Brock Netter, Editor
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.
There was all over the place last Friday, unforgettable moments already created, and early statements made across SOSA’s 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.
After one week of play, welcome back to SOSA’s Power Rankings.
10. Zane Trace (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 48-0 win over Logan Elm
That’s one way to score revenge. The Pioneers’ defense forced seven turnovers. Seven. That’s almost unheard of in a single game, but two picks and five fumble recoveries mean the math is mathing. The offense ran 33 total plays and scored on every fifth play, led by 160 yards and four touchdowns from Brice Johnson. Eye-popping numbers across the board.
9. Athens (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 41-0 win over Logan
Replacing over 15 starters is never an easy task, but Athens sure made it look like one. Anthony Sutton ran for 232 yards and three scores, Daniel Heightland threw for three touchdowns and the Bulldogs looked as dominant as they were last season. Is it possible this team is as formidable as last fall? Very, with performances like Friday’s.
8. Nelsonville-York (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 34-8 win over Trimble
The reigning TVC champions picked up where they left off last season. Austin Gautier ran all over the Tomcats’ defense, NY’s defense forced a pair of turnovers and got revenge from last season’s letdown. After Logan got shutout in Week 1, the Buckeyes are licking their chops just waiting for Friday.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
7. Piketon (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 42-19 win over Northwest
Piketon has never had any fear of throwing the ball, and with a three-year starter under center, there’s no reason to, either. It’s just the weapon they need. And, quarterback Luke Gullion runs the ball pretty well also — as shown last Thursday. This senior class is loaded with experience and looks on paper to be one of the biggest threats to the SVC crown.
6. Valley (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 33-0 win over Paint Valley
No team in the area made a bigger statement than the Indians. Yes, it’s just one game. But they showed two things against Paint Valley … they have an angry running attack that can put up points in a hurry and leave you in the dust, and their defense might bend a little but it can make a fourth down stop. 33 points and a shutout victory. Not a bad night’s work.
5. Unioto (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 42-0 win over Portsmouth
Once the Shermans figured it out, it was game over. While the experience level in certain areas, compared to last year, isn’t there, these youngsters are only going to grow. This team has a lot of potential. Also, I don’t care who you’re playing. Holding any team to less than 100 yards of offense with only a handful of first downs is impressive.
4. Jackson (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 21-14 win over Little Miami
If there’s one thing about Jackson, it’s that it’s going to find a way to win the game. C.J. Crabtree played the role of hero with a game-sealing diving interception. Hard to start a season with any more confidence than beating a Division I opponent, not that the schedule gets any easier. They’ll now renew an old SEOAL rivalry with Gallia Academy.
CREDIT: Brock Netter/SOSA
3. Miami Trace (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 42-21 win over Waverly
A big offensive line and a talented running back with vision running all wild, like the late, great Hulk Hogan once did for two decades in wrestling. A simple formula, but a well-executed one that Waverly had no answer for in Week 1. The Panthers have been chasing Jackson for the FAC crown, and performances like last Friday showcase why they could be in the mix for the title.
2. Wheelersburg (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 43-8 win over KIPP Columbus
Balance across the board. 315 yards of total offense led to five different Pirates finding the end zone, whether rushing or passing. It was absolute domination from the opening kick until the final whistle. Speaking of kicking, how about Cooper Heimbach? Two 50-plus-yard field goals? That’s impressive and a crazy weapon to have in the Pirates’ backpocket.
1. Ironton (1-0)
Week 1 Result: 63-0 win over Shelby Valley (Ky.)
The defending Division V state champion Tigers picked up exactly where they left off last season. This team is only 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 a shutout victory on the road is a heck of a way to start.
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