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 4

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 4.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Coal Grove’s Chase Hall has helped his Hornets start 4-0.
CREDIT: *Tim Gearhart*

Last weekend was sort of weird for me.

It marked the first Football Friday Night since I started covering games back in 2012 that I missed a night under the lights. And of course, that meant missing Western Brown against Jackson and what an instant classic that turned out to be.

But at least I missed it for a good reason since I saw my childhood best friend get married to his high school sweetheart, so it was worth it.

It was a great weekend to be a part of, but now it’s back to the grind.

Bring on Week 5. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.

1. Ironton (4-0)

Last Week: 1 … —

Week 4 Result: 32-21 win over Johnson Central (Ky.)

Let’s hope the Ironton Classic sticks around for a few years because that is top-notch football. Some of the best teams from all around the country invaded Southern Ohio to battle other great programs. In Ironton’s case, the Tigers knocked off Johnson Central (Ky.), which was coming off a state championship appearance. That’s a really nice feather in the cap. Back to OVC play this week.

2. Wheelersburg (3-1)

Last Week: 2 .. —

Week 4 Result: 49-7 win over Ashland Blazer (Ky.)

That was much more one-sided than anyone could have predicted. These Pirates have something special they’re cooking up, and all phases are performing at a near elite level. It’s hard to not think about the potential of this team long-term, but that’s weeks away. This week comes a tough matchup against Jackson, one the Pirates dropped last season in overtime.

3. Chillicothe (3-1)

Last Week: 3 … —

Week 4 Result: 42-12 win over Waverly

There was never really a doubt for the Cavaliers, who steamrolled past Waverly and dominated on both sides of the ball. They have found a perfect balance of running and passing offensively, while possessing a top-notch defense capable of getting one stop after another. Also, Maxwell Lee is getting the job done on both sides of the ball. That recipe should continue this week against Logan.

4. Jackson (2-2)

Last Week: 4 … —

Week 4 Result: 41-35 win over Western Brown

No team in the area needed a win last week more than Jackson, and it unloaded the offense chamber in a shootout victory over the Broncos, racking up 542 yards of total offense in the process. Its season is right back on track, and it couldn’t have happened at a better moment. Imagine what a road victory over a surging Wheelersburg team would do. What a clash this will be.

5. Washington (3-1)

Last Week: 5 … —

Week 4 Result: 42-0 win over Minford

Three straight weeks of scoring 40 or more points, and now back-to-back weeks of pitching a shutout. Once again, this Blue Lion team is loaded and dangerous. But more importantly, they rarely turn the ball over. So good luck stopping them as they can get up and down the field in a hurry. St. Charles will be an interesting challenge this week.

6. Unioto (4-0)

Last Week: 6 … —

Week 4 Result: 48-8 win over Huntington

Well, there was no controversy this time over who won. It was all Shermans, though they did start off incredibly slow before putting things into full gear and running away with the win. Three straight weeks of scoring 40 or more points as well, and the team’s first 4-0 start since the turn of the century. So far, so good. Now for a road test against Piketon.

7. Fairland (3-1)

Last Week: 7 … —

Week 4 Result: 41-16 win over Trimble

It didn’t need to be a five-star masterpiece or anything like that. The Dragons simply just got back to the basics and earned a relatively easy victory over Trimble to put a little wind back in their sails. They still have a ton to play for, despite the OVC for now being out of their grasp. But the competition continues with a road trip to Rock Hill.

8. West (3-1)

Last Week: 8 … —

Week 4 Result: 49-7 win over Wellston

The Senators had one job, which was to give the ball to Ryan Sissel and let him work. It was a simple game plan that worked to perfection as the touted back eclipsed the 200-yard mark and scored four times. This team continues to build confidence and they’re going to be a real problem for teams. KIPP Columbus pays the West side a visit this week. Keep an eye on this one.

9. Zane Trace (4-0)

Last Week: 9 … —

Week 4 Result: 38-20 win over Piketon

Piketon ran more plays, committed fewer penalties, had more first downs and had more ball possession. Yet, it didn’t matter since Zane Trace ran for 333 yards and found the end zone more, which is ultimately what matters. This team hits hard defensively, and then hits some more offensively. Huntington awaits the Pioneers next.

10. Coal Grove (4-0)

Last Week: N/A

Week 4 Result: 53-12 win over Wellston

Hello Coal Grove, and welcome to Power Rankings. It may be the Chase Hall show, but no need to fix something that isn’t broken. His numbers are absolutely ridiculous, but definitely not fabricated either. This team is averaging over 45 points per game, and no one has figured out how to stop it yet. Let’s see how Chesapeake holds up.