YAIAA football Week 9 power rankings
Here we are folks. Week 10 is upon us. For some teams, it will be the final week of their season. For others, it will be a springboard into what they hope is a District playoff run.
There have been a lot of upsets the last few weeks, and Week 9 was no different. For the second straight week, we have a new team at No. 2. In fact, every team in the Top 10 except No. 1 changed spots this week.
Last week's ranking is in parentheses.
1. West York (1) -- Lost in the Bulldogs (9-0, 5-0 Div. II) almost machine-like march this season has been just how good quarterback Alex George has been. The numbers tell the story: 14 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, a 59.5 completion percentage and 1,181 yards passing.
2. Delone Catholic (3) -- With each win, the Squires (8-1, 5-0 Div. III) further entrench themselves as contenders for the Class AA District 3 title. They have five legitimate running threats (including quarterback Austin Brady) and should lock up the outright Division III title this Friday at Hanover.
3. South Western (4) -- The Mustangs lost to Central York two weeks ago, so why are they ahead of them? South Western has a better record, a better District playoff ranking and has been more consistent. That's not to say Central won't finish ahead of them eventually - these teams are so even. But right now I have to reward the more consistent team.
4. Central York (2) -- Who saw that one coming? The Panthers were red hot. The Lions were ice cold. And yet, high school football can be a funny game. Now, Central (6-3, 5-1 Div. I) faces rival William Penn needing a win to ensure a share of the Division I title. Expect the Panthers to be focused, and that will make things hard for William Penn.
5. Littlestown (6) -- The Bolts' record looks real good (7-2, 4-1 Div. II), but Mike Lippy's team only has one win against a team with a winning record. Make no mistake, this is a good team with as dangerous a passing game as there is in the league. But they'll have to be at their very best to beat West York this Friday.
6. York Suburban (5) -- The Trojans (6-3, 4-2 Div. II) stumbled last week against Kennard-Dale. They close with a more-than-winnable contest against Biglerville, which should offer them a chance to work out any kinks before the District playoffs start.
7. Dallastown (9) -- Make that three in a row for the Wildcats (5-4, 4-2 Div. I), who can cinch a District playoff berth with a win against rival Red Lion on Friday. That won't come easy, but getting back quarterback Josh Luckenbaugh from injury certainly helps.
8. Kennard-Dale (NR) -- The Rams (5-4, 3-2 Div. II) got a big win against York Suburban, and boy did they need it. Kennard-Dale would have had a hard time sneaking into the District playoffs had it not won that game.
9. Bermudian Springs (10) -- As solid as Bermudian has been - losing to three teams with a combined four losses - the Eagles (6-3, 4-1 Div. III) are on the outside looking in for District playoff spot. Bermudian needs to beat York Catholic and likely get some help to get in.
10. Spring Grove (7) -- The Rockets (5-4, 2-4 Div. I) crashed back to earth in their loss to Dallastown last week. The good news? Spring Grove closes against winless Dover in a game it must win to have a shot at the District playoffs.
Just missed: William Penn, York Catholic, Red Lion