YAIAA football power rankings, 9/4
Another year of YAIAA football means another year of our weekly power rankings.
Admittedly, trying to sort through and rank these teams after one game is far from an exact science, and as you would imagine, there will be a bit of fluctuation here in the coming weeks. (Considering how I did on my game picks this week, there might be a lot of fluctuation.)
Oh well, let the debate begin. Here are this week's Top 10:
1. West York -- Perhaps no team was more convincing against quality opposition than the Bulldogs (1-0). They absolutely steamrolled Central York in the second half, nipping any thoughts West York might take a step back after some heavy losses to graduation. After the game, the chorus from the Bulldogs players was that they wanted respect. Well, here you go.
2. South Western -- The Mustangs (1-0) smoked Gettysburg in their opener, and impressed in almost all facets of the game. South Western's skill players (led by Mike Felton, above) were dangerous. It's defense was stout. And even new quarterback Jesse Good (6-for-10, 96 yards) was, well, good.
3. Littlestown -- Mike Lippy's Bolts cemented themselves as one of favorites in Division III this year. Littlestown looks like it has another standout quarterback in the fold. Senior Austin Reynolds passed for five scores and 255 yards on just seven completions, and also ran for 160 yards and a score.
4. Dallastown -- The Wildcats (1-0) showed plenty of fortitude in their 17-14 victory against Warwick. Before Dallastown could blink, it was down 14-0 to a rock-solid Warriors squad. We knew Kevin Myers' team had talent coming into this season. Now we know they have some heart as well.
5. Spring Grove -- That Rockets defense sure looked good Friday: It forced three turnovers and didn't allow CD East to score in a 14-0 victory. But well find out more about this team -- and this defense -- next week when Spring Grove (1-0) hosts defending District 3 Class AAA runners up Susquehanna Township.
6. Delone Catholic -- The Squires (1-0) replaced a boatload of talent from last year's district Class AA runner-up squad. But Delone has shown a repeated ability to replenish its ranks, and after Friday's shutout of New Oxford, this year looks no different.
7. Bermudian Springs -- Here's your surprise team of Week 1. I think every one expected the Eagles to give Northern a game. But to dominate like Bermudian did? That's impressive.
8. William Penn -- The Bearcats (1-0) showed a few chinks in the armor against Reading, but all things considered, new coach Shawn Heinold deserves credit for getting his team ready to play within a month's time. William Penn has no shortage of speed and skill on offense.
9. Central York -- The Panthers (0-1) are the lone team to lose and stay on this list. I'm not ready to give up on them yet. The Bulldogs are pretty darn good, and Central showed it has a big-time playmaker in junior Jalil Ford. The bad news? The Panthers now get to host Cumberland Valley, the defending District 3, Class AAAA champs.
10. Kennard-Dale -- The Rams sneak onto the list, thanks to a gritty (if not sloppy) victory against York Catholic. KD needed two defensive touchdowns to stay in the game, but any win against a talented squad like the Irish deserves applause.
Honorable mentions: Biglerville, Dover