
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).
Glenelg over Howard. I sure didn’t see that one coming. I guess it’s like coaches always say, on any given day, any team can beat any team. I certainly can’t drop Howard below Glenelg, so I’ve had to make some tough moves. I’ve had to put some teams behind teams that they’ve beaten head-to-head. Spots 6 through 9 are the tough ones. Oh yeah, I guess I’ve got to man up and admit how wrong I was on my Wilde Lake-River Hill prediction. In case you forgot, I guessed 35-6. It was 12-0. Am I allowed to just say the rain slowed them down? No more homecoming games, so everything is Friday at 7.
1. (1-last week’s ranking) River Hill. (8-0, 372 points scored, 22 points allowed)
Nothing left to prove in this county. You can lock them into the top spot for the rest of the season.They showed that they can win a sloppy game in bad weather, which could be important in the playoffs. Five shutouts in its past six games is impressive.
Last week: Beat Wilde Lake (7-1), 12-0. This week: at Hammond (0-8).
2. (2) Wilde Lake. (7-1, 218-111)
No one likes a moral victory, but the Wildecats showed a lot by holding River Hill to 12 points. They proved that they’re one of the best teams in the state and are capable of a nice playoff run. Except for nights off against Glenelg and Atholton (combined 56 points allowed) the defense has been superb.
Last week: Lost to River Hill (8-0), 12-0. This week: home against No. 7 Centennial (4-4).
3. (3) Marriotts Ridge. (6-2, 250-120)
Even if they close out with wins against Howard and Centennial, the Mustangs may be the hard-luck team that goes 8-2 and misses the playoffs. They’re certainly deserving of the playoffs: their only losses are to River Hill and Wilde Lake, both state championship contenders. The problem is they share the ultra competitive 2A South with teams such as the aforementioned River Hill, and North Point, Gwynn Park, Patuxent, and Douglass — schools that rack up bonus points for beating larger schools with winning records. Patuxent, which sits 14 points ahead of Marriotts Ridge and currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot in the 2A South, has games against Calvert (2-6) and Great Mills (0-8) remaining.
Last week: Beat Atholton (2-6), 42-22. This week: home against No. 5 Howard (5-3).
4. (5) Long Reach. (5-3, 178-160)
Long Reach is on a roll and shouldn’t have too much trouble finishing the season 7-3. The only thing that might hurt them in their attempt to make the playoffs is that their two remaining opponents have only three wins worth of bonus points available. Trying to play out all these scenarios gives me a headache though, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-7), 49-21. This week: at No. 10 Mt. Hebron (3-5).
5. (4) Howard. (5-3, 231-139)
Yes, yes, I know Howard bludgeoned Long Reach, but that was in week three and anything can happen in a rivalry game. Long Reach’s only other two losses are to River Hill and Wilde Lake. Howard, meanwhile has lost to Centennial and Glenelg. Curiously, with a win this week over Marriotts Ridge, and its six wins worth of bonus points, the Lions would make a strong burst in a tight and wide open playoff race in the 3A East. That discrepancy should make the Mustangs very eager to play the spoiler.
Last week: Lost to Glenelg (3-5), 17-14. This week: at No. 3 Marriotts Ridge (6-2).
6. (8) Atholton. (2-6, 157-223)
Quite a jump for a team that lost, I know, but 6 through 9 are a mystery. Why are they here? They don’t get to play Hammond, which Centennial, Glenelg, and Reservoir all did. They lost three games by a TD or less (two to Howard and Wilde Lake). And they beat Glenelg by two touchdowns only two weeks ago. Now can they defend this spot against Reservoir, close out the season with consecutive wins, and take some promise into next season?
Last week: Lost to Marriotts Ridge (3-3), 27-12. This week: home against No. 9 Reservoir (4-4).
7. (7) Centennial. (4-4, 158-169)
The Eagles may have had their last fun of the season beating up on hapless Hammond. Now they’ve got Wilde Lake and Marriotts Ridge coming up. But they beat Howard and Glenelg, won the Holshue Cup, and broke the school record for rushing yards in a game. Not a bad first campaign for Ken Senisi.
