2026 District 4 Power Rankings: Preseason Edition
Tagged under: District 4, News, pfn, Rankings
Davin Ridall | August 28, 2026
The 2026 season is upon us, which means its time to make our District 4 rankings! Just to note, these preseason rankings are the only time that all 34 teams will be shown in the rankings. Starting in week 1, the rankings will consist of the teams in the top 10 as well as some honorable mentions. This year’s rankings were very difficult to put together with the amount of teams that lost significant talent. A huge shout out to Ed Weaver who runs Circle W Sports for helping me out with these rankings, I could not have put this whole list together without his help. With all of that said, let’s have a look at where each team stands to begin the season.
Top 10 Teams
#1: Southern Columbia Tigers
2025 Record: 15-1
After a relatively down year for Jim Roth’s group in 2024, Southern Columbia shot right back up to the top in 2025. The Tigers finished with a 15-1 record, en route to their 15th PIAA state title, giving them their rightful spot back atop the District 4 rankings.
Southern Columbia returns much of their talent on both sides of the ball in 2026. On the offensive side, senior Ayden Hockenbroch returns at quarterback after racking up almost 1300 passing yards from last year, along with 17 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Junior Grady Garcia returns at running back and will likely be focal point of the rushing attack after Brayden Andrews’ and Talon Piatt’s graduation. Wide receiver Blaise Kissinger and tight end Jace Malakoski both return for their senior years, both of whom were at the top of Southern Columbia’s receiving yards list at the end of the year. On the defensive side, linebacker Nolan Wittig and defensive tackle Jaden Carter both return for their senior years. These two are both coming off of career high seasons in both tackles and tackles for loss.
It is safe to expect that by the time late November rolls around, Jim Roth will have this group competing for a 16th PIAA state title.
#2: Shamokin Indians
2025 Record: 13-1
2025 marked the second consecutive season that the Shamokin Indians began the year 12-0 and won the District 4 4A championship. However, unlike 2024 where the Indians were upset at home in the first round of the state playoffs by Juniata, last season the Indians lost on the road in the state quarterfinals to the eventual 4A champion Southern Lehigh Spartans.
Shamokin brings back so much of their talent, highlighted of course by senior quarterback and safety Logan Steele. The Wake Forrest commit has been one of the very best playmakers in the entire state the past two seasons, including earning All-State honors on both offense and defense. This will be the fourth and final season with Steele leading the way for the Indians. Their biggest loss offensively was star running back Zakeem Clinton, but they should have a new face highlighting their backfield this season, with senior Noah Ringes expected to lead the way for Shamokin’s rushing attack. Shamokin also brings back veteran pass catchers Colin Steinhart, Brayden Cavanaugh, and Leland O’Connell. On the defensive side, the Indians bring back nine starters from their 2025 defense that gave up just over 13 points per game.
Shamokin has been trying to reach the state title each of the past two seasons, and for this team that has so much senior talent, 2026 very well be do or die time for the Indians.
#3: Jersey Shore Bulldogs
2025 Record: 8-4
The Bulldogs have been the runner up in District 4’s 4A class each of the past three years. For the past two seasons, the only team that has been standing in their way is the Shamokin Indians, in fact they’ve lost their last four matchups against them, two of those being the district title game.
Jersey Shore has a lot of talent returning this season both offensively and defensively. Quarterback Nolen Pauling returns for his junior season after accounting for almost 2,500 total yards and 27 touchdowns last season. Running back Kash Herritt also returns for his junior season, who should take over the rushing attack for the Bulldogs after the graduation of Bo Sechrist. They also bring back most of their offensive line, as well as wide receivers Carter Rhinehart and Connor Winters. The defense features many returning juniors as well as senior defensive end Zeke Sechrist who is coming off of an injury riddled 2025 season.
Jersey Shore is still without a doubt one of the top contenders in all of the 4A class, they just have to figure out how to overcome their kryptonite, the Shamokin Indians.
