Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.) and the Vinton-Jackson Courier. He's a two-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

HSFB Power Rankings: Introducing the area’s top 10 teams after Week 2

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 2.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Paint Valley’s Cavan Cooper has been magnificent through two weeks this season.
CREDIT: *Marissa Spradlin/SOSA*

Two weeks are officially in the books for the high school season, and there’s quite a bit I’ve learned about some teams this season.

The biggest lesson is that maybe I’ve undervalued a couple of teams. But then again, it’s still only been two weeks. With eight weeks to go, I’ll revisit that subject down the road.

Last week provided the area with some big-time performances and a pair of instant classics, but also provided quite possibly more questions than answers. Isn’t that the beauty of high school football?

Onto Week 3 we go. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.

1. Ironton (2-0)

Previous Ranking: 1 … —

Week 2 Result: 29-26 win over Jackson

Ironton probably has no idea how it survived Jackson, but somehow the Tigers did — after being down two scores at halftime, having no offensive rhythm, and playing with the defense on its heels throughout the first half. But the Tigers simply found a way and came up with one big play after another to steals a victory. Ironton will face another stiff test as it travels to play OVC rival Fairland this week.

2. Jackson (1-1)

Previous Ranking: 2 … —

Week 2 Result: 29-26 loss to Ironton

On the other side of the coin, Jackson’s loss to Ironton is going to sting. That’s two years in a row where the Ironmen probably should have won the game, but that’s how football goes sometimes. Five uncharacteristic turnovers is nearly impossible to overcome. However, I can’t justifiably move them down after dominating the No. 1 team for three quarters. Bring on Tri-Valley.

3. Chillicothe (2-0)

Previous Ranking: 3 … —

Week 2 Result: 27-24 win over London

Friday was a lesson for this Cavalier team about how to keep treading water even when things don’t seem great. Trailing at halftime, they continued to fight and showed guts. Tre King is emerging as the team’s go-to receiver. Also, shoutout to Mike Throne for the second half updates. Division I Westerville North provides a different challenge for the Cavs this week … one that will only make them better in the long run.

4. Wheelersburg (1-1)

Previous Ranking: 4 … —

Week 2 Result: 42-35 win over Archbishop McNicholas in overtime

From scoring three points in Week 1 to putting up 42 in an overtime victory on the road last week. You can’t ask for a better turnaround. Nothing but guts. This is the typical flow for the Pirates — a tough Week 1, an even tougher Week 2, followed by two trips across the state line. First up, a matchup against Russell (Ky.).

5. Fairland (2-0)

Previous Ranking: 7 … +2

Week 2 Result: 47-7 win over Wellston

Survival was not the name of the game for the Dragons. It was simply just to show up and win. They held a quick 28-0 lead and essentially hit cruise control for the remainder of the evening, notching the easy victory. It was a nice tune-up game for what approaches Fairland this week. It could, potentially, be the OVC championship game against Ironton.

6. Washington (1-1)

Previous Ranking: 5 … -1

Week 2 Result: 54-40 loss to Western Brown

If it wasn’t for three costly turnovers, there’s a chance that last week’s game against Western Brown could still be going since both teams scored in a hurry. The fact that both teams put up 40-plus points while both quarterbacks threw for over 300 yards is rather impressive. However, that also leads to more questions on the defensive end. Paint Valley will be a stiff test for the Blue Lions, just like last season.

7. Unioto (2-0)

Previous Ranking: 9 … +2

Week 2 Result: 49-14 win over Amanda-Clearcreek

Dominance was the word of the week for Unioto as it had no trouble at all handling the Aces while piling on 444 yards of total offense. These Shermans are out to prove something, and they additionally forced six turnovers in their win. They’ve been stout against the run, but that will be put to the test this week against Waverly.

8. West (1-1)

Previous Ranking: 10 … +2

Week 2 Result: 34-7 win over Portsmouth

The Senators committed no turnovers, and we got a fair look at how dangerous they could truly be. They piled up over 350 yards of offense, made plays on both sides of the ball and held a Portsmouth offense that put up 35 in one half to seven points throughout four quarters. Now they finally get to break in new turf as Adena comes to town.

9. Paint Valley (1-1)

Previous Ranking: 8 … -1

Week 2 Result: 49-34 loss to West Jefferson

One thing about these Bearcats is that they show a lot of heart and don’t stop grinding, even when they’re slightly overmatched. But that’s what non-conference competition is all about; not playing for an easy win but testing yourself against talented opponents. That trend continues on Friday against Washington.

10. Waverly (2-0)

Previous Ranking: N/A

Week 2 Result: 53-28 win over Johnstown-Monroe

Hello Waverly, and welcome back to Power Rankings. I put Jase Hurd on the 20 Players to Watch last month and he is already looking like a first-team All-Ohioan. He’s already ran for half of his run total from last season … and it’s only been two games. Waverly, as a team, hasn’t missed a beat so far. Let’s see if that continues against Unioto.