Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-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 3

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 3.

Brock Netter, Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

10. Circleville (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 42-35 OT win over Westfall

Previous Ranking: NR … —

Hall of Fame football coach Bill Paracells once said, “You are what your record says you are.” Circleville certainly hasn’t made things easy on itself through three contests — all one-possession games down to the final whistle. But the end results are the only thing that matters. The Cardiac Cats are undefeated heading into a rivalry game against Logan Elm.

9. Eastern (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 48-42 win over Minford

Previous Ranking: NR … —

Nothing has come easily for the Eagles, but they have found ways to win, whether it’s a shootout or an offensive struggle. Those type of performances won’t continue all season long, but the non-conference slate has shown that this is a team of fighters. They have a little bit of that magic from last season still up their sleeves.

8. Jackson (2-1)

Week 3 Result: 17-7 loss to Wheelersburg

Previous Ranking: 4 … -4

Jackson always has a tough non-conference schedule, but it now finds itself searching for some answers after getting overpowered by Wheelersburg for the first time in seven years. It was a physical mismatch, one the Ironmen often don’t find themselves on the wrong side of. A matchup against Western Brown should right the ship for the time being.

7. Athens (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 33-21 win over Marietta

Previous Ranking: 9 … +2

Balance, balance and more balance. The Bulldogs put up 489 yards of total offense in their victory over Marietta — 228 passing, 261 rushing. As their schedule now shifts to TVC action, by the looks of how they’ve played and performed, it doesn’t appear that any team in the coming weeks is ready to handle what they’ve got.

6. Nelsonville-York (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 34-6 win over Coal Grove

Previous Ranking: 8 … +2

In a battle of outstanding rushing attacks, the Buckeyes had no issues putting up the points. But let’s take a quick second to acknowledge the job their defense has done through three games. They’ve yet to allow an opponent to score 10 points, and this past week saw four players rack up 10 or more tackles. They fly to the ball and hit hard.

Circleville’s Kole Nungester has aided his Tigers to a 3-0 start.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

5. Valley (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 24-7 win over Piketon

Previous Ranking: 6 … +1

It’s been 10 long years since the Indians started 3-0, but here we are and they’re only getting stronger by the day. This program had a longterm vision when playing mostly sophomores and freshmen three years ago. Now they’re getting to experience what those hard lessons were meant for and it’s their time for revenge. Their stock is only rising.

4. Unioto (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 49-6 win over Waverly

Previous Ranking: 5 … +1

The matchups over the years between Unioto and Waverly have been some of the best non-conference games in the state of Ohio. This time around, the Shermans clearly had more firepower. It also helps when Cody Braden eclipses 200 yards on the ground and scores four times. Now the Shermans focus on three-peating as the SVC champion.

3. Miami Trace (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 7-6 win over Logan Elm

Previous Ranking: 3 … —

It wasn’t pretty, flashy or dominant. But it was enough to somehow get the job done. It certainly didn’t help to have two All-Ohio caliber players not playing, but it was a test of defensive mental toughness and the ability to get a stop, which the Panthers passed with flying colors. If the last two weeks have shown anything, it’s that this team can get the job done when adversity hits.

2. Wheelersburg (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 17-7 win over Jackson

Previous Ranking: 2 … —

Clearing a mental hurdle is sometimes all a team needs to truly feel their confidence going through the roof. The Pirates were in a state of euphoria walking out of Alumni Stadium with a victory over Jackson. 0-3 last year, 3-0 this year. The difference? Experience. And that experience will continue to pay off as the season goes.

1. Ironton (3-0)

Week 3 Result: 29-7 win over Archbishop McNicholas

Previous Ranking: 1 … —

The Tigers faced another test this season, and it made them buck up to show what they’re made of when winning time comes. This game went from having a 12-7 lead going into the fourth quarter to ending with a dominant 29-7 victory. It also helps when your defense comes up with four interceptions to get some extra possessions. Now a Saturday matchup with Canisius, from New York, featuring running back Elijah Kimble. If you don’t know his name, look him up.