#4: Mifflinburg Wildcats
2025 Record: 10-3
The Wildcats won their first district title in school history last year, beating Montoursville 35-12. On their way to competing for a state title, their hopes were crushed by Scranton Prep in the first round, losing 28-21.
Mifflinburg’s two biggest losses come in the form of All-State quarterback Chad Martin, and All-State quarterback Landen Murray, two of the very best players in the entirety of the 3A class. While replacing those two will, be a major challenge, the Wildcats have plenty of talent returning elsewhere. Wide receivers Hayden Showalter, Grady Brubaker, and Jackson Marr all return to help fill the hole left by Murray. Mifflinburg also brings back Brady Threet and Luke Brubaker at tight end, both of whom played massive roles in the offense last season. On defense, the Wildcats bring back two of the best players in the state at their respective positions, All-State nose guard Landon Tucker, and linebacker Landon Moser. Jackson Marr and Brady Threet should also be key parts of the defense thanks to their experience from last season.
The Wildcats may look a lot different this season, however they are still one of the strongest contenders in District 4’s 3A class.
#5: Athens Wildcats
2025 Record: 9-2
Athens had an incredibly successful season in 2025, finishing 9-1 in the regular season. However, injuries and a suspension to their quarterback costed them a real chance to compete for the 4A district title.
The Wildcats are the only team in this year’s top 10 that is playing in a different class, as they moved from 4A down to 3A. Along with that, Athens also returns much of their starting cast from last season. Quarterback Connor Davidson returns for his senior season after a two game suspension kept him out of week 1o and their first round matchup with Jersey Shore last season. Davidson was the leader of one of the more prolific passing attacks in the district last year, throwing for over 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns last year. They also return much of their offensive line, as well as senior running back Brendan Cooke, who should be the focal point in their backfield. On the defensive side, Athens returns a lot of senior leadership with players like Brady Flynn, Dominic Robbins, and Lucas Persun.
If Athens is able to stay healthy down the stretch of the season, this team has a very real shot of competing for the district title and possibly even more.
#6: Montoursville Warriors
2025 Record: 9-3
The Warriors had one of their best seasons in recent memory in 2025, going 8-2 in the regular season and making it to the District 4 title game before falling to Mifflinburg. The Wildcats accounted for two of Montoursville’s three losses last season, with the only other loss coming from Southern Columbia.
Montoursville’s biggest loss on offense comes in the form of running back Christian Banks, who graduated last season and committed to Lock Haven. Banks was the top rusher in one of the district’s best rushing attacks, racking up over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025. Aside from Banks, the Warriors bring back a large chunk of their offense, highlighted by junior quarterback Eli Eck, and senior running back Hayden Harvey, who was the team’s RB2 last year. They also bring two of the team’s top pass catchers, Jay Houseknecht and Brayden Burkett. The Warriors’ biggest losses come on defense, losing players like Kingston Fisher, Noah Rakestraw, and Kane Moore. Five of Montoursville’s six tackle leaders in 2025 were seniors, so replacing them will be a huge priority.
The Warriors are arguably the favorites to win District 4’s 3A class, but they have a lot of talent to replace on the defensive side of the ball, as well as an extremely tough first three games with Troy, Jersey Shore, and Southern Columbia.
#7: Montgomery Red Raiders
2025 Record: 10-2
Last season was Montgomery’s first season under head coach Joel Knoebel, and in his first year with the team he led the Red Raiders to a 10-2 record, their first 10 win season since 1987. Montgomery’s season came to an end in the district title game against Line Mountain where they lost in a slugfest by only six points.
