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 7

October 7, 2022
, 10:08 am
, Features

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 7.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Zane Trace’s Daniel Barnhart helped the Pioneers beat Unioto last week.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

I know I was happy about the weather last week. Going from 70-degree temperatures to the 50’s overnight is my type of comfort.

However, I forgot about the downside of it. My body and system have to adapt, and the older I get, the rougher it is to adjust. It’s bad enough I lost my hair already, but why did no one warn me about this?

Or maybe someone did, and I didn’t listen. I’m pretty stubborn, so I wouldn’t put it past me.

Anyways, cheers to Week 8. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.

1. Ironton (7-0)

Last Week: 1 … —

Week 7 Result: 49-7 win over Rock Hill

Not that there was ever really any doubt, but it was another ho hum victory for the Tigers, who officially clinched a playoff berth with a victory over Rock Hill. Last week, it was defense that led the charge. This time around, it was a stellar performance from Tayden Carpenter leading the way. Racking up the wins one at a time.

2. Jackson (5-2)

Last Week: 2 … —

Week 7 Result: 63-7 win over Hillsboro

You couldn’t ask for a better start than what Jackson had on Friday. The Ironmen scored two touchdowns in the opening 23 seconds and put things on cruise control for the rest of the night. Division III, Region 11 is undoubtedly loaded, but we’ll start to learn who’s the real deal in the next couple of weeks.

3. Chillicothe (6-1)

Last Week: 3 … —

Week 7 Result: 35-28 overtime win over Miami Trace

I said last week that the Cavaliers were on upset alert, and it nearly happened. But somehow, someway, they were able to push the game to overtime and escape with a win. Getting caught looking ahead puts you in dangerous situations — a lesson they have now learned through experience. Now for the hottest ticket in town, a showdown with Washington.

4. Wheelersburg (5-2)

Last Week: 4 … —

Week 7 Result: 56-7 win over Oak Hill

There wasn’t anything special about the Pirates’ performance last week. It was simple. Just hand the ball off, run over people and find the end zone. They did just that … six times … and served a reminder as to who the SOC still runs through. It’s unlikely that recipe for success changes this week as Oak Hill comes to town.

5. Washington (6-1)

Last Week: 5 … —

Week 7 Result: 39-0 win over McClain

Congrats to Washington’s A.J. Dallmayer on breaking two school records over the past two weeks. As for Washington, it pitched its fourth shutout of the season — the most since 1975 — running past McClain with ease. This showdown with Chillicothe is going to be an instant classic. Expect a shootout.

6. Zane Trace (7-0)

Last Week: 7 … +1

Week 7 Result: 35-31 win over Unioto

In undoubtedly a top five game in the area this season, the Pioneers rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half to pull out a victory. Their defensive adjustments in the second half stifled the Shermans, and they deserve a ton of credit for that. The SVC picture got a lot more clear. Now for a battle against Southeastern.

7. West (6-1)

Last Week: 7 … +1

Week 7 Result: 29-16 win over Minford

This Senator team has shown it can win in a shootout, but the defense really showed out with a superb showing opposed to the one against Waverly one week earlier. Mitchell Irwin continues to impress, totaling all four touchdowns in last week’s victory. A collision with Wheelersburg in Week 10 is where it seems we’re heading towards. But don’t look past Valley.

8. Unioto (6-1)

Last Week: 6 … -2

Week 7 Result: 35-31 loss over Zane Trace

The Shermans were just a hailmary completion from achieving something it hadn’t done in school history. But alas, it’ll have to wait another year for a chance at a Gold Ball. There is still potential though for them to win a share of the SVC. However, they’ll need some help. This is still a top team in the area, and it can still achieve big things.

9. Gallia Academy (7-0)

Last Week: 9 … —

Week 7 Result: 36-33 win over Coal Grove

If my memory is correct, there was one point where the Blue Devils trailed Coal Grove by double digits, which is not something you want against a team with that good of a running attack. However, Gallia simply rose to the challenge and found a way to escape with a win and continue an undefeated start. Don’t get caught looking ahead though. Rock Hill is upset-minded.

10. Logan Elm (6-1)

Last Week: 10 … —

Week 7 Result: 34-14 win over Liberty Union

Line them up and Logan Elm will knock them down. This team has now won six straight games and is on the verge of a trip to Week 11 as it controls its own destiny moving forward. However, there’s still a long road ahead. They’ll get a real test with a road trip to Bloom-Carroll this week.