Last week: Beat Hammond (0-8), 48-12. This week: at No. 2 Wilde Lake (7-1).
8. (9) Glenelg. (3-5, 190-189)
Just when I thought I had this thing figured out, Glenelg had to go and mess it all up. I had them up higher earlier in the season, but then they lost to Centennial and Atholton. Glenelg’s win over Howard was big, but Centennial has also beaten the Lions, and Atholton lost by just a field goal.
Last week: Beat Howard (5-3), 17-14. This week: home against Oakland Mills (1-7).
9. (6) Reservoir. (4-4, 119-178)
I hate to drop Reservoir this far after a win, but aside from their shutout of Centennial in week two, they haven’t beaten anyone above them. I’m starting to feel like No. 10 could beat No. 4 on the right day. The only sure thing in these rankings is 1, 2, and 3. If the Gators fall to Atholton this week we could finish the season with four teams that are 4-6. In the NFL, they love to call that “parity.”
Last week: Beat Mt. Hebron (3-5), 22-17. This week: at No. 6 Atholton (2-6)
10. (10) Mt. Hebron. (3-5, 143-213)
I made the Vikes my upset pick of the week last week. I was wrong: it was Glenelg. But Mt. Hebron came close, falling by six points to then No. 6 Reservoir. They’ve done some good things this season.
Last week: Lost to Reservoir (4-4), 22-17. This week: home against No. 4 Long Reach (5-3).
On the bubble: Hammond (0-8), Oakland Mills (1-7).
Stat of the week: Oakland Mills has allowed exactly 49 points in three straight weeks. All they had to do was score 50 each time and they’d have three wins.
No big movers in the rankings this week. The only “upset” was Atholton over free-falling Glenelg, so those two swap positions at Nos. 8 and 9.
But who cares about 3 through 10 this week! The only thing anyone wants to talk about is the battle for No. 1 on Saturday, when No. 2 Wilde Lake travels to No. 1 River Hill. Howard County has football fever!
After watching both teams play several times, I just can’t see River Hill losing. But I’ve been wrong before, and Wilde Lake has been playing up or down to its competition this season. A Wilde Lake win would have to be considered one of the biggest upsets in county history.
The forecast is calling for rain, which could have an effect on the game. Probably not on the outcome, though. Scoring predictions are in vogue these days, so here goes: River Hill 35, Wilde Lake 6.
1. (last week’s ranking: 1) River Hill (7-0, 360 points scored, 22 points allowed)
If there was any doubt about their strength, the Hawks showed they’re the real deal with a 41-0 shutout of a rock-solid Marriotts Ridge. Michael Campanaro and Malek Redd are approaching playoff speed, and the defense is crashing through opposing lines as if they’re not there.
Last week: Beat Marriotts Ridge (5-2), 41-0. This week: home against No. 2 Wilde Lake (7-0), Saturday at 1 (homecoming).
2. (2) Wilde Lake (7-0, 218-99)
The Wildecats have some of the best athletes in the county, but they could use an inspirational speech from alumnus Jimmy Traber before playing River Hill. Longtime coach Doug DuVall should come up with something pretty good, too. Either way, it’s going to take an exceptional performance to beat the Hawks.
Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-6), 49-7. This week: at No. 1 River Hill (7-0), Saturday at 1.
3. (3) Marriotts Ridge (5-2, 208-98)
The Mustangs have to bounce back from a humbling loss to River Hill and get some swagger again if they hope to win out and make the playoffs for the first time. They shouldn’t have too much trouble beating Atholton, but Howard next week will be a real test and a ticket to the playoffs could be on the line.
Last week: Lost to River Hill (7-0), 41-0. This week: home against No. 8 Atholton (2-5), Friday at 7.