The Red Raiders return much of their offense from 2025, including running backs Josh Knoebel, Trace Furman, and Lincoln Miller, all of whom combined for over 2,700 rushing yards last season, with Josh and Trace both rushing for over 1,000. They also bring back three starting offensive lineman who were crucial to their rushing attack. Montgomery’s biggest question mark in 2026 will be replacing dual threat quarterback Parker Persing, who was also the team’s third leading rusher. On the defensive side, the Red Raiders bring back almost their entire defense, losing only defensive lineman Mason Bryson and defensive back Austin Luckenbil.
Heading into 2026, Montgomery is the favorite to win the district title in the 1A class, which is something they haven’t done in their school’s history. This season is shaping up to be a very special one for the Red Raiders.
#8: Troy Trojans
2025 Record: 11-2
Troy’s season came to a disappointing end last season, after being ranked number one all season, they fell to Southern Columbia 42-0 in the district title game, ending their hopes of repeating as state champions.
The Trojans will have a lot to replace on the offensive side of the ball, which is why they are ranked so low after being at the top all year in 2025. Troy has to replace both of their top two in Brendan Gilliland and Kael Millard, along with starting quarterback Mason Smith who also rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2025 and accounted for 38 total touchdowns. They also will need to replace three offensive lineman in Camden Coyle, Christian Pazzaglia, and Evan Slater. Most of Troy’s defense returns in 2026, including the team leader in tackles for loss Jayden Kutt, and their interception leaders Spencer Martin and Logan Heasley.
Troy’s defense will likely still be one of the best units in the district like it was a year ago, but their offense has a lot to prove in 2026 if they want to compete with the best of the 2A class.
#9: Bloomsburg Panthers
2025 Record: 9-3
The Panthers had an outstanding season in 2025, winning nine games which included a playoff win over Loyalsock. The last time Bloomsburg won a playoff game was in 2015, and the last time they won nine or more games in a season was 2011.
Bloomsburg’s biggest loss comes in the form of All State dual threat quarterback Wyatt Brosious, who was second in the district in passing yards and third in the district among quarterbacks in rushing yards. Replacing him will be priority number one for this team in 2026. They do still bring back some very talented players like wide receiver Julius Serrano, tight end Shane Frey, and running back Jharee Moore-Stewart. On the defensive side, linebacker Zane Thomas returns, who was the team leader in tackles in 2025, as well as previously mentioned Shane Frey who was second on the team in tackles. Linebacker Wyatt Schrader also returns for the Panthers’ defensive unit that only allowed 20.5 points per game last season.
The Panthers are heading in the right direction, however with how their season ended in 2o25, it’s clear that they still have some work to do to compete with the very best in the 2A class.
#10: Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes
2025 Record: 5-6
Mount Carmel’s biggest problem in 2025 was how slow their season started, beginning 1-4 with losses to North Schuylkill, Mifflinburg, Southern Columbia, and Montoursville. They found their stride at the end of the year, winning four straight games before losing to Shamokin and Montoursville by a combined six points.
The Red Tornadoes bring back some very talented athletes on both sides of the ball. Offensively they bring back All State wide reciever Jaylen Delaney, tight end Max Karycki, and running back Cooper Karycki. They will need to fill the hole left by quarterback Gavin Marshalek who graduated and committed to Gettysburg College this past year. Mount Carmel does also lose Michael Kimsal, who was one of their best running backs and best line backers from last season. They return most of their defense in 2026, including defensive tackle Max Karycki who has made All State each of the past three seasons, as well as linebacker Jason Klokis who was second on the team in tackles and tackles for loss, only behind Max Karycki.
Mount Carmel is going to be put to the test early on this season, with matchups against Schuylkill Haven and North Schuylkill in the first four weeks of the season, so finding their footing early on is going to be important for this team.
First 5 Teams Out
#11: Line Mountain Eagles
2025 Record: 11-1
The Eagles had their best season in over a decade in 2025, earning a perfect regular season and a District 4 title, with their season coming to a close in the first round of the state playoffs against Lackawanna Trail. It’s going to be a lot more difficult for Line Mountain to repeat the success they had last season after losing so many key pieces. They will have to reload their passing game after losing star quarterback Kaiden Maurer and receivers Dalton Schadel and Bryce Smeltz. They also lose three of their starting offensive lineman from last season. This will be a very different squad than we saw last year, and they will have much to prove in 2026.
