YAIAA football power rankings: Week 6
No major shakeups this week in the power rankings. The top 10 teams remain with a little shifting among the pack. The most notable change this week sees Spring Grove and Central York leap past Dover, which suffered its second straight loss, albeit to another tough Division I foe. First it was Dallastown, and Friday it was Central York.
Speaking of Central, the Panthers play host to Spring Grove. That means we will see No. 4 vs. No. 5 on Friday night. It also means we get to see former Central York defensive coordinator Russ Stoner match wits against Brad Livingston and a staff he was once part of -- serving as d-coordinator for 10 years.
Nonetheless, here are this week's rankings entering Week 6. Have a question, problem or concern? Want to give us your rankings? Please tell us in the comments section at the bottom.
1. Dallastown (4-1) -- This just in: the Wildcats did not punt last week. Dallastown did lose three fumbles, so if you're looking for a negative, there you go. Otherwise, this YAIAA Division I contender keeps on rolling. The season-opening win against Lancaster Catholic now also looks better that the Crusaders upset Penn Manor.
Last week: No. 1, beat New Oxford, 34-17; this week: at South Western
2. Bermudian Springs (5-0) -- The District 3 Class AA leaders didn't let York Suburban force five turnovers like it did the previous week at Delone Catholic. Instead, the Eagles were a plus-five in turnovers.
Last week: No. 2, beat York Suburban, 54-7; this week: at Delone Catholic
3. Littlestown (5-0) -- The Bolts continue to impress. Faced with a halftime deficit for the first time this season, Mike Lippy's squad did not change what it did in the first half. The results did, however, and they are 5-0. What should not be overlooked is the defense, which adjusted to a difficult-to-defend dual threat in York Catholic QB Hakeem Kinard. He rushed for nearly 100 yards but was held to fewer than 20 in the second half.
Last week: No. 3, beat York Catholic, 21-7; this week: vs. Eastern York
4. Spring Grove (4-1) -- Jeff Delaughter now owns the school's all-time rushing record. His 141-yard, three-touchdown game was the highlight last week on the road for the Rockets, who still have a bugaboo with turnovers. Two weeks ago, they had 12. This time, 14 for 105.
Last week: No. 5, beat Northeastern, 42-19; this week: at Central York
5. Central York (3-2) -- A road win at Dover supplied a shot of momentum for the Panthers, who have won two straight since a loss to Hempfield. So far, the Panthers are 3-0 against in-county opponents. That mark will be put to the test against Spring Grove.
Last week: No. 6, beat Dover, 41-27; this week: vs. Spring Grove
6. Dover (3-2) -- The Eagles' back-to-back losses have come against YAIAA Division I opponents, the Nos. 1 and 5 teams in these rankings. This week will mark the second of a three-week stretch at home. That, along with settling into Division II play, could be a good thing. Also, the Eagles get defending division champ West York (0-5) and No. 8 New Oxford at home this season.Last week: No. 4, lost to Central York, 41-27; this week: vs. Kennard-Dale
7. William Penn (3-2) -- The Bearcats enter Division I play with as much momentum as coach Shawn Heinold could ask. They showed flashes of how proficient they can be, offensively, with a 21-point third quarter last week. Heinold said after the win, "This is a junior-laden team with some sophomores mixed in and just a handful of seniors. We're still learning, too. This is not a polished team yet, but we're getting there on a steady pace." That is an important reminder for a talented but not so deep squad, which will return to a mostly quad-A schedule, beginning this week.
Last week: No. 9, beat West York, 34-14; this week: at Red Lion
8. New Oxford (3-2) -- The Colonials have seen up-and-down results, but second-year coach Jason Thurston has this squad poised for a run at the Division II title. They must tread carefully in their second-half opener. Yes, Northeastern is 0-5. Yes, the Bobcats have lost decisively the last weeks. But they played Division I teams the last two weeks (just like New Oxford). Those close losses in the first three weeks for the Bobcats could pay off in divisional play. York Catholic (2-3) nearly upset unbeaten Littlestown with a versatile quarterback, which is something Northeastern possesses in sophomore Marcus Josey.
Last week: No. 7, lost to Dallastown, 34-17; this week: at Northeastern
9. South Western (2-3) -- Tyler Sterner had another productive game as the Mustangs' lone starting QB after sharing the job last season with Mike Duffy. It was needed because South Western has been without its all-time leading rusher in Dillon Thomas, who will be back just in time for the showdown with Dallastown.
Last week: No. 8, beat Susquehannock, 28-14; this week: vs. Dallastown
10. Eastern York (3-2) -- Eastern's win against Fairfield is what keeps the Golden Knights ahead of the 4-1 Green Knights in these rankings. Don't look now, but there's a new productive running back in Wrightsville. David Livelsberger needed just 21 carries to manufacture 181 yards and two touchdowns against Hanover.
Last week: No. 10, beat Hanover, 42-20; this week: at Littlestown