Week 9 games shape newest top 10 without Los Fresnos

Big games with major district implications during Week 9 have shaped the latest Valley Freedom Newspapers’ top 10 poll.

Harlingen High (9-0), which has been No. 1 since the preseason, continued its stronghold on the position after blistering previously third-ranked and undefeated PSJA North 42-14 on Friday night at PSJA Stadium.

The Cardinals own all first place votes from the five district beat writers across the Rio Grande Valley.

Sharyland (9-0) had a big performance of its own in a win over McAllen Memorial to keep a firm grip on the No. 2 spot.

Brownsville Hanna (8-1), which won its eighth consecutive game since losing in the opening week of the season to Sharyland, took down Los Fresnos in a key District 32-5A matchup and moved up to No. 3 in the process.

Mission High (8-1), which defeated Weslaco East in a key 32-4A battle, moved up to No. 4.

Lyford (9-0), coming off a win over Rio Hondo, rounds out the top five.

PSJA North (8-1) dropped to No. 6 followed by Mercedes (6-3) at No. 7.

No. 8 Brownsville Pace (7-2) and No. 9 McAllen High (7-2) each made their return to the top 10.

East (7-2), which has lost two straight, fell to No. 10 in the poll.

Los Fresnos (7-3) dropped out of the poll, receiving just 3 voter points.

VALLEY TOP 10

The following is the top 10 teams in Valley Freedom Newspapers’ high school football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, total points based on 10 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote and previous ranking. The five district football beat writers from across the Valley vote in the poll each Monday.

                                    Record       Pts     Prvs

1. Harlingen High (5)            9-0        50          1

2. Sharyalnd                        9-0        45          2

3. Brownsville Hanna            8-1        39          4

4. Mission High                     8-1        32          6

5. Lyford                              9-0        28          5

6. PSJA North                      8-1        26          3

7. Mercedes                         6-3        21          8

8. Brownsville Pace               7-2        14       NR

9. McAllen High                    7-2        11       NR

10. Weslaco East                 7-2          4          9

Also Receiving Points: Los Fresnos 3, Edinburg North 1, McAllen Memorial 1.