YAIAA football power rankings, Week 7

My apologies for the lateness of the power rankings this week. A lot going on lately ... most notably a lengthy story I'm working on for Sunday. Stay tuned for that one.

For the second straight week, we have a new No. 1. Lot of shake ups this week, really. The top two teams on the list are no-brainers, but after that, you could make a pretty strong case for any one of the top seven teams to move up or down.

I'll let you see for yourselves after the jump.

(Last week's rankings here.)

1. Dover (3) -- The Eagles (7-0) locked down one of their biggest wins in recent memory, with a 30-27 triumph over rival West York. Even more impressive: they did it without running back Tanner Link, who should be plenty motivated for this week's visit to rival Northeastern. But what I liked most about Dover's victory was the fact that it displayed some versatility. Quarterback Connor Snyder was extremely efficient throwing the ball, and the defense was very good until a frantic fourth quarter. If the Eagles can keep all those factors working, they'll be a tough out come districts.

2. Bermudian Springs (1) -- Both the Eagles' star backs moved over 1,000 yards this week, as Tyler Fitzkee (1,036) and Adam Berryman (1,002) continued their stellar seasons. This week should be business-as-usual, as Bermudian (7-0) get a relatively straightforward matchup with winless Hanover. Then come a pair of enticing games to finish the season: A home game against revenge-minded Littlestown and a visit to rival Biglerville.

3. Delone Catholic (5) -- You get the feeling the Squires (6-1) are almost on cruise control since that loss to Bermudian. That's mostly because Delone played all its toughest games in the beginning of the season. A trip to Fairfield this week shouldn't offer much of a challenge, and the Squires should be a good bet to finish the regular season 9-1 and earn a home game in districts.

4. West York (4) -- Last Friday's loss stung, but by no means does it end the Bulldogs' season. West York (5-2) is still positioned to earn a home game in the District 3-AAA tournament (it was a No. 7 seed heading into this week), and the Bulldogs have the firepower to make a run. For now, though, West York's hopes for a fifth-straight Division II title appear in serious doubt.

5. South Western (7) -- How do you even begin to separate the three seeming contenders in Division I. They're even close in the District 3-AAAA power rankings. South Western (5-2) gets the nod after an impressive, emotionally charged comeback against Central York. All that on the heels of the tragic news of the death of teammate Ben Bynaker. A massive divisional game with Red Lion takes place tonight.

6. Red Lion (6) -- Some bad news for the Lions (5-2): Coach Pat Conrad said suspended running backs Jason Milton and Darrell Kendrick will not play in tonight's game against South Western. They will, however, be back for next week's game against Central York. Still Red Lion has plenty to feel good about. It has won five games in a row by an average of 26 points. And the Lions will be on their home turf tonight for the biggest game of their season so far. Should be a fantastic atmosphere.

7. Central York (2) -- A five-place drop after one week is harsh, but I couldn't put the Panthers (5-2) ahead of South Western and Red Lion, who both won. So for now, Central takes a bit of hit. The good news: The Panthers' next two games are on their home turf -- where their speed can be best put to use -- against Dallastown and Red Lion. I'd expect a bounce-back performance this Friday against a tough Wildcats team.

8. Littlestown (8) -- The Thunderbolts (5-2) had by far their best game running the football last Saturday, when they gashed York County Tech for 314 yards on the ground. Ryan Rickell has emerged as Littlestown go-to source at running back; he leads the team with 504 rushing yards and 10 scores. An enticing clash with York Suburban awaits tonight.

9. York Suburban (9) -- Something to consider heading into this week's game at Littlestown: Despite a 5-2 record, the Trojans sit at 19th in the District 3 Class AAA rankings. That's due to a poor strength of schedule rating -- due to playing mostly Class AA and A teams in Division III -- that ranks dead last in District 3-AAA. If Suburban wants to continue to challenge for a postseason berth, there's a good chance it has to win Friday.

10. Northeastern (10) -- Should be a heck of a crowd at Northeastern on Friday night. The Bobcats (4-3) are positioned to contend for a postseason berth (they rank 15th in the latest District 3-AAA rankings), but they have two road blocks coming up, in the form of Dover and West York. They need to old their own against Dover's power running game to have a chance Friday.

Honorable mention: Dallastown (3-4), Eastern York (3-4)