Brock Netter, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
Week 1 is in the books and I must say, it feels incredible to finally have the Friday night lights back up and running again.
Action all over the place, unforgettable moments already created and early statements have been made across the SOSA landscape.
As for my picks from last week … well, we don’t need to talk about that. Luckily there’s nine more weeks of football left to turn things around.
It’s that time again, readers. Welcome back to SOSA’s Power Rankings.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
1. Ironton (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 17-14 win over Wheelersburg
Until the Tigers get knocked off, they will remain the top dog in the area. This team is going to progress week by week, which is completely understandable considering the amount of talent within last year’s senior class they are replacing. But gritting out a tough opening win over Wheelersburg is a good start.
2. Logan Elm (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 39-23 win over Zane Trace
No team in the area made a bigger statement than the Braves. Yes, it’s just one game but they showed two things against Zane Trace; they can put up points in a hurry and leave you in the dust and their defense is very opportunistic. 39 points, three turnovers and a victory. Not a bad night’s work.
3. Jackson (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 22-0 win over Logan
Jackson is another team that’s a work in progress. The Ironmen replaced nearly every single starter from last season on both sides of the ball. Yet, they still pitched a shutout against Logan. The biggest winner of the night was easily Jackson kicker Ethan Crabtree, who returned to the field after missing last season with a broken neck. Look for a feature story on him later this week.
4. Unioto (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 21-20 win over Vinton County
Coaches always emphasize the importance of making plays in all three phases of the game. Offense, defense and special teams. It was latter that helped the Shermans walk away victorious after a blocked PAT made the difference. Talk about survival. But that early season physical test could pay dividends later this season.
5. Fairland (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 32-29 win over West
Somehow, someway, the Dragons just find ways to win. Fairland has won three straight games against West, all by a combined five points. It takes guts on the final play of the game, from the 15-yard line, to roll out and take the ball yourself. But that’s exactly what quarterback Peyton Jackson did to win it. Clutch play.
6. Wheelersburg (0-1)
Week 1 Result: 17-14 loss to Ironton
Iron only sharpens iron, and although the Pirates suffered a loss, they got better. Additionally, they haven’t won in Week 1 since 2020. So this is a position they’re somewhat familiar with. The defense still gets the job done when the chips are all on the table. Don’t be surprised if ‘Burg get a second crack at Ironton in the playoffs.
7. Paint Valley (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 35-14 win over Blanchester
Two words: Braylon Robertson. He outscored Blanchester … by himself. This team will go as far as he can run them while new starters continue to get their feet wet. Imagine where the confidence of this team will be if they knock off West Jefferson, who has had the Bearcats’ number recently. This week is a good measuring stick.
8. Minford (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 17-7 win over Rock Hill
It wasn’t a masterpiece, but it was a win. The defense held Rock Hill to just seven points, special teams made a couple big-time plays and the offense rode the back of Jeffery Pica to move the chains. The Falcons have all the potential to shock a few teams this season. But it’s one week at a time. Next up: Chesapeake.
9. West (0-1)
Week 1 Result: 32-29 loss to Fairland
No team went through more of a roller coaster ride than the Senators did in Week 1. They were down 26-14, then scored 15 straight to take a lead, only to suffer the loss on the final play of the game. One thing that was shown, though, is that this group fights and has the resiliency to climb out of any hole. That’s a trait of a good team.
10. Piketon (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 28-22 win over Goshen
Keep an eye on the ‘Streaks. They have all the potential to win eight or more games, and maybe even the SVC for the second time in three years. Scoring 22 straight in a road win over Goshen is a solid way to kick off the season. This offense is only going to get more lethal as the season progresses.
SPONSORED BY MEGAN CARROLL — STATE FARM INSURANCE
