YAIAA football power rankings, Week 9
A bit more stability in the upper tier of our power rankings this week, but there was plenty of movement after that, including at least one newcomer into the Top 10. Take a look after the jump.
Last week's rankings here.
1. Bermudian Springs (1) -- It's not often 9-0 teams have statement wins, but that's exactly what the Eagles got last week. They dismantled a very solid Littlestown team, 42-7, and moved step closer to a perfect regular season. Senior Adam Berryman continued his incredible campaign -- he now leads the team in both rushing (1,310 yards) and receiving (246).
2. South Western (2) -- How good was Mike Felton last week? The Temple commit scored five touchdowns in four different ways against William Penn: two running, one receiving, one kickoff return and one interception return. The Mustangs (7-2) have won four games in a row now, and can sew up an outright Division I title with a victory at Spring Grove on Friday.
3. Delone Catholic (3) -- Quarterback Brett Smith passed 1,000 yards passing on Friday in a comfortable win against Eastern York. The junior is up to 1,091 yards on the season, and has thrown for 18 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions. Tyler Smith has also been the big-play threat for the Squires (8-1) -- he has 1,078 yards from scrimmage, 10 touchdowns and a 14-yard-per-touch average.
4. Central York (5) -- The Panthers (7-2) have been lights-out since that defeat to South Western. In its last two games, Central has outscored Dallastown and Red Lion by a combined 99-7. Quarterback Brandon Baker has had a truly outstanding season, completing nearly 60 percent of his passes for 1,281 yards and a league-best 23 touchdowns. He's thrown 15 of those scores to senior receiver Jalil Ford.
T-5. Dover (4) --The Eagles (8-1) seemed to be on shaky ground for stretches of their game against New Oxford. But Dover escaped with a much-needed win, on the heels of a surprising loss to Northeastern the week before. Still, you have to believe Dover needs to play closer to its potential if it wants to make a postseason run.
T-5. West York (6) -- The Bulldogs (7-2) looked awfully tough in a 28-0 defeat of Northeastern. West York held the Bobcats offense to 97 total yards, and quarterback Kaden Hepler dialed up three touchdown passes to Jerrin Toomey. At No. 3 in the district power rankings, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to make a run.
7. Northeastern (7) -- Bit of a reality check for the Bobcats last week. The offense got nothing going, and quarterback Nick Small never had a chance to get settled against West York's constant pressure. But consider what Northeastern can accomplish with a win against Kennard-Dale on Friday. Not only would it likely lock up the program's first playoff berth; it would also earn at least a share of its first Division II championship.
8. Red Lion (8) -- The Lions (5-4) would seem to be reeling a bit after a lopsided loss to Central York. If you're among the glass-half-full crowd, you would say that Red Lion was in that game until a disastrous sequence after halftime. Still, the Lions could really use a springboard heading into the District 3-AAAA playoffs, and what better way than a good showing against rival Dallastown this week.
9. Littlestown (9) -- Speaking of lopsided losses, the Thunderbolts have some wounds to nurse after last week's dud against Bermudian. On the bright side, Littlestown has a chance to get some good vibes going again against Fairfield this week. Then it's time to get ready for districts, and see if they could surprise some people.
10. Biglerville (NR) -- Alex Ramos' Canners are playing some really, really solid football. A 17-10 win against York Suburban was probably Biglerville's biggest win of the season, and kept their playoff hopes alive heading into this week. An upset of Bermudian is a lot to ask, but you never know.
Honorable mention: Dallastown
Don't look now, but the Wildcats (4-5) are right back in contention for a playoff berth. A win at Red Lion next week would likely be enough to get it done. Considering all Dallastown lost to graduation after last season, that fact is a testament both to the diligence of the players and the coaching staff. Said Wildcats head coach Kevin Myers, "I’ve coached for 15 years at Dallastown now, this is the most improved team week-to-week that I’ve seen."