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YAIAA football Week 1 power rankings


Editor's note: Starting today, every Tuesday will feature updated power rankings based on the previous week's action.

Week 1 of football season provided plenty to talk about. There were a few surprising blowouts by William Penn and Dallastown, a defensive display by South Western, and a showdown between two of the counties preseason favorites, West York and Central York.

At the end of the day, it's still near impossible to sift through all the information and guess where teams in the YAIAA rank. But that won't stop me from trying. That's right folks, it's the 2009 edition of the YAIAA football power rankings.

First the rules.

These power rankings aren't merely a listing of who the best team's are in the YAIAA. For example, if Delone Catholic is rated above Central York, it doesn't mean I'm saying Delone (a AA school) would beat Central (a AAAA school). Rather, I'm weighing the school's success with regards to its size. A great AA team will be ranked above a good Class AAA team or an average AAAA team.

I know, it's complicated. Kind of like the YAIAA's version of the BCS, except no algebraic formulas and, well, these rankings don't really mean anything. These are supposed to be fun -- a means to spark conversation and debate. And who doesn't like a good debate?

Without further adieu, here goes.

1. West York -- The Bulldogs 20-6 smothering of Central York wasn't pretty, but let's take it for what it is: A win against a Division I team that should be pretty good this year. That along with West York's status as reigning District 3 Class AAA champs earns them the top spot.

2. South Western -- The Mustangs experienced defense shined in a rivalry win over Gettysburg. If the offense comes around, the 50th season of football at South Western could be pretty special.

3. Dallastown -- Kevin Myers' bunch had the most impressive win of the weekend -- a 42-7 pasting of a talented York Suburban squad. If the Wildcats can tame West York this weekend, you can bet they'll be moving up.

4. Delone Catholic -- The Squires slept through three quarters against Millersburg, but woke up in time to score 21 points and secure a two-touchdown win. A matchup with Trinity looms.

5. Central York -- Falling to West York for the second straight years hurts. It hurts even more when you turn the ball over five times. But the Panthers offense took time to click last year, too. This team is too fast and too talented to stay down for long.

6. William Penn -- An impressive 35-7 showing got the Tim Hibbs era off on the right foot. But a soft opening schedule means we might not know how good the Bearcats are until league play starts.

7. Littlestown -- Some pegged this as a rebuilding year for the Bolts, but Mike Lippy's team got off to an ideal start with a 41-7 thumping of Dover (admittedly not a YAIAA power). We'll find out what Littlestown is made of Sept. 26, when it visits York Suburban.

8. Spring Grove -- The Rockets have a lot left to prove. But a 30-18 win against Kennard-Dale (a District qualifier last year) is a good start.

9. York Suburban -- The Dallastown throttling aside, Suburban still looks to be loaded with talent. Expect them to recover in time for the start of Division II play.

10. Bermudian Springs -- Despite replacing a lot of talent, the Eagles gave Class AAA Northern York all it could handle on Friday. If any team can challenge Delone for Division III supremacy, Bermudian's the best bet on paper at this point.

On the cusp (alphabetical): Kennard-Dale, New Oxford, Red Lion

Anybody else care to share their Top 10?