WHEELING — We’re only three weeks into the season — in Ohio — and two — in West Virginia — and already the cream is rising to the top. The same can be said of our rankings.
Steubenville did what it always does in pulling away from a worthy Wheeling Park squad. Big Red is going to make a deep playoff run, but so are the Patriots.
The biggest gainer in the OVAthletics Top 15 this week, is Linsly. We’ve talked all summer and into the season about how tough a schedule the Cadets are facing, but they passed a huge test last weekend.
See how the rest of the field rounds out now.
#1
Steubenville (3-0)
Last Week: W, 45-16 vs. Wheeling Park
This Week: vs. University Prep, Pa.
In the words of the late Denny Green, “they are who we thought they were!” Big Red was too much up front on the offensive and defensive lines, wearing down a game Wheeling Park squad at Harding Stadium.
#2
Linsly (2-0)
Last Week: W, 31-22 vs. Fairmont Senior
This Week: at Cardinal Mooney
What a job by coach B.J. Depew, his staff and players, knocking off perennial W.Va. Class AA power Fairmont Senior. Not taking anyone for granted, but this should be win No.3 against winless Mooney.
#3
Wheeling Park (1-1)
Last Week: L, 45-16 at Steubenville
This Week: Villa Angelo-St. Joseph, Ohio
The Patriots proved something to the doubters by hanging with Steubenville prior to running out of gas. But it’s out of the frying pan and into the fryer as the unbeaten Vikings come to town.
#4
Wheeling Central (2-0)
Last Week: W, 52-18 at Tusky Central
This Week: at Bellaire
The Maroon Knights rolled to their second consecutive victory, this one on the road. They travel again this week for easily their toughest test to date.
#5
Shadyside (3-0)
Last Week: W, 35-0 at Buckeye Local
This Week: at Barnesville
Maybe I was overly excited to see the matchup, but I had Shadyside and Barnesville meeting last week in this very space. The two undefeated teams do indeed meet this week in a big contest.
#6
Bellaire (3-0)
Last Week: W, 27-0 at Harrison Central
This Week: Wheeling Central
The Big Reds were dominant in a matchup of previously unbeaten teams. Now they have a chance to make an even bigger statement.
#7
St. Clairsville (2-1)
Last Week: W, 38-7 vs. South Allegheny, Pa.
This Week: at Martins Ferry
St. Clairsville rebounded from its lone loss in style, yet still moved down in the rankings. That has more to do with what other clubs did, than what the Red Devils didn’t do.
#8
Union Local (2-0)
Last Week: W, 30-28 vs. Martins Ferry
This Week: at Harrison Central
Last week was a good victory for the Jets. They’ll have to be flying high for this one.
#9
Cameron (2-0)
Last Week: W, 82-0 vs. Hundred
This Week: vs. Frontier
Things got ugly quickly against the Hornets, but the going gets a lot tougher with fellow unbeaten Frontier coming to town.
#10
Harrison Central (2-1)
Last Week: L, 27-0 vs. Bellaire
This Week: vs. Union Local
Harrison Central tasted its first defeat and its reward is another date against a team that nobody has been able to tame.
#11
Oak Glen (1-0)
Last Week: Game canceled because of Covid
This Week: Game canceled because of Covid
Have to feel bad for Coach Ted Arneault and company. The virus wipes out their second consecutive game this week.
#12
Barnesville (2-0)
Last Week: W, 27-20 at Buckeye Trail
This Week: vs. Shadyside
The Shamrocks had to come from behind to knock off an improved Trail outfit. They cannot afford to fall behind this week.
#13
River (2-1)
Last Week: W, 48-26 vs. Monroe Central
This Week: at Caldwell
Don’t look now, but the Pilots are on a roll. They can make it three straight with a victory against the Redskins.
#14
Brooke (2-0)
Last Week: W, 28-13 at Indian Creek
This Week: University
The Bruins are perhaps the biggest story of the season to this point. Business picks up this week with a Hawks club coming to town that has scored 55 and 62 points in two victories.
#15
Frontier (2-0)
Last Week: Game canceled
This Week: at Cameron
The Cougars have been a pleasant surprise, but they will be tested this week. This is Frontier’s debut in the rankings.
Dropped out: Magnolia, Cambridge.
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