WHEELING — What a week it was. Between the top-4 teams all tasting defeat and a slew of games wiped out by Covid-19, these rankings are going to change drastically.
Now, some are going to say that Steubenville losing to Dover should not drop it from the top spot. Those same folks would probably argue (and be correct, mind you) that every other team in the rankings would have also gotten swept away by the Tornadoes.
But here’s the thing — and if you frequent this space you’ve heard it before. Steubenville is the best team in the valley nearly every season. What’s really the point of putting out something like this if you’re just going to stick Big Red at the top and not move them, regardless of what happens?
That’s not the kind of thing we’re trying to do here at Ohio Valley Athletics. We like discussion — heated or otherwise. With that being said, let’s take a look at how this all shakes out.
#1
Shadyside (5-0)
Last Week: W, 33-21 at Wheeling Central
This Week: vs. River
As the great philosopher DJ Khaled once said — over and over — all the Tigers do is “win, win, win” and because of that, they’ve taken over the top spot this week.
#2
Bellaire (5-0)
Last Week: W, 45-14 vs. Cambridge
This Week: at Indian Creek
The Big Reds broke open a can last weekend on the Bobcats. Could this be a team destined for a regional appearance?
#3
Steubenville (4-1)
Last Week: W, 24-7 at Dover
This Week: Linsly
Again, Steubenville gets docked for no other reason than being who it is. It’s the best team in the Ohio Valley, but in these rankings we like a little diversity once in a while. That, and Big Red is beat up in a big way right now.
#4
St. Clairsville (4-1)
Last Week: W, 35-14 vs. Linsly
This Week: vs. Harrison Central
Just like in the 1970s sitcom “The Jeffersons,” Brett McLean and the Red Devils are moving on up. Yes, Park beat St. C., but right now the latter is the better football team.
#5
Linsly (3-1)
Last Week: L, 35-14 at St. Clairsville
This Week: at Steubenville
Kudos to the Cadets for their willingness to play anyone, anytime, anywhere. But on occasion you come out on the wrong end of that equation.
#6
Wheeling Park (1-2)
Last Week: L, 35-14 vs. University
This Week: OPEN
The Patriots get a week off to lick their wounds after University took them to task last weekend at Wheeling Island Stadium.
#7
Union Local (4-0)
Last Week: W, 49-20 at Shenandoah
This Week: vs. Westinghouse, Pa.
B-B-B-Benny and the Jets keep on keeping on. It’s highly possible they will be 5-0 after this week.
#8
Wheeling Central (2-2)
Last Week: L, 33-21 vs. Shadyside
This Week: vs. Man
The Maroon Knights fell to another tough opponent for the second straight week. But nobody else in W.Va. Class A is playing this type of schedule, so look out come playoff time.
#9
Cameron (3-0)
Last Week: Game canceled because of Covid
This Week: at Madonna
The Dragons got an unexpected week off but return to face Madonna in a game that is going to be a points bonanza for the winner.
#10
Barnesville (3-1)
Last Week: W, 40-21 vs. River
This Week: at Steubenville Catholic Central
Perhaps the Shamrocks are ranked a little low, I don’t know? But time will tell on this one.
#11
Oak Glen (1-1)
Last Week: L, 42-7 vs. Point Pleasant
This Week: vs. Beaver Local
Am I surprised Point Pleasant beat Oak Glen? No. But the score caught me off-guard, to be sure.
#12
Harrison Central (2-2)
Last Week: game canceled due to Covid-19
This Week: at St.Clairsville
I left the Huskies in this week based on the fact I think they would have beaten East Liverpool before the virus wiped out the game. They’re on precarious ground, however.
#13
John Marshall (3-1)
Last Week: W, 34-33 vs. Trimble in OT
This Week: at Parkersburg South
Break up the Monarchs, who have won three in a row. Coach Justin Kropka has his team playing well.
#14
Madonna (3-0)
Last Week: W, 14-6 vs. Mathews
This Week: Cameron
The Blue Dons sat third in the first installment of the WVSSAC playoff ratings, though nobody batted an eye. If they win this week, folks will be forced to take notice.
#15
River (2-3)
Last Week: L, 40-21 at Barnesville
This Week: at Shadyside
The schedule-makers have been rough on these Pilots. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend, that’s for sure.
Dropped out: Cambridge, Brooke.
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