Football: Week 6 Power Rankings

By Andrew Conrad
Posted: October 10, 2008

No changes needed to be made after Week 5’s results. Do I know what I’m doing or what? (Just kidding: I don’t know what I’m doing.) There were a couple of close calls — at Atholton (No. 8 almost upset No. 2) and Glenelg (No. 6 and No. 3). With a few potential upsets (Long Reach at Atholton, Howard at Wilde Lake, Mt. Hebron at Oakland Mills) this week, I doubt the rankings will make it through Week 6 unscathed … The fun part, though, is watching.

1. (1*) River Hill. (5-0, 264 points scored, 22 points allowed)

Defense and special teams picked up the offense (three turnovers) with four touchdowns, two on Malek Redd kick returns and two on interception returns (Michael Campanaro and Kevin Johnson). This team is the total package and is playing in another league.

Last week: Beat Long Reach (2-3), 50-7. This week: at No. 7 Reservoir (3-2), Friday at 7.

2. (2) Wilde Lake. (5-0, 142-79)

The Wildecats are one of only two undefeated teams in the county, though they’re fourth in points scored and third in points allowed. They have won four of their five games by three points or less (two by one). A convincing win over Howard would be a big way of asserting themselves: The teams split wins last year in the regular season and playoffs. First-year Howard coach Bruce Strunk was an assistant at Wilde Lake for the past several seasons.

Last week: Beat Atholton (1-4), 22-21. This week: home against No. 4 Howard (4-1), Friday at 7.

3. (3) Marriotts Ridge. (4-1, 160-39)

The Mustangs survived an overtime scare from the always tough Glenelg squad, and should have no trouble improving to 5-1 before a Week 7 test at RiverHill. Quarterback Tim Blair has been getting the job done with his feet.

Last week: Beat Glenelg (2-3), 28-20. This week: home against Hammond (0-5), Saturday at 1:30.**

4. (4) Howard. (4-1, 178-87)

The Lions are the hottest team in the league, with the second most points scored behind River Hill, but they’ve been doing it against lower-ranked teams: Their five first-half opponents have a combined six wins. How they perform against Wilde Lake will be a good indicator of how they’ll do in the second half, and whether they’re playoff bound.

Last week: Beat Hammond (0-5), 47-6. This week: at Wilde Lake, Friday at 7.

5. (5) Long Reach. (2-3, 88-120)

Positives to take away from Week 5: forced three Hawk turnovers and scored a first-half touchdown against the league’s best defense. Of the two homecoming games on Saturday, Lightning at Atholton is the one to attend.

Last week: Lost to River Hill (5-0), 50-7. This week: at No. 8 Atholton (1-4), Saturday at 2.**

6. (6) Glenelg. (2-3, 138-105)

The Gladiators have been in every single game and have nearly upset two of the top three teams. Nearly doesn’t get you much, though.

Last week: Lost to Marriotts Ridge (4-1), 28-20. This week: at No. 9 Centennial (2-3), Friday at 7.

7. (7) Reservoir. (3-2, 89-80)

An excellent defense has been keeping the Gators afloat. It will be interesting to see if they can keep their head above water this week.

Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-4), 27-10. This week: home against No. 1 River Hill (5-0), Friday at 7.

8. (8) Atholton. (1-4, 95-140)

The Boys in Green nearly pulled off the shocker against Wilde Lake, although the Lake is playing everyone close (except Hammond). Now that they’re building some confidence, the Raiders could shoot up a few spots with a very possible upset Saturday on homecoming.

Last week: Lost to Wilde Lake (4-1), 22-21. This week: home against No. 5 Long Reach (2-3), Saturday at 2.

9. (9) Centennial. (2-3, 61-122)

Big win in the Holshue Cup sets up a chance for the Eagles to improve to .500, though it’s a long shot this week against a grinding Glenelg front. Kyle Young has been leading the way by running the ball and stopping the run on defense.

Last week: Beat Mt. Hebron (1-4), 21-14. This week: home against No. 6 Glenelg (2-3), Friday at 7.

10. (10) Mt. Hebron. (1-4, 52-171)

With upcoming games against Oakland Mills and Hammond, the Vikings could either solidify their spot in the Top 10, or drop out and let one of the bubble teams in.

Last week: Lost to Centennial (2-3), 21-14. This week: at Oakland Mills (1-4), Friday at 7.

On the bubble: Hammond (0-5), Oakland Mills (1-5).

* Last week’s ranking

**Homecoming game

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