#12: Warrior Run Defenders
2025 Record: 10-2
Derrick Zechman has built a winning culture in Warrior Run, which was extremely prevalent last year as the Defenders went 10-2 with their season coming to an end at the hands of Troy. In fact, in 2024, Zechman brought the Defenders to the district title game before losing to that same Troy team. In 2026, the Defenders will have some key players that will need to be replaced such as James Keifer, Cohen Zechman, and Tyler Ulrich. They do have plenty of senior talent returning, with a total of eight senior starters coming back this season. Warrior Run had one of the most balanced offenses in the district in 2025, so their biggest question mark heading into this season is who will be taking over at quarterback after Keifer’s graduation.
#13: Loyalsock Lancers
2025 Record: 5-6
The Lancers finished 5-5 in the regular season before losing to Bloomsburg in the class 2A playoffs who they had beaten earlier in the season. This year, Loyalsock will be competing in the 3A class, so the postseason will look quite different for them than it has in years past. The Lancers have one of the more talented rosters in the 3A class, however they will have to replace a few key playmakers such as Danny Dowell and Jalil Coates, who were vital pieces of the team in 2025. Loyalsock should benefit from a favorable schedule early on, as they won’t have to face teams like Southern Columbia and Shamokin who gave them significant trouble last season.
#14: Danville Ironmen
2025 Record: 4-7
Danville had a very talented team last year, much more talented than what their record and the box score would tell you, the problem was their inconsistency at the quarterback position after the graduation of Madden Patrick. For most of the season, senior wideout Carter Raup taking the reps at quarterback. In 2026, the Ironmen will have to replace many of their offensive skill positions after graduating players like Carter Raup, Kole Harvey, and Landon Kehoe. The Ironmen are also under new leadership entering this season, with defensive coordinator Shawn Sheptock taking over at head coach after the departure of Carl Majer.
#15: Williamsport Millionaires
2025 Record: 6-6
Williamsport probably the most interesting team to rank in District 4, considering that they are the only 6A team in the district, meaning that come playoff time they play in the District 2 playoff bracket. The Millionaires play all the same opponents that they did last season, where they went 5-5 in the regular season, going 1-3 against their District 4 opponents, losing to Jersey Shore, Shamokin, and Shikellamy, while beating Selinsgrove. Williamsport returns a large chunk of their starters from 2025, however they will have to adjust to the arrival of head coach Kevin Brown who takes over for Mike Pearson.
Everyone Else
#16: Milton Panthers
2025 Record: 3-7
#17: Wellsboro Hornets
2025 Record: 6-5
#18: South Williamsport Mountaineers
2025 Record: 6-5
#19: Shikellamy Braves
2025 Record: 5-6
#20: Muncy Indians
2025 Record: 5-6
#21: Towanda Black Knights
2025 Record: 3-7
#22: Canton Warriors
2025 Record: 2-8
#23: Hughesville Spartans
2025 Record: 4-6
#24: Cowansque Valley Indians
2025 Record: 5-6
#25: North Penn-Mansfield Panthers
2025 Record: 4-6
#26: Lewisburg Green Dragons
2025 Record: 2-8
#27: Selinsgrove Seals
2025 Record: 1-9
#28: Midd-West Mustangs
2025 Record: 2-8
#29: Wyalusing Rams
2025 Record: 2-8
#30: Bucktail Bucks
2025 Record: 1-9
#31: Columbia Montour Vo-Tech Rams
2025 Record: 4-6
#32: Central Columbia Blue Jays
2025 Record: 0-10
#33: Northwest Area Rangers
2025 Record: 2-8
#34: Sayre Redskins
2025 Record: 0-10
