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 9

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 9.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Unioto’s Newton Hoops broke the school’s single-season passing touchdown record in last week’s 56-7 victory over Southeastern.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Week 10.

For some matchups such as Wheelersburg at West (SOC II), Jackson at Chillicothe (FAC), Ironton at Portsmouth (OVC) and half of the SOC I, it’s championship week.

For others, it’s win or go home … literally.

Week 11 awaits a number of teams in the area. But undoubtedly, this is going to be an epic Friday night across the area.

Good luck to everyone. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.

1. Ironton (9-0)

Last Week: 1 … –

Week 9 Result: 29-22 win over Gallia Academy

Maybe, just maybe, the Tigers got a little bit too comfortable as they nearly squandered a perfect season. However, maybe it was also the wake up call they needed to figure out they are indeed beatable. They did manage to clinch a share of the OVC, but they can win the outright title by beating Portsmouth.

2. Jackson (7-2)

Last Week: 2 … —

Week 9 Result: 63-21 win over Washington

All the hype surrounding this game completely went away within the opening three minutes. Jackson was faster, stronger, mentally tougher and more aggressive than Washington was, and it simply boat-raced the Blue Lions. Clinching a share of the FAC, the Ironmen go for the outright title against Chillicothe.

3. Wheelersburg (7-2)

Last Week: 4 … +1

Week 9 Result: 35-14 win over Valley

There was no letdown. The Pirates simply handled their business as the Lattimore’s — Eric and Derrick —enjoyed themselves to the tune of 215 total yards and three scores to lead the way. Now it’s the game they’ve been waiting for since conference play started; a showdown for the outright title against West.

4. Chillicothe (7-2)

Last Week: 5 … +1

Week 9 Result: 41-27 win over Hillsboro

The win over Hillsboro is just what the Cavaliers needed, alongside a little extra sharpening for what awaits them. Expect Quinlan Netter to get a significant number of carries on Friday as Jackson comes to town. Remember, SOSA is live-streaming the game for those who cannot attend.

5. Zane Trace (9-0)

Last Week: 6 … +1

Week 9 Result: 35-27 win over Paint Valley

Things got a little hairy late, but the Pioneers managed to escape with a late victory and a share of the SVC crown to boot. It’s been a four-year process to get to this season, and now they’re one victory away from checking off a goal. Bring on the Gold Ball game against Adena.

6. Washington (7-2)

Last Week: 3 … -3

Week 9 Result: 63-21 loss to Jackson

This is still a very good team, but a lot of eyebrows were raised by the showing the Blue Lions put forth in their biggest game of the season. They threw the ball just seven times in the first half and had four drives that ended with three-and-outs. Now Miami Trace comes to town, and the Panthers surely remember how last year’s game ended. Keep an eye on this one.

7. West (8-1)

Last Week: 7 … —

Week 9 Result: 33-0 win over Oak Hill

It doesn’t really get much better than a shutout victory in conference play. 48 minutes of discipline, focus and playing with the understanding that they have a chance to achieve something special. Now their moment is here, a showdown at home with Wheelersburg. Get ready for an instant classic on the West Side.

8. Unioto (8-1)

Last Week: 8 … —

Week 9 Result: 56-7 win over Southeastern

Potentially the best season in school history added another record to the books. Newton Hoops set a new school-record for touchdown passes in a season with 22 — and counting. This team is one win away from possibly hosting two playoff games, which seemed far fetched just five years ago. How the times have changed.

9. Portsmouth (6-3)

Last Week: N/A

Week 9 Result: 28-21 win over South Point

Welcome back to Power Rankings, Portsmouth. After defeating the Pointers, that now makes a four-game winning streak to give the Trojans a ton of momentum and clinch a playoff berth in the process. Imagine if they pull off the upset over Ironton and shake up Division V, Region 19. Anything can happen.

10. Gallia Academy (7-2)

Last Week: 10 … —

Week 9 Result: 29-22 loss to Ironton

To be completely honest, the Blue Devils showed a lot of heart that they might not have realized they had deep down. After facing a two-possession deficit at halftime, they fought back and gave themselves a chance. If they play that same way throughout the playoffs, they could possibly make a run.