First District 3 football power rankings released
I don't care if it's only Week 5, it's still always exciting when the first edition of District 3's football power rankings comes out. It's our first glimpse at a set of rankings which actually matter, and which eventually will sort who plays who in the district playoffs. This also marks the debut of the district's new power ranking formula, which is designed to benefit teams who play better opponents, regardless of classification. Of course, winning still remains the most vital component. It's only been four games, but so far the rankings seem to have been kind to YAIAA teams. Here's a class-by-class rundown of how they shake out. (Full rankings here.) CLASS AAAA (Top 16 make playoffs) All six of the teams in YAIAA Division I crack the top 16, led by Dallastown. The Wildcat's 4-0 start to the season was enough to earn them the top spot among all quad-A schools, just ahead of fellow unbeatens Central Dauphin, Daniel Boone and Wilson. The other five teams rank, in order: Red Lion (6), South Western (7), William Penn (12), Central York (14) and Spring Grove (15). CLASS AAA (Top 16 make playoffs) Two YAIAA teams make the top 16 here, though not necessarily in the order you would have thought before the season. Despite their loss to Spring Grove last week, Dover (3-1) still earns the No. 7 spot in this week's rankings. West York, meanwhile, clocks in at No. 14 with a 2-2 record. CLASS AA (Top 8 make playoffs) Littlestown's unbeaten start to the season was enough to earn the Bolts a spot atop the double-A rankings, just ahead of defending state champs Lancaster Catholic. The Bolts local rival Delone Catholic (3-1) ranks No. 4, while Bermudian Springs (3-1) checks in at No. 6. CLASS A (Top 8 make playoffs) York Catholic (3-1) nearly became the third York-Adams team to top the Week 4 power rankings, but instead will have to settle for second behind Reading Holy Name (a team the Irish beat the district playoffs last year).