Before the high school football season kicks off on Friday night, the Republican Herald Sports Staff ranked the top teams in Schuylkill County.
1. Schuylkill Haven
2025 Record: 12-1 (9-0)
Week 1 Opponent: at Mount Carmel
Schuylkill Haven completed an undefeated regular season last fall and return several key pieces including running back Colton Reber, who rushed for nearly 2,900 yards last season and 38 touchdowns. This fall the Hurricanes will look to win their first District XI championship since 2018.
2. Blue Mountain
2025 Record: 7-5 (6-3)
Week 1 Opponent: vs Jim Thorpe
Blue Mountain will look to build on a District 11 Class 4A semifinal appearance last season in coach Chuck Kutz’s second year at the helm. Senior wide receiver Chase Guers, a West Virginia commit, leads the offense while junior quarterback Cohen Kirby leads the way under center for a senior led offense.
3. Williams Valley
2025 Record: 12-2 (8-1)
Week 1 Opponent: at Upper Dauphin Area
After winning three-straight District 11 Class AA championships, Williams Valley will be playing Class A football this fall. Forrmer Pine Grove coach and Schuylkill Haven defensive coordinator Frank Gaffney leads the program into a new era while the Vikings also will have to replace one of the Schuylkill League’s most prolific quarterbacks in Brady Shomper.
4. Tri-Valley
2025 Record: 7-5 (5-4)
Week 1 Opponent: vs Line Mountain
Tri-Valley seeks a fourth consecutive District 11 Class A Championship title after defeating Marian Catholic 3-0 in last year’s title bout. Another set of veteran leaders pace the way for the Bulldogs, particularly in the backfield and on the defensive line.
5. North Schuylkill
2025 Record: 8-4 (6-3)
Week 1 Opponent: at Jersey Shore
Joe Tomtishen takes over the North Schuylkill program while also guiding the program into Class 4A. The Spartans will replace an all-time great in running back Luke Miller but have the pieces and talent to be one of the Schuylkill League’s top programs this fall.
6. Minersville
2025 Record: 9-3 (7-2)
Week 1 Opponent: vs Halifax
Minersville enters the season with a much different team from last season led by first-year senior quarterback Derek Derenzo as well as John Lutsky and Omir Ballard in the backfield. Jordan Bowers and Camden Rogers will be threats in the outside passing game for Derenzo.
7. Marian Catholic
2025 Record: 7-4 (6-3)
Week 1 Opponent: vs Palmerton
One of the league’s most consistent programs, the Colts are always going to be competitive and they plan to be once again this fall. Star running back Rory Dixon is back for his senior season after rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons. The Colts will also look for quarterback Gregory Tirpak to take the next step in 2026.
8. Pottsville
2025 Record: 3-9 (2-6)
Week 1 Opponent: vs Shamokin
Pottsville is looking to build on just a 3-8 finish last season after reaching the district semifinals two years ago. The Crimson Tide are now led by by senior quarterback Andrew Allen as well as senior wide receivers Max Clews and Shay Strencosky.
Just Missed: Tamaqua
2025 Record: 4-8 (2-6)
Week 1 Opponent: at Lehighton
The Blue Raiders are trending upward as they look to build on their 2025 season.
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