Photo: Stanley Jaworski
Here are the scenarios heading into Week 10 for the District 2 playoffs. Because of the complicated power rating formula, this article contains NPF’s educated guess on how everything will play out. Power ratings are based on your wins and who you beat and also who your opponents play and who they play. Official pairings will be available next Saturday.
Class 6A Subregional
All four teams make the postseason, but the final standings are still very much in question. The top three teams – Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Scranton – are all 5-4 and could shift around depending on how the power ratings end up. What we can say is Williamsport will be the No. 4 seed if they lose to Wilkes-Barre. Both Hazleton and Scranton are underdogs in their Week 10 game, but are close enough that either one could move.
Defending Champion: Wilkes-Barre
Projected seedings:
1. Wilkes-Barre
2. Hazleton
3. Scranton
4. Williamsport
Class 5A
Abington Heights moved to the top of the power rankings, but that could flip back this week. Both the Comets and Delaware Valley are favorites at home to win. So then it will come to the ratings. Could go either way. We do know Pittston Area will be the No. 3 seed. The No. 4 seed will be either West Scranton or Wyoming Valley West who are both 0-9. They have been flip-flopping all season long, but the Spartans currently hold that four spot.
Defending Champion: Delaware Valley
Projected seedings:
1. Abington Heights
2. Delaware Valley
3. Pittston Area
4. West Scranton
Class 4A
We know Valley View is No. 1 and Dallas is No. 2. If Wallenpaupack, who will be an underdog, wins on Friday and Honesdale, who will be a favorite, wins, they are most likely to earn those last two spots. Crestwood is on the outside right now, but they are a favorite to win on Friday and would move up if the Buckhorns or Hornets stumble. If all three teams win, the Comets could still jump in, but it would come down to the math of the power ratings. North Pocono still has a mathematical shot, but they would have to beat Scranton Prep.
Defending Champion: Dallas
Projected seedings:
1. Valley View
2. Dallas
3. Honesdale
4. Crestwood
Class 3A
Prep moved into the No. 1 spot this week and will almost definitely stay there. Western Wayne fell to the No. 2 spot and they will probably remain there as well. Wyoming Area is locked in at no worse than the No. 3 seed. All three are favorites to win their regular season finales. With their big win last Friday, Mid Valley solidified their standing at No. 4 and are favored to win this week. That would give the Spartans a home game in the quarterfinals. Lake-Lehman will be the No. 5 seed unless they beat Dallas and Mid Valley loses. Carbondale and Berwick are currently No. 5 and No. 6 although they could flip flop with a Bulldogs win and Chargers loss. Tunkhannock has the inside track to the No. 8 spot although Hanover Area could mathematically jump into last spot with a win and Tigers’ loss, it is unlikely.
Defending Champion: Scranton Prep
Projected seedings:
1. Scranton Prep
2. Western Wayne
3. Wyoming Area
4. Mid Valley
5. Lake-Lehman
6. Carbondale
7. Berwick
8. Tunkhannock
Class 2A
All four spots are clinched. We know Riverside will be No. 1. Susquehanna will secure the No. 2 spot with a win on Friday. Dunmore and Lakeland are both underdogs this week so they should stay where they are at No. 3 and No. 4.
Defending Champion: Dunmore
Projected Seedings:
1. Riverside
2. Susquehanna
3. Dunmore
4. Lakeland
Class 1A Subregional
Lackawanna Trail has clinched the No. 1 seed. A lot would have to happen to for Nativity or Tri-Valley to get knocked out of the No. 2 and 3 spots. Old Forge has to win on Friday to have a chance and need a Marian Catholic loss.
Defending Champion: None (This subregional is new for this cycle)
1. Lackawanna Trail
2. Nativity
3. Tri-Valley
4. Marian Catholic
