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 4

Take a look at our HSFB power rankings after Week 4.

Brock Netter, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Can you believe we’ve almost reached the halfway point of the season already? I know every year it seems like fall goes quickly, but for some reason, it’s especially noticeable this year.

So much has already happened. Yet, we’ve only scratched the surface.

Last week was a whirlwind, and so much happened that I simply ran out of time to write this column. But now that things have settled and everything is back on track, we’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Bring on Week 5. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.

West receiver Jeffery Bishop has helped the Senators start 3-1 this season.
CREDIT: *Renee Nemeth/SOSA*

1. Ironton (3-1)

Week 4 result: 34-21 loss to Cabell Midland (W. Va.)

Previous Ranking: 1 … —

The Tigers lost, which shows they are indeed human after all. However, they’re still the best team in the area and will remain in the top spot until someone else beats them. Now, the OVC is filled with talented teams who are all hungry to knock off the Tigers. South Point will get next crack on Friday.

2. Logan Elm (4-0)

Week 4 result: 40-19 win over Circleville

Previous Ranking: 2 … —

The Braves are flying high and instead of simply putting things on cruise control, they’re hitting the gas pedal harder every week. This team is averaging over 40 points per game, possessing one of the top offenses in the area. They’re pushing for the No. 1 spot, and the gap is slowly narrowing.

3. Jackson (3-1)

Week 4 result: 56-48 win over Western Brown

Previous Ranking: 6 … +3

What a two-week stretch it’s been for the Ironmen. They were physically tested, but earned a win over Wheelersburg and then found themselves in a track meet with Western Brown. They managed to survive that as well. By the way, Cade Wolford is playing out of his mind. They have one final test with a big Hamilton Ross team before entering conference play.

4. Gallia Academy (4-0)

Week 4 result: 47-21 win over Chesapeake

Previous Ranking: 9 … +5

We are four games through the season and Gallia Academy’s defense has given up just 33 points in total. To break it down further, the Devils are allowing just 8.25 points per game. That’s insane. Add an offense that’s scoring 39.5 points per night, and you have an undefeated team. Things will only get tougher for the Blue Devils. But so far, so good.

5. Fairland (3-1)

Week 4 result: 61-27 win over Trimble

Previous Ranking: 4 … -1

It’s been a roller coaster two-week ride for the Dragons. They gave up 62 points to Ironton, only to turn around the next week and put up 61 points against Trimble. I guess that’s one way to get all the frustration out and work out some kinks. However, it’s about to get real for the Dragons in a loaded OVC slate, starting with Rock Hill.

6. West (3-1)

Week 4 result: 49-10 win over Wellston

Previous Ranking: 7 … +1

The Senators are literally one play away from being undefeated. It feels like all the momentum from last season is coming back, just like the team’s swagger. Arguably the game of the week in the area, the Senators have their hands full on Saturday with a Waverly team that’s riding high. Remember, if you can’t be in attendance, SOSA is live-streaming the game.

7. Wheelersburg (2-2)

Week 4 result: 56-0 win over Northwest

Previous Ranking: 5 … -2

This Pirate team is giving me 2019 vibes again. Remember that year? They went 7-3, and made the second round of playoffs. But the journey took a while as they were finding an identity, as well as some stability in key positions. The difference with this team is youth. Once they catch their rhythm, watch out.

8. Waverly (3-1)

Week 4 result: 48-8 win over Valley

Previous Ranking: N/A

Similar to West, this team is one play away from being undefeated. However, they have found what works for them and they’re playing football as well as any team in the SOC II. Mason Kelly has been on fire under center, while Jase Hurd has led a running back room that moves the chains. It should be a fun one against West.

9. Unioto (3-1)

Week 4 result: 48-26 win over Westfall

Previous Ranking: 3 … -6

The loss to Waverly in Week 2 seems to have shaken the Shermans’ confidence a bit, although they did rebound nicely over a Westfall team that can put up points in a hurry. While they’re probably still the favorites in the SVC, the competition will soon heat up. But first, a date with Huntington.

10. Piketon (4-0)

Week 4 result: 41-7 win over Huntington

Previous Ranking: 8 … -2

On one hand, the Redstreaks are undefeated. On the other hand, the teams they’ve played have won a single combined game this season. However, that’s not on the Redstreaks. All you can do is lineup 11 vs. 11 and battle it out. So far, everything has turned in their favor. Now we’ll get a small chance to see what they’re made of against Zane Trace.