (Last week: 2)
The Mountaineers went old school back to a Saturday afternoon home game because of a threat Friday night and they just kept rolling. The offense has been unstoppable so far in 2023 and the defense keeps getting better. Mounts head to a stretch of three straight division games.
Next up: at Wyoming Valley West (1-3) – Friday - Valley View Cougars (4-0), defeated North Pocono 14-7 (Last week: 3)
Mistakes piled up last Friday with three turnovers and multiple penalties, but the Cougars defense came up big and helped Valley View escape with a division win. Even with the issues, the offense moved the ball with over 300 yards of offense for the fourth straight game.
Next up: vs. Pittston Area (2-2) (Watch on NPF) – Friday - Wyoming Area Warriors (4-0), defeated Nanticoke 35-13 (Last week: 4)
It was workman-like victory for the Warriors who are trying to get more players involved with the offense. The passing game is evolving which will help in the second half of the season. Wyoming Area is very strong in the trenches and that has helped them get to this point unbeaten.
Next up: at Hanover Area (1-3) (Listen on NPF) – Friday - Abington Heights Comets (3-1), defeated Western Wayne 34-14 (Last week: 5)
The offense continues to excel and the Comets have seen their defense start to gel. They have one of the best passing games in the area with two big wide receivers that are hard to cover. Abington begins league play this week in a good place to compete for a division title.
Next up: at Wallenpaupack (2-2) – Friday - Scranton Knights (3-1), lost to Scranton Prep 34-0 (Last week: 1)
The Knights were doomed from the beginning last Friday giving up the opening kickoff for a touchdown. More worrisome was the inability to move the ball. They will have to turn things around quickly with another physical defense coming to town.
Next up: vs. North Pocono (2-2) (Listen on NPF) – Friday - Delaware Valley Warriors (1-3), defeated Wallenpaupack 41-14 (Last week: NR)
The Warriors come back to District 2 and get in the win column. The offensive line took over as DV was able to run at will. Game of the Year coming up this week where Delaware Valley can take their spot on top of the division.
Next up: at Scranton Prep (4-0) (Listen on NPF) – Saturday
SMALL SCHOOL
- Scranton Prep Cavaliers (4-0), defeated Scranton 34-0 (Last week: 1)
Total domination by the Cavaliers who might be the best team in the area – big or small school. They have not been tested yet although the game that might decide the division is coming up. Prep has so many weapons on offense and the speed is evident. We will find out Saturday if they are king of the hill.
Next up: vs. Delaware Valley (1-3) (Listen on NPF) – Saturday - Lackawanna Trail Lions (4-0), defeated Honesdale 39-13 (Last week: 2)
The Lions continue to beat teams with multiple players involved. They don’t rely on one player to carry them and that creates headaches for the opposing defenses. This week, they will find out where they really stand playing a ranked team for the first time this season.
Next up: at Dunmore (3-1) (Watch on NPF) – Friday - Dunmore Bucks (3-1), defeated Riverside 20-15 (Last week: 3)
The Bucks escaped with a road victory in a game that could end up being a rematch in the district playoffs. Dunmore seems to find a way each week to come up with big plays to get themselves wins. Another tough matchup this week, but games like this will only help them once they get into division play.
Next up: vs. Lackawanna Trail (4-0) (Watch on NPF) – Friday - Western Wayne Wildcats (2-2), lost to Abington Heights 34-14 (Last week: 4)
Western Wayne’s defense had problems getting off the field on Saturday and the running game sputtered. However, it was only a one score game near half when a special teams play that turned the tide against them. The offense will be fine, especially with WR Sean Owens getting back to 100%
Next up: vs. Carbondale (1-3) – Friday - Mid Valley Spartans (3-1), defeated Old Forge 41-14 (Last week: 5)
Mid Valley broke a 6-game losing streak to Old Forge so they are in a good place right now. They will have a tough matchup at home and can’t look ahead to a division showdown in Week 6. The Spartans have playmakers and must keep them healthy to keep rolling.
Next up: vs. Susquehanna (3-1) – Friday - Riverside Vikings (2-2), lost to Dunmore 20-15 (Last week: 6)
The defense played well, but gave up one drive at the end of the game that ended up putting the Vikings in the loss column. Good news was QB Chase Taddonio returned which will allow the offense to do the things they planned on doing in 2023. They will play an inter-district game before heading into division play.
Next up: vs. Mahanoy Area (1-3) – Friday
