Week 1: High School Football Top 15

WHEELING — Week 1 — on the Ohio side of the river — is in the books. And what a way to kick off the season in the Buckeye State.

We had some rivalry games, a few upsets and a huge statement from a program that is no stranger to making them. A couple local programs — Edison and Toronto — debuted new turf fields, with the latter having to find a replacement opponent on a couple hours notice, thanks to Covid-19.

The best part is, this weekend will be the first in which both Ohio and West Virginia will be in action. It always feels like the quickest of all the sports seasons, so don’t blink.
With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s rankings!

#1

St. Clairsville (1-0)

Last Week: W, 42-35 at Carrollton

This Week: vs. Wheeling Park

It was really tempting to have a change atop the rankings right out of the gate, but I’m not ready to go there just yet. The Red Devils had a tougher-than-expected go of it against Carrollton, snapping a 21-21 halftime deficit and hanging on down the stretch. But as Coach Brett McLean will agree, it’s about whether or not you win — not by how many points. Drew Sefsick connected with Colin Oberdick for three first-half TD passes and Jacob Jordan’s running scores in the second half helped pull off a St.C. victory.

#2

Steubenville (1-0)

Last Week: W, 22-7 vs. Olentangy Liberty

This Week: New Philadelphia

A very good case could be made in terms of Coach Reno Saccoccia’s team taking over the top spot. But these things have a way of working themselves out as the season progresses.

Liberty took a 7-6 lead early before Big Red took over behind Rodney James, who finished with 140 yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Steubenville also forced four turnovers by Liberty, which entered Harding Stadium with a Division-I classification.

#3

Wheeling Central (0-0)

Last Week: N/A

This Week: vs. Ambridge, Pa.

Not going to move a team that hasn’t played a snap down in the rankings. Again, it’s early and time will tell. Looking forward to seeing the Maroon Knights begin pursuit of what they hope will be a 13th state titles

#4

Shadyside (1-0)

Last Week: W, 26-6 vs. Martins Ferry

This Week: at Shenandoah

Coach Mark Holenka’s squad used to a workmanlike effort to take down visiting Martins Ferry on opening night.

An Andrew Osman interception return for a TD gave the Tigers a 20-0 halftime lead. Rhys Francis had a pair of TD runs and Wyatt Ryman found the end zone.

#5

Wheeling Park (0-0)

Last Week: N/A

This Week: at St. Clairsville

This was already a tough opener for Park, but it becomes even more difficult considering the Red Devils appear to have gotten their kinks out.

#6

Harrison Central (1-0)

Last Week: W, 41-6 vs. Claymont

This Week: at Buckeye Trail

In one of the more impressive debuts, the Huskies rolled up 431 yards of offense. Nathan Bertolina had 152 on the ground, Hayden Cassidy threw for 176 yards and two TDs and Trevor Carman scored three times on the ground.”

#7

Linsly (0-0)

Last Week: N/A

This Week: at Martins Ferry

It could be a big season for the Cadets, who are facing a highly publicized brutal schedule. It begins at the Dave Bruney Complex against a Purple Riders team that already has a game under its belt.

#8

Bellaire (1-0)

Last Week: W, 34-14 at River

This Week: vs. Toronto

Bellaire ran for nearly 300 yards in a fourth straight victory against its season-opening rival. Colt Secrest led the way with six carries, 74 yards and a score. He also caught four passes for 41 yards and a TD.

#9

Union Local (1-0)

Last Week: W, 40-18 at Monroe Central

This Week: at Buckeye Local

Hayden McCrate and Jaksan Price combined for more than 350 yards and five touchdowns on the ground as the Jets started slow, before running past Monroe.

#10

Cameron (0-0)

Last Week: N/A

This Week: vs. West Greene

A tough opener in what is referred to as the high school version of the Backyard Brawl. The Dragons will be unveiling their new digs.

#11

Oak Glen (0-0)

Last Week: N/A

This Week: vs. Weir

Always a fun time when these two neighboring rivals lock horns. The game has been moved to Brooke High School because the new surface at Oak Glen isn’t quite finished.

#12

Barnesville (1-0)

Last Week: W, 17-14 vs. Buckeye Local

This Week: vs. Meadowbrook

The Shamrocks found themselves in a game against an improved Buckeye Local squad, but Spencer Bliss returned a kickoff 75 yards for a score and sealed it with a late interception.

#13

River (0-1)

Last Week: Lost, 34-14 vs. Bellaire

This Week: vs. Marietta

The Pilots are licking their wounds after a loss to rival Bellaire, but will be looking to rebound. Sophomore Kabel Isaly debuted by going 15 of 23 for 195 yards and two touchdowns.