Week 5 YAIAA power rankings
The Division I and Division II schedules open next week, and their cross-divisional play is having a considerable impact on how a number of teams are ranked entering Week 5.
The two biggest beneficiaries? Two Division II schools not named West York. Dover continued its upward trend despite a loss at Dallastown, the No. 1 ranked school in the league. New Oxford is the other, as the Colonials beat their D-I foe, South Western. On the other hand, the Bulldogs lost at Red Lion and have been bounced from the top 10.
Give us your take on these rankings in the comments section below. Without further ado, here are this week's rankings:
1. Dallastown (3-1) -- There are a few concerns for coach Kevin Myers and this team. At first glance, the Wildcats have enjoyed the friendly confines of home for three of the season's four weeks -- and all three have turned into their wins. They go to New Oxford this week, but as Myers said last week his team cannot rely on a late drive like the one it got against the Eagles.
Last week: No. 1, beat Dover, 19-17; this week: at New Oxford
2. Bermudian Springs (4-0) -- Jon DeFoe earned his 100th coaching win last week and, not surprisingly, deflected the credit. Perhaps he should be given the title of Dean of Running Backs. The Eagles' success has coincided with churning them out, including the three-headed monster of Colton Dull, Ryan Markle and Briton Shelton this year.
Last week: No. 2, beat York County Tech, 28-6; this week: at York Suburban
3. Littlestown (4-0) -- Littlestown has been scary efficient so far through four games. Look at the defense. Only Hanover has managed more than one touchdown against this unit.
Last week: No. 4, beat Biglerville, 55-0; this week: at York Catholic
4. Dover (3-1) -- Dallastown quarterback Andrew Henry gave praise to the Eagles after engineering a fourth-quarter comeback against them. "They're for real," he said, noting how well they played up front against the Wildcats. That is saying something considering the beef up front on the Wildcats' lines. Dover controlled the trenches for about three quarters and move up a spot despite the loss.Last week: No. 5, lost to Dallastown, 19-17; this week: vs. Central York
5. Spring Grove (3-1) -- Back-to-back scares against teams with a combined 1-7 record is why the Rockets slip two spots. They have won three straight but gave up 298 yards on the ground to Kennard-Dale, which makes no secret about its desire to run. The Rams' Mike Young was impressive, carrying 35 times for 231 yards. Had Spring Grove not switched to a spread early in this senior class' tenure, the Rockets could have dropped this one.
Last week: No. 3, beat Kennard-Dale, 42-30; this week: at Northeastern
6. Central York (2-2) -- The Panthers' home win against Susquehannock was the perfect remedy after stumbling vs. Hempfield. Their game at Dover this week could be pivotal for how the Panthers go into the season's second half.
Last week: No. 6, beat Susquehannock, 35-9; this week: at Dover
7. New Oxford (3-1) -- The Colonials were admittedly slighted from last week's power rankings. They make a big splash with their win at The Corral.
Last week: No. NR, beat South Western, 24-17 (OT); this week: vs. Dallastown
8. South Western (1-3) -- The Mustangs' third loss might not have happened with a healty Dillon Thomas in their backfield. For now, South Western stays put.
Last week: No. 8, lost to New Oxford, 24-17 (OT); this week: at Susquehannock
9. William Penn (2-2) -- James Way might start giving opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. If the Bearcats can find more balance, this team will be on the rise.
Last week: NR, beat Northeastern, 33-7; this week: at West York
10. Eastern York (2-2) -- York Suburban's win at Delone Catholic put it up for consideration, but the Golden Knights' Week 2 win against the Trojans gives them the edge. Having beaten Fairfield, too, they own a monopoly on bragging rights for who's really in third place behind Bermudian Springs and Littlestown in Division III.
Last week: No. NR, beat Fairfield, 34-14; this week: vs. Hanover