High school football teams across District XI showcased their talent in the opening round of playoffs, with several dominant performances leading to significant victories. Key teams such as Lackawanna Trail and Schuylkill Haven secured their spots in the next round, while others battled intensely for advancement.
Class 1A Highlights
In the Class 1A matchup, top-seeded Lackawanna Trail delivered a commanding performance against fourth-seeded Nativity BVM, winning decisively with a score of 50-6. The standout player was Isaac Ryon, who set a new school record for rushing yards in a season, further solidifying his team’s dominance. With this win, Lackawanna Trail advances to the District 2-11 subregional final.
In another thrilling contest, Tri-Valley emerged victorious over Marian Catholic with a tight score of 3-0. The Bulldogs clinched the District XI championship thanks to Nathan Hillard’s impressive 50-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Tri-Valley will face Lackawanna Trail on Friday, aiming for a place in the state playoffs.
Class 2A Action
Class 2A saw Schuylkill Haven continue its undefeated streak with a remarkable 62-14 victory against Catasauqua. Running back Colton Reber was instrumental, rushing for over 300 yards and scoring six touchdowns. The Hurricanes will host fourth-seeded Northern Lehigh this coming Saturday.
In another first-round clash, Williams Valley defeated Executive Education Charter 42-13, scoring all their points in the first half. The Vikings showcased a strong defensive performance and will next meet Minersville, who edged out Palisades 35-27 thanks to a standout performance from quarterback Dante Carr, who contributed significantly with nearly 300 rushing yards.
Northern Lehigh’s thrilling overtime victory against Palisades, 29-28, marked a heartbreaking end for the Pirates. The Bulldogs will now face the undefeated Schuylkill Haven in the semifinals.
Class 3A and 4A Updates
The top-seeded Notre Dame Green Pond Crusaders began their playoff journey with a dominant victory of 56-6 over Salisbury Township. They will host fifth-seeded Tamaqua, who secured their first District XI playoff win since 2019 with a close victory against Saucon Valley, winning 22-15.
In Class 4A, Southern Lehigh cruised to a decisive 56-0 win against Bangor, leading 42-0 at halftime. The Spartans are set to face Blue Mountain, who triumphed over Lehighton with a score of 42-7.
The district playoffs continue to deliver excitement as teams prepare for their next challenges. With several teams demonstrating exceptional talent and resilience, the upcoming rounds promise to be thrilling for players and fans alike.
