Here are the rankings after Week 1 powered by Gaughan Auto Store:

BIG SCHOOL

  1. Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack (1-0), defeated Whitehall 27-10 (Last week: 3)
    An impressive opening win over the defending District 11 Class 5A champions. We expected the offense to be pretty good, but it was the defense that was surprising last Friday. Jake Howe has matured and it is evident the way he is running the offense. Lots of weapons for Wilkes-Barre as they will take to the road for the first time.
    Next up: at Stroudsburg (1-0) (Watch on NPF) – Friday
  2. Dallas Mountaineers (0-1), lost to Jersey Shore 28-21 (Last week: 1)
    The Mountaineers found ways to win games in 2023, but it was a different story in Week 1. They had a two touchdown lead in the 2nd half and coudn’t hold on. It was a good litmus test against a tough state opponent so despite the loss, there were lots of good things from the game. However, the running game could be a work in progress as the offensive line develops. This week it should be another good one between two of the best programs in the WVC.
    Next up: at Wyoming Area (1-0) (Watch on NPF) – Friday
  3. Scranton Knights (1-0), defeated Pocono Mountain West 14-7 (Last week: NR)
    Scranton’s defense was outstanding holding their opponent to only 7 points. The offense will be better as the season goes on, but this was good sign that the Knights have potential for 2024. Good chance they will start the season off 2-0
    Next up: vs. Wyoming Valley West (0-1) – Friday
  4. Delaware Valley Warriors (0-1), lost to Lincoln (FL) 35-7 (Last week: 2)
    The Warriors struggled against a Florida team that has won state championships, but we have seen this before struggling out of the gate. It won’t get any easier as they will head to District 4 and play another legit state contender. This will be a better gage on where this young Warriors team is.Next up: at Jersey Shore Next up: at Jersey Shore (1-0) (Listen on NPF) – Friday
  5. Crestwood Comets (0-1), lost to Wyoming Area 28-21 (Last week: 5)
    The Comets had a chance at the end of the game to tie Wyoming Area, but it wasn’t meant to be. They will be tested again this week, but on the road this time. Crestwood will have find more offense than Jaden Shedlock if they are going to compete with the upper tier teams in the area.
    Next up: at Valley View (0-1) (Watch on NPF)  – Friday
  6. North Pocono Trojans (1-0), defeated Nanticoke 46-7 (Last week: NR)
    No surprise the Trojans took care of business Week 1, but this is a good sign considering they were upset Week 1 in 2023. North Pocono will be the favorite in their home opener and a strong to start the season is lined up for them before a brutal second half of their schedule.
    Next up: vs. Pittston Area (0-1) – Friday







SMALL SCHOOL

  1. Scranton Prep Cavaliers (1-0), defeated Valley View 33-0 (Last week: 1)
    The Cavaliers looked like the best team in the area throttling Valley View in Week 1. The Cavaliers moved the ball at will and got stops on defense to pitch a shutout. The Louis Paris-Will McPartland combo behind a huge and powerful offensive line are going to be hard to stop. They will now take the Jesuit tour with two out-of-state opponents.
    Next up: at Loyola Blakesfield (MD)  (0-0) – Saturday
  2. Wyoming Area Warriors (1-0), defeated Crestwood 28-21 (Last week: 2)
    A huge road win over a ranked Crestwood team will go a long way to give the Warriors some fuel early in the season. It was passing game that was highlighted with Anthony DeLucca hooking up with Luke Kopetchny for 248 passing yards. The brutal schedule continues when Wyoming Area hosts another ranked Big School in Week 2.
    Next up: vs. Dallas (0-1) (Watch on NPF) – Friday
  3. Western Wayne Wildcats (1-0), defeated Susquehanna 42-14 (Last week: 3)
    The Wildcats took care of business on Saturday with a very vanilla offense that pounded the football. Now, they welcome a very good team to the Varden Garden in what should be one of the best LFC games of the week. The ground games will rule this one.
    Next up: vs. Lackawanna Trail (1-0) (Listen on NPF) – Friday
  4. Lackawanna Trail Lions (1-0), defeated Tunkhannock 41-7 (Last week: 4)
    Trail found themselves in an early 7-0 deficit before running off 41 unanswered points for an easy win. The Lions find themselves on the road again, but this time against a ranked opponent. The Issac Ryon-Demetrius Douglas combinaton running off the wing looks dangerous for opposing defenses.
    Next up: at Western Wayne (1-0) (Listen on NPF) – Friday
  5. Mid Valley Spartans (1-0), defeated Pittston Area 32-0  (Last week: 6)
    The Spartans defense dominated, the offensive line pounded the opponent and Jakob Lesher scored five touchdowns including two on defense. This game couldn’t have been a better start to the season. Now, they will face another WVC team as Berwick comes to town. Could be the same formula for Mid Valley as the ‘Dawgs struggled on offense Week 1.
    Next up: vs. Berwick (0-1) (Listen on NPF) – Friday
  6. Riverside Vikings (1-0), defeated Dunmore 16-3 (Last week: 5)
    Gotta give an A to the Vikings defense as they did not allow a touchdown in Week 1. However, the offense looked a little off compared to what we usually get from Riverside. They should fine tune it this week on the road in Luzerne County.
    Next up: at Hanover Area (0-1) – Friday