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 1

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 1.

Brock Netter, Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by Holzer Health System.

Week 1 is in the books and I must say, it feels incredible to finally have the Friday Night Lights back up and running.

WIth the spotlight shining bright on the next wave of talent, unforgettable moments were already created, and early statements were made across SOSA’s landscape.

As for my picks from last week … I mean, does it really get any better than going a perfect 10-0? I think not. Will it happen again? Probably not, so forgive me for relishing in the moment.

After one week of play, welcome back to SOSA’s Power Rankings.

10. Waterford (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 36-0 W over Vinton County

Buy stock in the Wildcats. This team is experienced, physical and calloused. After a successful 2025 season, one couldn’t ask for a better start than pitching a shutout on opening night on the road. To think this team is only going to get better after how near flawless they looked last Friday is something that should scare opponents.

9. Symmes Valley (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 55-13 W over Chesapeake

High-octane offense. The Vikings could end up leading the area in points per game with how lethal their aerial assault is. Bronx Carpenter — remember that name — threw for over 350 yards and seven touchdowns. Seven. With weapons all over the place, and a gunslinger who is fearless, there’s a lot to like about this group.

8. West (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 19-13 W over Fairland

Every year, West and Fairland end up having one of the best Week 1 matchups, and it never disappoints. The Senators made this game ugly, which is possibly their best recipe for success this season. They had seven sacks and, despite not completing a pass, still had over 300 yards of offense. Physicality at its finest.

7. Zane Trace (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 46-27 W over Logan Elm

From up 27-0 to tied 27-27 … and it happened real quick. It was quite a scare the Pioneers faced in Week 1, but the advantage of having Brice Johnson on their sideline was one that was too overwhelming for Logan Elm to get by. That scare is now in the rearview mirror, and now ZT turns its attention to Waverly.

6. Nelsonville-York (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 40-6 W over Trimble

Fresh off of a regional final appearance, the Buckeyes simply just picked up the pieces and went back to work. Racking up over 400 yards of offense, it was an easy day at the office to open the season on a high note. With the Buckeyes dropping to DVI this season, don’t be surprised to find them playing in Week 14 again.

5. Miami Trace (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 48-14 W over Waverly

Despite some of the players that Miami Trace lost, Julian Baker is still in a Panther uniform. So knocking off the Panthers is not an easy task. They’re still a big, physical team with a lot of room to grow over the next nine weeks. Wilmington won’t be an easy task to take on, but the Panthers do enjoy a challenge.

4. Wheelersburg (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 63-0 W over Portsmouth

It’s nearly a brand new Pirate team across the board, but the level of dominance certainly has not changed at all. Also, how about Jack Doerr completing 91 percent of his passes and throwing for three touchdowns. Not bad for his first start under center. It sets the tone moving forward and now, ‘Burg gets a meeting with Chillicothe.

3. Chillicothe (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 34-0 W over Circleville

Well, Cartae Ligon is still really good. But then again, that’s not groundbreaking news to anyone who has watched him play. The Cavaliers go as he goes, and considering how angry he runs, this train could ride on for a while. Next comes a very stiff test with Wheelersburg coming to town. This Week 2 matchup could be an ol’ fashioned slobberknocker.

2. Unioto (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 35-21 W over Jackson

The taste of victory never felt so sweet as the Shermans earned a hard-fought victory over Jackson. Considering that both teams are DIII, that’s a huge, early feather in the cap for the Shermans, who continue to impress on a nightly basis. The train continues on as they welcome Athens to town for another test.

1. Ironton (1-0)

Week 1 Result: 42-0 W over Williamsburg

The more things change, the more they stay the same. New quarterback, new running backs, new-ish receivers, same dominant formula. Ironton is what it is … a machine. They are the head of the class of Southeast Ohio and will remain No. 1 until someone beats them. Good luck, it’s way easier said than done.