FOOTBALL: Power Rankings, Playoff Edition

By Andrew Conrad
Posted: November 14, 2008

Power Rankings, Playoff Edition

There wasn’t a whole heck of a lot going on last week that would concern these ranks. I could try to get cute and shuffle up the rankings anyway, but I don’t think that would be prudent. We still have three teams (Howard, River Hill, and Wilde Lake) alive in the playoffs, though Howard plays at Wilde Lake tonight in the opening round, so the most we can hope for tomorrow is two. Long Reach barely missed a spot. I’ll be covering Glenelg volleyball in the state championship tonight, but my colleagues Brent Kennedy and Nate Sandstrom will be holding down the fort at Wilde Lake and River Hill. I should make it back in time for some second-half action.

I can’t pick against Wilde Lake in a home playoff game with DuVall under the headset, but Howard has been playing some great football these last two weeks. I’ve heard a lot of talk about Gwynn Park, but River Hill’s got a game plan and the athletes to execute it. This is an exciting time of year when we get to see how our boys from Howard County match up against teams from other parts of Maryland. Catch the playoff fever! But make sure you bring a raincoat, it’s going to be wet tonight…

1. (1-last week’s ranking) River Hill. (10-0, 464 points scored, 28 points allowed)

Good way to end the season, with a shutout of a quality opponent. Mike Campanaro ran for two touchdowns, returned an interception 75 yards for another and threw a touchdown pass to teammate Kevin Moore. All in the first half. Not bad. Now it’s playoff time and the River Hill players are saying, “Lets go!”

Last week: Beat Glenelg (4-6), 41-0. This week: Class 2A South semifinals, home against Gwynn Park (8-2), Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.

2. (2) Wilde Lake. (9-1, 279-137)

Another Mudcats classic is in store for tonight. Howard-Wilde Lake has become a great rivalry over the last couple seasons.Look for a lot of running plays up the gut.

Last week: Beat Reservoir (5-5), 33-14. This week: Class 3A East semifinal, home against No. 3 Howard (7-3), Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.

3. (3) Howard. (7-3, 317-173)

The Lions actually needed to win last week to get their playoff spot, otherwise, Long Reach would have been in. When you look at their schedule they should really be a 9-1 team like Wilde Lake. They did not have to play River Hill this year, and they lost by three points to No. 7 Centennial and No. 9 Glenelg. Either way, a No. 2 vs. No. 3 opening round playoff match up is a treat for county football fans.

Last week: Beat Mt. Hebron (3-7), 55-13. This week: Class 3A East semifinal, at No. 2 Wilde Lake (9-1), Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.

4. (4) Marriotts Ridge. (7-3, 309-171)

After taking it on the chin for the first half against Centennial, the Mustangs finally got it together and played for pride, closing the season with a win. It’s too bad they’re not playoff bound, but as quarterback Tim Blair said, that’s just how it goes sometimes.

Last week: Beat Centennial (4-6), 38-20. End of season.

5. (5) Long Reach. (7-3, 247-166)

Another hard-luck playoff story. Their week 3 game with Howard was essentially a battle for one playoff spot, as it turns out, even though the Lightning beat Centennial and Glenelg, two teams the Lions lost to. Could they beat Marriotts Ridge to take the four spot if they played them? Maybe, maybe not. Unfortunately their performances against common opponent Howard (Lightning lost by 29, Mustangs by 10)  has to be the tiebreaker.

Last week: Beat Hammond (0-10), 34-0. End of season.

6. (6) Reservoir. (5-5, 148-225)

The Gators put up a gutsy showing against the Wildecats. I think .500 is about the best they could hope for. Sean Jones did an admirable job taking over as head coach toward the end of the preseason.

Last week: Lost to Wilde Lake (9-1), 33-14. End of season.

7. (7) Centennial. (4-6, 190-235)

Almost pulled off the week 10 upset that would have boosted them up a rung. Atholton did beat them, 20-19. Should they switch spots? What do you think?

Last week: Lost to Marriotts Ridge (6-4), 38-20. End of season.

8. (8) Atholton. (3-7, 225-264)

It looks like the Raiders let some frustration out for a disappointing season in week 10, posting 54 on the Scorps.That’s almost twice as many points as they scored in any game this season (28).

Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-9), 54-26. End of season.

9. (9) Glenelg. (4-6, 232-237)

Glenelg was almost one of the top teams in the county. They almost beat Wilde Lake (three points) and Marriotts Ridge (overtime). Either one of those wins and they’d be in the playoffs right now. And they did beat Howard. But they lost decisively to Atholton and Centennial…

Last week: Lost to River Hill (10-0), 41-0. End of season.

10. (10) Mt. Hebron. (3-7, 162-303)

They had a lot of good juniors on this year’s team. The Vikings are going to win at least a couple more games next year.

Last week: Lost to Howard (7-3), 55-13. End of season.

On the bubble: Hammond (0-10), Oakland Mills (1-9).

Comment on this entry • No responses