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 7

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 7.

Brock Netter, Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

I was walking out of NXT Live in Columbus last night, which was such an incredible time, and I noticed it on the walk back to my car ..

It’s finally getting cold out.

I know everyone loves the summer and the sun, and I do as well, but when October comes and you can feel that fall crisp in the air, there’s nothing like it.

Back to the sidelines for Week 8. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.

10. Chillicothe (4-3)

Week 7 Result: 28-23 win over Washington

Previous Ranking: 10 … —

Whether Chillicothe took the game, or Washington gave it away, the Cavaliers walked away victorious and are still in contention for the FAC championship. This team is slowly finding more balance between the passing and the running games, which should be music to Cavs’ fans ears in a long-term setting.

9. Rock Hill (6-1)

Week 7 Result: 23-21 win over Gallia Academy

Previous Ranking: 9 … —

Rock Hill trailed by two possessions entering the fourth quarter. But it did what all great teams do best, and that’s find a way to win once the scoreboard shows zeroes. Now that we’re coming down to the final three weeks of the regular season, the Redmen know that Region 24 is praying they lose.

8. Jackson (5-2)

Week 7 Result: 48-6 win over McClain

Previous Ranking: 8 … —

All of Jackson’s goals aside from an undefeated season are right in front of it, and it kept the train rolling with a one-sided win over McClain last week. Now is usually the time when the Ironmen begin to get on a roll and find out what they’re really made of. Beware of the trap, though, against Washington. Don’t get caught looking ahead to Miami Trace next week.

7. Eastern (7-0)

Week 7 Result: 40-6 win over Symmes Valley

Previous Ranking: 7 … —

This one got real ugly, real quick. The Eagles felt some type of way heading into last Friday and took every ounce of frustration out on the Vikings. Needless to say, they’ve found their footing and are beginning to round into championship form. Symmes Valley was one challenge, Notre Dame will pose another.

6. Nelsonville-York (7-0)

Week 7 Result: 55-0 win over Wellston

Previous Ranking: 6 … —

Any well-oiled team makes sure that all of its parts are functioning properly and that its backups are doing their job just as well. That’s what the Buckeyes were able to do in their victory over Wellston as everyone saw the field and had a chance to produce. And considering that they’re in Division V instead of Division VI now, they’ll need every part working.

Unioto’s David Long has helped the Shermans rip off seven straight wins this season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

5. Athens (7-0)

Week 7 Result: 53-0 win over Meigs

Previous Ranking: 5 … —

In five of its seven games this season, the Bulldogs have pitched a shutout with Meigs being their latest victim. Can anyone stop Anthony Sutton? It’s a tough and tall task that Wellston will try to meet now. The wild thing for Athens is that it could potentially go undefeated and have a slight chance to miss the playoffs, though very unlikely.

4. Unioto (7-0)

Week 7 Result: 19-0 win over Zane Trace

Previous Ranking: 4 … —

Four conference games down, three to go. Not much is going to change with this capsule on a weekly basis. There’s no questioning if the Shermans are focused or not. The results speak for themselves as they’ve now completed shutouts in their last three games. The biggest question in Week 8? Can Paint Valley simply score on the Shermans’ defense.

3. Ironton (6-1)

Week 7 Result: 58-0 win over Uniontown (Pa.)

Previous Ranking: 3 … —

The Tigers had a lot of frustration and anger to get out, and Uniontown just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time … despite being on its home field. Ironton scored 30 points in the first quarter, which is wild, and only ran 24 plays on offense. Doing the math, the Tigers scored on every third play from scrimmage. Good luck, Fairland.

2. Miami Trace (7-0)

Week 7 Result: 49-6 win over Hillsboro

Previous Ranking: 2 … —

There was no trailing in this game, instead just a trail of dominance left by the Panthers as they remain undefeated this season. Arrive, give the ball to their horses, win and leave. Simple, yet highly effective game plan. Much like Jackson, Miami Trace can’t get caught looking ahead. McClain may not appear, record wise, to be a threat, but the Tigers will be upset-minded.

1. Wheelersburg (7-0)

Week 7 Result: 52-6 win over Oak Hill

Previous Ranking: 1 … —

There was no hangover effect. Or if there was, it surely didn’t last very long. Following up the biggest win of the season, the Pirates continued to showcase why they are at the top of the class in Southern Ohio. There’s no rest on their laurels, they want more and crave that competition. Bring on Waverly.