Listen to Kerker, DP and Chase discuss the week eight Deron Powell Power Rankings. More importantly, do you prefer grape jelly or strawberry jelly? Feel free to let us know.
CS8
1. SHG – The Cyclones are back atop the CS8 Power Rankings – a familiar spot for this local dynasty. SHG manhandled Rochester in the trenches on both sides of the ball in a tremendous Leonard Bowl VII victory, causing fits for a potent Rochester offensive attack. If SHG’s front can provide pressure by rushing just four or five, opposing offenses will have a very tough time throwing the ball against the Cyclones. On offense, SHG’s massive offensive line opened up holes for Tremayne Lee, who dazzled last Friday, totaling three touchdowns and nearly 370 all-purpose yards.
2. Rochester – The Rockets went down by three scores against the No. 1 team, but refused to let up. After mustering just seven first half points against SHG, Rochester scored 21 second half points to nearly come back and pull off an epic come-from-behind win. Both Rochester and SHG needed this game as a measuring stick and even though Rochester gave up 33 points, the defensive unit actually fared pretty well. That combined with Rochester quick strike offense makes the Rockets as dangerous as ever in 4A.
3. Eisenhower – Thankfully for the Panthers, senior quarterback, Cayleb Dehority’s ankle injury that took him out of Eisenhower’s week six loss to Glenwood didn’t end up being serious. He returned last week to lead the Panthers to a down to the wire win over Springfield. Eisenhower came back to beat Jacksonville earlier in the season and although it did lose to Glenwood, Dehority missed a majority of that defeat, hence why Eisenhower goes back up to three. We’ll see what type of team the Panthers are this Friday at Rochester.
4. Jacksonville – In the first six week’s of the year, it was hard to pin point what type of team Jacksonville was. We found out in week seven. The Crimsons played with energy and toughness, went on the road and spoiled Glenwood’s homecoming with a 27-21 win. Klay Wood is a baller. He can play running back, wideout, take snaps out of the wildcat formation and play multiple positions on defense. His three touchdowns highlighted Jacksonville’s big win, giving the Crimsons their second consecutive victory over Glenwood.
5. Glenwood – The Titans were hot following consecutive wins over Springfield and Eisenhower. Jubbar Cross’ play at quarterback gave the team a spark on offense that also carried into week seven, but the Titans couldn’t close the deal against the Crimsons. With MacArthur and Lincoln remaining on the schedule, Glenwood is still in a prime position to finish their at 6-3 — better than last year’s mark and a success under first year head coach, David Hay.
6. Southeast – The Spartans picked up their first win since week two this past Friday night by handling MacArthur. The Spartans’ athletic talent was able to go stride for stride with the Generals athleticism. This is a young team that has dealt with some hurdles this year, but there is talent moving forward on the east side.
7. Springfield – A week after losing in brutal fashion to Lanphier, Springfield nearly clipped Eisenhower. The Senators were a two-point conversion away from an upset win that would have shuffled the Power Rankings. At three wins with SHG and Rochester left on the schedule, the next two weeks are as tough as they come. Either way, with all that talent on the team, 2016 will be looked at as a major disappointment for the Solons.
8. MacArthur – The Generals have had some “ohh and ahh” moments this year, but that hasn’t translated to many wins. Just one in fact.
9. Lincoln – The Railers are out of the cellar! When was the last time Lincoln wasn’t last in the Power Rankings? Lincoln pulled out a 21-20 victory over Lanphier last Friday, ending a 33-game losing streak and tallying the program’s first win since October of 2012.
10. Lanphier – The Lions upset Springfield in week six, then come back and lose to Lincoln in week seven. That’s tough.
Sangamo
1. North Mac – The Panthers continue to find a way. Is it possible for North Mac to finish the season undefeated in back-to-back seasons? Riverton and Maroa-Forsyth remain on the schedule. What a feat that would be during the height of the Sangamo Conference. The Panthers’ offense got rolling in week seven and although consistency and the defensive secondary remain to be a concern, North Mac’s record remains perfect.
2. Williamsville – The Bullets stand at 6-1 and are riding the coat tails of senior running back, Jace Franklin, who has 14, count them, 14 touchdowns over the last three weeks. [Insert proper emoji here] That offense is scary right now. After a grueling one month stretch of the schedule, the Bullets have been able to correct some deficiencies against some of the lower half teams in the conference. That continues on Friday as the Bullets face PORTA before rounding out the regular season vs. Athens. Aaron Kunz’ club is dangerous as we near the playoffs.
3. Maroa-Forsyth – Since losing to Williamsville in week three, the Trojans have been tearing it up. Auburn awaits them on Friday night which is one of the headliner matchups in week eight. Auburn would love to get to five wins before a do-or-die situation in week nine against New Berlin and Maroa on the other hand, wants to continue to prove it is, in fact, the real deal.
4. Athens – Losing star running back and defensive ace, Hunter Maxwell is a huge blow. Maxwell is one of the best players in the conference. It is the hope in Athens that he could return at some point in the playoffs from a knee injury that he suffered against North Mac. Even with two straight losses to Maroa and North Mac, the Warriors have looked really good. Watch out for them in 1A.
5. Auburn – The Trojans got their record above .500 by crushing PORTA. The real test awaits on Friday against Maroa. Auburn is far better than a 4-3 team. Can they put together a full game and close out vs. Maroa? That’s been the issue with the Trojans this year. A statement win over the other Trojans could seal Auburn’s ticket to the playoffs. Getting back senior stud lineman, Jake Roth will be a huge boost.
6. New Berlin – Two weeks remain in the regular season. New Berlin finishes out the schedule with Athens and Auburn. The Pretzels have four wins. If Trevor Compardo’s team can get into the playoffs in his first year roaming the sideline, that would be a stellar accomplishment. The next two week’s will be very tough, though.
7. Pleasant Plains – Three of the Cardinals six losses have come by a combined seven points. That’s the difference between potentially making the playoffs and missing out on the big dance. That speaks to the type of season it has been for the Birds.
8. Pittsfield – The Saukees just couldn’t stop Jace Franklin last week, but nobody really has all year.
9. PORTA – Auburn was able to cruise by the Jays and this week, PORTA takes on Williamsville, so it won’t get any easier.
10. Riverton – The Hawks are the only team in the Sangamo that hasn’t registered a victory in 2016. It will take a monster upset over North Mac to change that dilemma.
