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YAIAA football power rankings: Week 7


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Plenty of moving and shuffling went on after the top six in this week's YAIAA football power rankings. As a reminder, these rankings are curved, based on school size, and can be viewed as a sort-of stock report on the league. Please feel free to leave your comments below. What did we get wrong, or even right?

1. Dallastown (5-1) -- The Wildcats' first win at South Western's Corral since 1998 shows how special this Dallastown team could become. They get William Penn at home this week before facing Central York and Spring Grove in back-to-back weeks.

Last week: No. 1, beat South Western, 34-21; this week: vs. William Penn

2. Bermudian Springs (6-0) -- This was the famous Bermudian defense in Week 6. The Eagles shut out Delone Catholic and held the Squires under 100 yards each in passing and rushing.

Last week: No. 2, beat Delone Catholic, 7-0; this week: vs. Fairfield

3. Littlestown (6-0) -- For the second straight week, these Thunderbolts grabbed lightning in a bottle during a close game. Again, lightning's name was Lucas Reynolds. His 53-yard TD turned a two-point lead into a two-possession advantage.

Last week: No. 3, beat Eastern York, 28-18; this week: at York County Tech

4. Central York (4-2) -- Such as close game with Spring Grove means the Panthers and Rockets only trade position in this week's rankings. The win gave coach Brad Livingston No. 199 for his 32-year head coaching career.

Last week: No. 5, beat Spring Grove, 27-26; this week: at South Western

5. Spring Grove (4-2) -- This is why the power rankings have expanded from five to 10. Just past the halfway point, the top five seem to be established. Even in a loss Rockets coach Russ Stoner said he was pleased with his team's improvement in several areas. They had single-penalties (four for 21 yards) for the first time since Week 1. The offense continued its efficient trend, and the defense was improved. Kicker Andrew Luckenbaugh, an All-YAIAA selection last year, also hit four big field goals when his team could not reach the end zone. Sure, he missed a winning attempt in the closing seconds but most professional teams would take a 4-of-5 day.

Last week: No. 4, lost to Central York, 27-26; this week: vs. Red Lion

6. Dover (4-2) -- Defense and special teams fueled the Eagles' Division II opener. If they keep up those two qualities, the Eagles will be a nightmare for any D-II opponent.Last week: No. 6, beat Kennard-Dale, 49-13; this week: vs. West York

6. New Oxford (4-2) -- Another outstanding performance from Wes Beans pushed him past 1,000 yards rushing for the season and has the Colonials primed for a Division II run.

Last week: No. 8, beat Northeastern, 42-0; this week: at Kennard-Dale

7. Red Lion (3-3)  -- There's no denying the coaching job of Jesse Shay early on at Red Lion. The Lions utilized their strength Friday night vs. William Penn, which was run rather than pass.

Last week: NR, beat William Penn, 27-26; this week: at Spring Grove

8. William Penn (3-3) -- This is a crucial point for the Bearcats' season. They are 0-1 in Division I, and the schedule does not get any easier.

Last week: No. 7, lost to Red Lion, 27-26; this week: at Dallastown

9. Eastern York (3-3) -- The Golden Knights move up a spot with a loss. That's because there's no shame in losing to Littlestown. Eastern is 3-2 in Division III with its losses to unbeatens Bermudian and Littlestown. One more win also will equal last year's total. Not bad for a team moving on after graduating record-setting running back Alex Cooley.

Last week: No. 10, lost to Littlestown, 28-18; this week: vs. Biglerville

10. York Catholic (3-3) -- Like Eastern, the Fighting Irish played tough against Littlestown. This week's matchup with Delone Catholic can have considerable District 3 Class A implications. The defending district champion Squires have struggled, but pushed Bermudian in a 7-0 loss. Whichever Catholic school wins this one will have itself set up for an opportunity to seize one of four Class A playoff spots.

Last week: NR, beat Biglerville, 42-14; this week: vs. Delone Catholic