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 4

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

Brock Netter, Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Can you believe we’ve almost reached the halfway point of the season already? I know that, every year, it seems like fall goes quickly. But it’s especially noticeable this year.

So much has already happened. Yet, we’ve only scratched the surface.

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

10. Circleville (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 35-8 win over Logan Elm

Previous Ranking: 10 … —

It had been five long years since the Tigers were able to claim a victory over their county and conference rival, but they took out years of frustration on Logan Elm this past Friday. It’s starting to all come together for Circleville this year. Don’t let Amanda-Clearcreek’s record fool you, though. The Aces have been through a gauntlet this season and won’t be an easy out. The Tigers have their hands full.

9. Eastern (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 49-8 win over Clinton County (Ky.)

Previous Ranking: 9 … —

Last week’s win was the type of game we’ve been accustomed to seeing Eastern play over the past couple of years. High scoring, one-sided and everyone is sync on both sides of the ball. After playing three incredibly tight non-league contests, this was the type of game they needed to put all they’ve learned into action.

8. Jackson (3-1)

Week 4 Result: 49-14 win over Western Brown

Previous Ranking: 8 … —

The injury bug hit the Ironmen a little bit throughout the week, but that didn’t affect their ability to put up points in a hurry. It’s an easy way to get back on track, work out a couple of issues and gain some confidence back. The Ironmen were tested physically against Wheelersburg. Now, they’ll be tested physically and in a speed sense against Ironton.

7. Athens (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 71-0 win over Alexander

Previous Ranking: 7 … —

A lot of things run through one’s mind when seeing any team score 71 points. Then, once you see it’s your county rival, all bets are off. All is fair in love and war. While no one anticipates the Bulldogs to score 70 points again, seeing more one-sided games now that TVC action has started could be the norm for a few weeks.

6. Nelsonville-York (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 51-0 win over River Valley

Previous Ranking: 6 … —

The Buckeyes played nearly a perfect game. The scored often, scored fast, played aggressive defense and pitched a shutout. The only mistake was an interception, but that can be overlooked in the grand scheme of things. At this point, Nelsonville-York and Athens are just mirror images of one another waiting for the next five weeks to breeze by.

Jackson’s Bodhi Wolford will lead his Ironmen into Ironton this week.
CREDIT: *Raymond Gleadle/SOSA*

5. Valley (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 25-3 win over Waverly

Previous Ranking: 5 … —

Week by week, the Indians continue their ‘revenge tour.’ They managed to score two breakaway touchdowns to create some distance from Waverly and remain unbeaten in Week 4. Now comes the real test as the Indians welcome Wheelersburg to Lucasville, a team they haven’t beaten since 2013. Make no mistake …this is the Indians’ measuring stick.

4. Unioto (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 49-7 win over Huntington

Previous Ranking: 4 … —

One conference game down, six more to go. It’s lather, rinse and repeat at this point for the Shermans who continue to showcase themselves as the class of the SVC. Remember all of those years when everyone else was beating up on them? Consider these last couple of years as them getting even. Onto Piketon.

3. Miami Trace (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 34-16 win over Batavia

Previous Ranking: 3 … —

Julian Baker didn’t play against Logan Elm. He played against Batavia. What a difference in how the Panthers look with him in the backfield. They play with a different level of confidence and swagger on both sides of the ball, knowing their bellcow is ready to run wild at a moment’s notice. Good luck, Western Brown.

2. Wheelersburg (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 35-0 win over Northwest

Previous Ranking: 2 … —

Some weeks are just better than others. The Pirates only led 14-0 at halftime on Friday, but they were up and rode away to a shutout victory. Also, Braylon Rucker completing 17-of-18 passes is nothing short of impressive. The machine keeps rolling on, and it now rolls into an undefeated matchup in Lucasville.

1. Ironton (4-0)

Week 4 Result: 55-21 win over Canisius (N.Y.)

Previous Ranking: 1 … —

Speaking of rolling on, that’s exactly what Ironton is doing. Canisius is probably the best team on paper that the Tigers will face this season — although Wheelersburg might disagree with that. But nonetheless, this team has reloaded only in a way that rivals other state champions. Before a possible showdown of unbeatens next week, Jackson comes to town.