WHEELING – The idea of these rankings, at least in part, is to spur conversation. It’s obvious that they have done so, as the message boards have lit up with our selection of the No. 1 team the last two weeks.
But remember just seven days ago when I said “these things have a way of working themselves out?” Well, that’s proven prophetic.
Ohio is headed into Week 3 while West Virginia teams take the field for the second time this season. If we’ve learned anything to this point, it’s that this has all the makings of a tremendous season.
With all that being said, let’s get to the third week of our rankings.
#1
Steubenville (2-0)
Last Week: W, 41-7 vs. New Philadelphia
This Week: vs. Wheeling Park
Steubenville fans get their wish as it is the new top-ranked squad. A pair of impressive victories, the latest a surprisingly easy rout of New Philly. This team is going to be scary good, if it isn’t already.
#2
Wheeling Park (1-0)
Last Week: W, 18-14 at St. Clairsville
This Week: at Steubenville
Wow! Talk about your impressive openers. The Park showed off on both sides of the ball. The offense did enough and the defense was stellar as well. Nate Shelek was everywhere on both sides of the ball. This sets up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup at Harding Stadium.
#3
Wheeling Central (1-0)
Last Week: W, 36-14 vs. Ambridge, Pa.
This Week: at Tusky Central
The Maroon Knights have high expectations entering this season. They didn’t disappoint Week 1 on the turf at Bishop Schmitt Field. Cody Martos had 173 all-purpose yards and scored twice.
#4
Shadyside (2-0)
Last Week: W, 47-13 at Shenandoan
This Week: at Buckeye Local
For some reason not many talk about Shadyside as one of the valley’s top overall programs, yet it continues to win. That was the case again last week as the Tigers pounded Shenandoah.
#5
St. Clairsville (1-1)
Last Week: L, 18-14 vs. Wheeling Park
This Week: vs. South Allegheny
The Red Devils tasted defeat for the first time last week. They have some things to work on — namely self-inflicted wounds — but they’re still going to be one of the final OV teams standing at the end.
#6
Harrison Central (2-0)
Last Week: W, 21-14 at Buckeye Trail
This Week: vs. Bellaire
The Huskies took Buckeye Trail’s best shot but still came away with a victory, which is the mark of a good team. The road gets no easier with Bellaire coming to town.
#7
Linsly (1-0)
Last Week: W, 27-14 at Martins Ferry
This Week: vs. Fairmont Senior
The Cadets had to rally past the Purple Riders, but got it done in the end. They take a step up in competition Saturday when the Polar Bears visit.
#8
Bellaire (2-0)
Last Week: W, 47-20 vs. Toronto
This Week: at Harrison Central
The Big Reds continue to impress and look to be headed to a sensational season. But this week’s game is a tough one. Call it a possible season-changer.
#9
Union Local (1-0)
Last Week: Game canceled because of Covid protocols
This Week: vs. Martins Ferry
Tough break for the Jets who had their Week-2 encounter called off. They could put Martins Ferry in an 0-3 hole.
#10
Cameron (1-0)
Last Week: W, 26-20 vs. West Greene
This Week: Hundred
That first rivalry game is always a tough one for the Dragons, who again have big aspirations. They got through that one and now have a Hundred team coming in that got beaten, 74-0, last week.
#11
Oak Glen (1-0)
Last Week: W, vs. Weir 35-20
This Week: vs. Allderdice
Rebuild? How about reload for the Golden Bears? That’s a big victory in Game 1 and this should be a 2-0 start.
#12
Barnesville (1-0)
Last Week: Game canceled because of Covid
This Week: vs. Buckeye Trail
Another local team that didn’t get to take the field this week. But the Shamrocks have a chance to make a big statement this week.
#13
River (1-1)
Last Week: W, 36-14 vs. Marietta
This Week: vs. Monroe Central
River always has a way of responding, and it did so again. This time the Pilots — a D-7 school — blasted Marietta — a D-3.
#14
Magnolia (1-0)
Last Week: W, 43-27 vs. Ravenswood
This Week: at Wirt County
Coach Doc Chapman and the Blue Eagles debut in the rankings after whipping up on Ravenswood. They hit the road this week.
#15
Cambridge (2-0)
Last Week: W, 15-14 at Coshocton
This Week: at Meadowbrook
Another new team in the rankings. The Bobcats are looking to make some noise this season.
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