4. (4) Howard (5-2, 217-122)
Looked strong against Reservoir. The big test will be Marriotts Ridge on Halloween night. A win there would knock the Mustangs out in the 2A South, while Howard, which doesn’t have to play River Hill this season, could still get in to the 3A East playoffs.
Last week: Beat Reservoir (3-4), 26-8. This week: home against No. 9 Glenelg (2-5), Saturday at 2 (homecoming).
5. (5) Long Reach (4-3, 129-139)
The Lightning got the big win they needed against Centennial and are poised to run the table. They’re sixth in the MPSSAA points standings, and only two points out of fourth, so if they can stay focused, three straight wins should give them a strong shot at getting in.
Last week: Beat Centennial (3-4), 14-7. This week: home against Oakland Mills (1-6), Friday at 7.
6. (6) Reservoir. (3-4, 97-161)
The Gators have good size and strength, but they seem to lack that extra burst of team speed and athleticism to knock off the playoff contenders.
Last week: Lost to Howard (5-2), 26-8. This week: home against No. 10 Mt. Hebron (3-4), Saturday at 1 (homecoming).
7. (7) Centennial. (3-4, 110-157)
The Eagles couldn’t pull the upset they needed to keep their playoff hopes alive. Now they’ll try to play spoilers against Wilde Lake and Marriotts Ridge in the final two weeks of the season.
Last week: Lost to Long Reach (4-3), 14-7. This week: at Hammond (0-7), Friday at 7.
8. (9) Atholton. (2-5, 135-181)
It appears the Raiders are finally starting to wake up to their preseason promise. Now the question is, can the confidence gained from beating Glenelg help them make a run at Marriotts Ridge? Looking back at their schedule they’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from being a 5-2 team… (I know, last week I also said they could be winless. Both scenarios were very possible. That’s why high school football is so exciting!)
Last week: Beat Glenelg (2-5), 28-14. This week: at No. 3 Marriotts Ridge (5-2), Friday at 7.
9. (8) Glenelg (2-5, 173-175)
The Gladiators finally slipped into the negative on the points-for, points-against margin and still have to play Howard and River Hill. Wheels are officially off.
Last week: Lost to Atholton (2-5), 28-14. This week: at No. 4 Howard (5-2), Saturday at 2.
10. (10) Mt. Hebron (3-4, 126-191)
Even without Jackson Jordan (torn anterior and medial collateral ligaments in Week 1), the Vikings have hung in there. Junior quarterback Clint Huber is getting more comfortable on the field and developing rapport with wide receiver Spencer Wilkins. Mt. Hebron at Reservoir on Saturday is my upset special of the week. (I’m not saying it’s GOING to happen, I’m just saying if there is an upset, this will be it…)
Last week: Beat Hammond (0-7), 25-8. This week: at No. 6 Reservoir (3-4), Saturday at 1.
On the bubble: Hammond (0-7), Oakland Mills (1-6).
Five of this weekend’s games are between teams that are separated by two spots or less in the power rankings. Only No. 2 Wilde Lake, which is at unranked Oakland Mills, seems like an easy pick. With all those possible upsets, I’m as nervous as a camper in a cheap tent as a thunderstorm approaches: Will my power rankings hold up, or will they be full of holes by next week? We’ll just have to see…
Week 6 saw a big upset as then-No. 9 Centennial knocked off then-No. 6 Glenelg with a tour de force from the ground game: a school record 472 yards. How high did the Eagles climb and how far did the Gladiators tumble? Read on to find out…
1. (1*) River Hill. (6-0, 319 points scored, 22 points allowed)
The Hawks continue to roll, posting 55 points against the league’s sixth-ranked defense, but now they enter the meat of their schedule, with No. 3 Marriotts Ridge and No. 2 Wilde Lake over the next two weeks. I don’t expect them to lose this spot, but stranger things have happened…
Last week: Beat Reservoir (3-3), 55-0. This week: home against No. 3 Marriotts Ridge (5-1), Friday at 7.
