SOSA Staff
If there’s one thing we can’t stand more than rain, it’s lightning on a football Friday. It messes things up, timings are off and games are delayed.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
But some of the delays were completely worth how last week’s games ended. You know what we’re talking about.
During the first three-to-four weeks of a football season, the experienced team typically wins. It takes time for a collection of talent to come together and find that chemistry.
Week 3 is here, unfortunately so is COVID — rolls eyes — and although some games have been changed, football is still going on. So remember, please make smart decisions.
Here are this week’s SOSA Power Rankings:
1. Ironton (2-0)
Previous ranking: 1 … —
Week 2 result: 13-10 win over Jackson
A moment that will forever live in Ironton folklore … Ty Perkins, open seam, burst of speed, 72 yards. Game-winner. No. 2 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 on Saturday morning. Well worth the wait for those who stayed around. Every great team has a little bit of luck fall their way, and Friday was the Tigers’ rabbit foot. Now they’ll matchup against Fairland before a statewide showdown against Cincinnati Moeller.
2. Jackson (1-1)
Previous ranking: 2 … —
Week 2 result: 13-10 loss to Ironton
An argument could be made that Jackson could be No. 1 after how it looked on Friday. The Ironmen outgained Ironton 205-175 and roughly outplayed the Tigers in every facet of the game. The Ironmen showed that they indeed are the real deal and ready for their moment in the spotlight. Now they’ll get to exercise some demons from last season on Friday against Tri-Valley.
3. Waverly (2-0)
Previous ranking: 3 … —
Week 2 result: 42-14 win over Johnstown-Monroe
It’s confirmed — there will be no drop off for Waverly this season. The Tigers found a second and third gear most teams could only dream of having, putting up 28 unanswered in its win last week. What’s even more impressive is they did all of that with zero rushing yards in the first half. Unreal. Onto Unioto. Be sure to watch SOSA’s livestream of the game as well if you can’t attend.
4. Piketon (2-0)
Previous ranking: 7 … +3
Week 2 result: 43-13 win over Wellston
This Piketon team just might be the real deal. Its experienced, explosive and motivated. How else do you explain scoring 22 points on your first seven offensive plays? The Redstreaks have big-play ability and two stud receivers in Camren Loar and Johnny Burton to pair with Levi Gullion. It could be the year the Redstreaks have been waiting on since 1998.
5. Paint Valley (1-1)
Previous ranking: 4 … -1
Week 2 result: Lost to West Jefferson, 41-6
Friday didn’t exactly go as hoped for the Bearcats, but it was a huge learning lesson as far as what they’d like to go up against — West Jefferson is one of the top teams inside of Division VI. A rematch could happen later down the line in the playoffs, but let’s not jump that far ahead. PV still possesses a ton of talent, and will right the ship. A matchup against a tough Washington team with talent on the outside will be tricky though.
6. Wheelersburg (1-1)
Previous ranking: 5 … -1
Week 2 result: 26-3 win over Chillicothe
The Pirates still have some things to figure out offensively, but it sure helps to have a defense that can get one stop after another. Last week’s score with Chillicothe remained close until the Pirates poured on 19 points in the fourth quarter for the win behind 109 rushing yards from Ethan Glover.
7. Vinton County (2-0)
Previous ranking: 8 … +1
Week 2 result: 20-0 win over Crookskville
The Vikings’ defense has forced eight turnovers already this season. You couldn’t ask for a much better start to the year than that. VC had little trouble with Crooksville, and rode the legs of Zayne Karr to the tune of 162 yards and a shutout victory. First 2-0 start since 2013. Now awaits the Vikings’ first road test on Friday at Zane Trace.
8. Amanda-Clearcreek (2-0)
Previous ranking: N/A
Week 2 result: 30-3 win over Unioto
Everyone, welcome Amanda-Clearcreek to the party. And in case you haven’t heard of the name Tayvon Miller, get used to reading it. He was the engine that made the Aces go as he racked up 194 yards of total offense and found the end zone three times in the program’s 400th victory — a drubbing of Unioto. The Aces now await a St. Charles team that has scored a grand total of six points on the season. 3-0 could be on the horizon.
9. Portsmouth (2-0)
Previous ranking: 10 … +1
Week 2 result: 34-7 win over West
This group of Trojans loves to hit. And when their back is against the wall, they swing and hit even harder. They took the fight to West and the defense forced six turnovers in a blowout victory. They play with an edge, the same way some of the old Portsmouth teams used to. They also admit they need more consistency on the offensive side, so maybe Deer Park will be the start of finding that rhythm.
10. Circleville (2-0)
Previous ranking: N/A
Week 2 result: 39-8 win over Southeastern
Ladies and gentleman, can we please give a round of applause for the Tigers? This program had won just one game since 2018. And now the first 2-0 start since 2015? It may seem small, but it’s a huge accomplishment for the program. It’ll face its first road test on Friday, traveling to play at Heath and hoping for its first road win since 2017.
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