Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
We’re back, and what a week it was.
The SVC, OVC, TVC, SOC I and FAC officially have champions, and after Friday, so will the SOC II and MSL.
Week 10 has officially arrived, so let’s embrace the chaos. I hope joeeitel.com is ready for its website to crash. Here are this week’s Power Rankings.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
1. Ironton (8-1)
Week 9 result: 27-17 win over Gallia Academy
Previous Ranking: 1 …–
Make that now 32 straight victories inside of the Ohio Valley Conference for the Tigers. The question at this point is at what point will this conference winning streak end? Also, this capsule probably won’t change because what else is there really left to say? Now for a conference rivalry against Portsmouth before playoff season.
2. Jackson (8-1)
Week 9 result: 62-14 win over McClain
Previous Ranking: 3 …+1
The yards pile up as does the experience level for the Ironmen, and that is making this team more dangerous by the week. They are striking fast, early and often as well as gaining more confidence game after game. Playing your best football at the end of the season is what teams want, and this squad is rolling.
3. Logan Elm (8-1)
Week 9 result: 35-28 win over Teays Valley
Previous Ranking: 2 … -1
The Braves nearly got caught looking ahead, but managed to catch themselves in time and squeak out a win over a tough Viking team. Earlier this season, the Braves had a chance to take a leg up in the MSL race, but fell to Bloom-Carroll. However, fate has given them a second chance for a share of the title. They just have to beat undefeated Hamilton Township.
4. Fairland (8-1)
Week 9 result: 56-22 win over Coal Grove
Previous Ranking: 4 … —
The Dragons have a very solid lock on that No. 2 seed in Division V, Region 19, only trailing Ironton, and understandably so. While they had some question marks at the beginning of the season, no one can deny this team isn’t filled with a ton of grit. They simply just find a way to get the job done.
5. West (8-1)
Week 9 result: 49-14 win over Oak Hill
Previous Ranking: 5 … —
The Senators also faced a lot of questions ahead of the season, yet here they are with eight straight wins and no signs of stopping. And once the passing game gets a little more repetition, this team has a real chance at doing something special, even more so than last year. Now comes the real test: the SOC II championship against Wheelersburg.
6. Unioto (8-1)
Week 9 result: 45-7 win over Paint Valley
Previous Ranking: 7 …+1
No team in the area has pegged bigger back-to-back wins than the Shermans have. Exacting revenge on arch rival Zane Trace, and following that up by scoring 45 unanswered on Paint Valley to clinch at least a share of the SVC for the first time in 25 years. Not to mention, they potentially get two home playoff games. But they have to handle Southeastern first.
7. Wheelersburg (5-3)
Week 9 result: 51-0 win over Minford
Previous Ranking: 9 …+2
Consider the Pirates’ ship going back in the right direction. Once again, any shutout is impressive, no matter who the opponent is. Undoubtedly, they are ready for the moment and a piece of revenge. Now comes that chance as West comes to town with the SOC II title on the line, as well as playoff positioning.
8. Vinton County (8-1)
Week 9 result: 13-7 win over Nelsonville-York
Previous Ranking: 9 …+1
24 years of fighting, scratching and clawing was officially washed away as the Vikings captured a share of the TVC championship with a defensive battle against Nelsonville-York. Wins don’t have to be pretty, and there’s no style points for how you win. The Vikings have an identity, they stick to the script and it’s paid off.
9. Gallia Academy (7-2)
Week 9 result: 69-12 win over River Valley
Previous Ranking: 6 …–3
The Blue Devils dropping three spots has nothing to do with them losing to Ironton, and more to do with everyone above them winning. They gave the Tigers their best shot and biggest test aside from Cabell Midland, kept it close and nearly pulled it off. They can regain momentum for the playoffs against South Point.
10. Eastern (9-0)
Week 9 result: 27-8 win over South Gallia
Previous Ranking: N/A
Credit where credit is due. The Eagles have simply found a way to get the job done for nine straight Fridays, and it’s led them not just to an SOC I title, but to hosting two playoff games in Beaver. Now they have a chance to complete ann undefeated regular season as Green is the last obstacle standing in their way.
POWERED BY HORIZON