2. (2) Wilde Lake. (6-0, 169-92)
The Wildecats finally got the dominant performance against a quality opponent they’ve been looking for, beating the surging Lions by a two-touchdown cushion. Everything is still in line for the Wildecats to face River Hill for the county championship Oct. 25.
Last week: Beat Howard (4-2), 27-13. This week: at Oakland Mills (1-5), Friday at 7.
3. (3) Marriotts Ridge. (5-1, 208-57)
It should be noted that the Mustangs’ No. 2-ranked defense has allowed 38 points over the last two weeks, including 18 to the 12th-ranked offense. But the Mustangs’ offense continues to produce, posting 76 points in that same span. As close as they played Wilde Lake in Week 4, they can run with anyone, as they’ll look to do against the defending state champs Friday night.
Last week: Beat Hammond (0-6), 48-18. This week: at No. 1 River Hill (6-0), Friday at 7.
4. (4) Howard. (4-2, 191-114)
The Lions stayed with Wilde Lake for 24 minutes, then succumbed to the ‘Cats’ running game after halftime. Mark Covington continues to impress, scoring one of his two touchdowns on the opening kickoff return. That pesky Week 1 loss to Centennial could keep them out of the playoffs, though.
Last week: Lost to Wilde Lake (5-1), 27-13. This week: home against No. 6 Reservoir (3-3), Saturday at 2**.
5. (5) Long Reach. (3-3, 115-132)
Don’t look now, but the Lightning’s remaining schedule is all lower-ranked teams. If they can get past Centennial this week, they have a good chance to run the table against No. 10 Mt. Hebron, unranked Oakland Mills and Hammond. A 7-3 record could be good enough to get into the playoffs in the 3A East.
Last week: Beat Atholton (1-5), 27-12. This week: at No. 7 Centennial (3-3), Saturday at 1.
6. (7) Reservoir. (3-3, 89-135)
The Gators’ above-average defense took a blow against River Hill, but they’ll need those guys to play confident if they hope to shut down the Lions high-powered running game.
Last week: Lost to River Hill (6-0), 55-0. This week: at No. 4 Howard (4-2), Saturday at 2.
7. (9) Centennial. (3-3, 103-143)
The Eagles were a juggernaut in Week 6, rumbling over Glenelg for a school-record 472 rushing yards. Can they keep it up against a beefy Long Reach defensive line? I know they lost to Atholton in Week 4, but evidence would suggest that was an anomaly.
Last week: Beat Glenelg (2-4), 42-21. This week: home against No. 5 Long Reach (3-3), Saturday at 1**.
8. (6) Glenelg. (2-4, 159-147)
I was impressed by a few things: their strong finish in ’07, their close losses to high-ranked teams and their positive PF-PA ratio. But I guess I ignored the most important stat: They’ve only beaten No. 10 Mt. Hebron and unranked Hammond.
Last week: Lost to Centennial (3-3), 42-21. This week: home against No. 7 Atholton (1-5), Saturday at 1:30**.
9. (8) Atholton. (1-5, 107-167)
The Raiders are wondering, “When do we get to the easy part of our schedule?” They’ve already played the No. 1, 2, 4 and 5 teams, and they still have No. 3 to look forward to. They also seem to get everyone else’s best effort. It would not be a farfetched scenario for Atholton to be winless right now.
Last week: Lost to Long Reach (3-3), 27-12. This week: at No. 8 Glenelg (2-4), Saturday at 1:30.
10. (9) Mt. Hebron. (2-4, 101-183)
The Vikings defended their position in the Top 10 with a 49-12 win against unranked Oakland Mills, making for a tidy separation between the Top 10 and the bubble teams. Thanks, guys! You could make the case they should be No. 9, since they beat the Raiders, but these last four teams are all tight, and I’ve got to go with my gut.
Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-5), 49-12. This week: home against Hammond (0-6), Saturday at 2:15**.
On the bubble: Hammond (0-6), Oakland Mills (1-5).
* Last week’s ranking
** Homecoming
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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