ST MARYS, Pa. – There may be some changes across the District 9 Football League in 2021, but D9 coaches expect some familiarity at the top of each division, based on the D9 Preseason Coaches Poll results.
Coaches submitted their choices for the top two teams in the Big School, Small School North and Small School South Divisions during the annual D9 Football League Media Day Aug. 4. And there were some familiar names at the top of each division.
Reigning District 9 Class 1A Champion Redbank Valley took the top spot in the Small School South Division, with Union-AC Valley picked as the No. 2 team.
The two teams the Bulldogs defeated in the district playoffs last season, Smethport and Coudersport, were tied for No. 1 in the Small School North Division. Port Allegany finished third in the polling.
In the Big School Division, St. Marys garnered the most votes. Ridgway, who had its streak of four straight D9 titles ended last season, took the No. 2 spot.
Heat acclimation week began Monday for all teams across Pennsylvania. Week 1 in District 9 kicks off on Friday, Aug. 27.
D9 Coaches Poll:
Big School Division
1. St. Marys
2. Ridgway
Small School North
1. Coudersport
1. Smethport
3. Port Allegany
Small School South
1. Redbank Valley
2. Union-AC Valley
