Deron Powell State Farm Power Rankings: Week 2

 

Central State 8

 
1) SHG – Are you not entertained!? Just another running clock win for the Cyclones against their Washington Street rival in Week 1. We could spend all day talking about the weapons on offense, but we’re starting to wonder where this defense will stack up with some of the ball hawk squads from the past few seasons. There’s a chance they’re in the same tier.

2) Rochester – Prior to the Rockets’ Week 1 matchup with Eisenhower, Derek Leonard told us he might have the most explosive offense he’s ever had. He also told us this group can lose focus and they would need to tighten the screws on the mental side of the game. A 79-48 win at Eisenhower proved both those comments prophetic. Expect Rochester to clean up the latter and expect them to be a nasty matchup every week.

3) Glenwood – You get a carry! You get a carry! Dan Rourke was the Oprah of the Central State 8 on Friday as 12 different Titans carried the rock to the tune of more than 400 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Here’s the sneaky good part for Glenwood. Quarterback Cole Hembrough was 12 of 15 through the air for more than 150 yards and a score. It wasn’t an elaborate passing scheme the Titans executed, but on Friday, it didn’t need to be. 

4) Jacksonville – A Twitter update crossed our timeline on Friday that showed Jacksonville trailing Lanphier 12-0 early in their Week 1 contest. The Power Rankings panicked. Joe “The Cannon” Brannan and company did not. The Crimsons scored 46 of the next 52 points and it’s a good thing they did. The defense was susceptible as Lanphier nearly executed the most unlikely of comebacks. Call it a Week 1 problem that will need to be worked out before they lineup against Southeast on Friday.

5) Southeast – The Spartans did exactly what they were supposed to do against a Railer team that hasn’t seen the win column in quite some time. The 37-0 win over Lincoln doesn’t tell us much. Friday’s game against Jacksonville will. The Spartans take great pride in their brand of defense. We’ll find out how highly touted it should be after this matchup with the aforementioned Crimsons offense.

6) Lanphier – We learned two things about Lanphier on Friday. 1) They were a bit inconsistent which is to be expected during a Week 1 with a new quarterback. 2) They did not quit when they certainly could have. Friday is essentially a must win for the Lions if they want to keep post season hopes alive. It’s tough if you drop to 0-2 in the CS8 to keep high hopes of the playoffs in the locker room.

7) Eisenhower – The way we see it after one week, the fifth spot in the CS8, which is essentially the last playoff spot, is a battle between three teams. Until someone shows us differently, it’s comes down to Southeast, Lanphier and this Eisenhower team who posted more than 500 yards and 48 points against the defending 4A state champs. Yes, they lost that game. But it’s hard to believe they don’t feel good about themselves it.

8) Springfield High – Springfield High’s defense looked good for a series against SHG, and then the Cyclones did what the Cyclones do. The assignment for Week 2 is no easier as the Sens travel to Rochester to line up against that Rockets offense that posted the 79 spot.

9) MacArthur – For one series in the third quarter, MacArthur flashed the big play ability that made them a playoff team a season ago. It was the lone bright spot in a dismal Week 1 loss at Glenwood. But it also represents hope. Proof of what they might be capable of.

10) Lincoln – The Railers welcome Glenwood for Friday’s home opener in Lincoln. After giving up an 84 yard run on the first play against Southeast in Week 1, there’s no doubt the Lincoln run defense is looking to sure things up. The Titans will run early and often on Friday night.
 

Sangamo


1) Williamsville – The Bullets are a long way from the team that finished as the 3A runner up last season, and still they were able to find a way to a win against a very good Auburn team on Friday. Dropped passes, missed tackles and a turnover in the final minute nearly cost them a 10 point second half lead. But here’s the good news Bullets fans: That’s exactly the kind of problems you expect in Week 1 with so many new faces and with your coaching staff, those issues area all correctable.

2) Athens – It’s hard to imagine the Warriors really opened their newer, deeper playbook in a 42-0 Blacktop Bragging Rights win over PORTA on Friday. Still, Hunter Maxwell showed out with three touchdowns. He’s probably the best player that’s still not a household name in the Sangamo.

3) Auburn – It was interesting to see how optimistic Dave Bates was after Friday’s loss while he was simultaneously kicking himself over the missed chances his Trojans had against Williamsville in a game Auburn could have no doubt won. Trust us. There is a lot for him to be excited about. Heading to the Auburn/Plains game this weekend? Watch #65 Jake Roth on the offensive line. Count how many pancakes he has. The junior has a chance to be one of the best they’ve ever had out there.

4) Pleasant Plains – The scariest part about this Cardinals offense is the fact that quarterback Jacob Cronister was in real live game action for the first time with his new outside weapons and they still “lumbered” to 55 points against Riverton. Think about what they’ll be capable of after they really get their timing synced up. Friday’s matchup with Auburn represents a much tougher test.

5) North Mac – The Big Sexies put all their beefy manliness on display on Friday, clearing the way for five rushing touchdowns in what you might call the “upset” of Week 1. North Mac, notorious for slow starts, hosts Pittsfield in their home opener on Friday. A win would mean they’re 40% of the way to playoff eligibility.

6) New Berlin – The Preztels went toe to two with the Panthers for the first half, but they started to succumb to some dings and bruises in the second. Cam Cummings to Connor Burger is a dangerous combination in the pass game but is there depth on the defensive side of the ball to keep them in games?

7) Riverton – Ryan Roscetti may have had the best game of any player in a losing effort that we saw on Friday. The senior WR/DB caught five passes, one of which was a 73-yard touchdown. He also took a goal line interception and returned it 100 yards for another Riverton score. Don’t be surprised if they find him some more touches against Athens.

8) Pittsfield – 17 returning seniors didn’t help the Saukees’ much in their Week 1 matchup against Monmouth Roseville. It’s hard to break down a performance we didn’t see against an opponent we’re not familiar with. We’ll have a better gauge on who Pittsfield is after Friday’s game against North Mac.

9) PORTA – Black Top Bragging rights will remain in Athens after the Warriors shutout PORTA in Week 1. Athens is going to shut out a lot of teams this season. PORTA, meanwhile, has a much better chance to build some momentum as they head to New Berlin for Week 2. 
 

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