Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

HSFB Power Rankings: Introducing the area’s top 10 teams after Week 5

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 5.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Washington’s Tanner Lemaster has helped his team start 4-1 this season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

I was having a conversation with someone last week and they said, “Chillicothe is what, 2-1 on the season”

I said, “Nope, 4-1.”

His jaw dropped. Not because of the Cavaliers’ record, but because he wasn’t aware that we were already halfway through the season.

Yes folks, the regular season is already halfway gone and now conference play will take over for the final five weeks. Before you know it, it’ll be Week 11 and we’ll be talking about playoff football.

Cheers to Week 6. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.

1. Ironton (5-0)

Last Week: 1 … —

Week 5 Result: 55-12 win over South Point

Another OVC win in the books for the Tigers, who could run the table for the remainder of the season. Yes, they will still face very formidable opponents like Gallia Academy, Portsmouth and Coal Grove. But, simply put, those teams don’t seem to have the depth to keep up with the Tigers for 48 minutes. Ironton should be on cruise control against Chesapeake.

2. Jackson (3-2)

Last Week: 4 … +2

Week 5 Result: 20-12 win over Wheelersburg

It was just the second time in 20 years that Jackson defeated Wheelersburg on the road. Also, the guts it takes to go deep on fourth down and run twice on third and long, with the game on the line, is what teams who are trying to win a championship are all about. With a tough non-conference schedule wrapped up, it’s onto FAC play against Miami Trace.

3. Chillicothe (4-1)

Last Week: 3 … —

Week 5 Result: 24-0 win over Logan

Though it wasn’t the dominant display some figured it might be, pitching a shutout against any team is very impressive. Also, causing four turnovers surely helps that effort. This defense alone can keep them in games. The Cavaliers have already matched their win total from last season, and are ready to add more to the win column. Now for FAC play against McClain.

4. Wheelersburg (3-2)

Last Week: 2 … -2

Week 5 Result: 20-12 loss to Jackson

The Pirates’ biggest weakness was exposed in Friday’s loss to Jackson, which is the lack of a passing game. While their running game mostly gets the job done, that need for an occasional throw in a big situation will arise. Down the stretch, as the season wraps up, that will be the biggest area of development for the Pirates. Time for SOC II play against Minford.

5. Washington (4-1)

Last Week: 5 … —

Week 5 Result: 50-21 win over St. Charles

Make that four straight weeks of scoring 40 or more points. Also, is anyone noticing some of the numbers Troy Thompson is putting up? If not, you need to look. 30-of-47 passing, 405 yards and five touchdowns. I’m running out of adjectives to describe this offense, and now Hillsboro comes to town. Additionally, if my math is correct, A.J. Dallmayer is eight catches away from school history. Could happen this week.

6. Unioto (5-0)

Last Week: 6 … —

Week 5 Result: 36-6 win over Piketon

This team is a brotherhood — literally. Just the amount of brothers on this team could make up a starting 11, plus two, but that chemistry is why this team is 5-0. That, alongside creating turnovers defensively and not committing them on the other end. However, the Shermans better not get caught looking ahead to next week’s matchup against Zane Trace. First, they have to handle business with Adena.

7. Fairland (4-1)

Last Week: 7 … —

Week 5 Result: 34-27 win over Rock Hill

Fairland was in for a bigger fight than it was possibly prepared for, but the Dragons still found a way to make things happen and pull out the win. That’s what this team knows how to do. This senior class is now just three wins away from setting a new school record for career wins for any class, which is a pretty remarkable accomplishment. Now for a tough one at undefeated Gallia Academy.

8. West (4-1)

Last Week: 8 … —

Week 5 Result: 42-8 win over KIPP Columbus

I’d move West up in my Power Rankings, but I simply can’t since Fairland has the head-to-head victory. Though I will say, if they met again on a neutral site, I think the Senators would win. But nonetheless, there’s a feel on the West side that this team is restoring the program to the former glory it once had. Now for conference play against Waverly.

9. Zane Trace (5-0)

Last Week: 9 … —

Week 5 Result: 49-6 win over Huntington

With its win last week, Zane Trace is off to a 5-0 start for the first time since 2015 and that team made a magical run all the way to a regional final. While it remains to be seen how far the Pioneers will go, there are some similarities to that 15’ squad. Great leadership, stout running game and a physical defense. Next up: Westfall.

10. Coal Grove (5-0)

Last Week: 10 … —

Week 5 Result: 43-6 win over Chesapeake

This marks the first 5-0 start for Coal Grove in well over 18 years. So this team is really giving the fans something to sink their teeth into week after week. It’s been a simple recipe over and over again, but one that has produced flawless results. Now we’ll get an idea of how formidable this Hornet team really is as they square off against Portsmouth.