WHEELING — Another weekend ahead with a big matchup. The teams have separated themselves into the haves and have nots at this point in the season.
All eyes will be on Nelson Field on Saturday when St. Clairsville (5-1), which is third in Division IV, Region 15, pays a visit to face unbeaten Bellaire (6-0), which sits sixth in Division V, Region 17. Both teams are headed to the playoffs for sure, but the winner of this one is likely looking at a high seed.
How about top-ranked Shadyside? River gave the Tigers all they wanted last Friday night. However, as of the time of this writing (12:30 p.m. Sunday) Shadyside was still looking for an opponent for this weekend.
Barnesville — sixth in Division VI, Region 23 — is coming off a 50-0 victory at Steubenville Catholic Central. At No. 10 in our rankings, the Shamrocks should be a team to watch down the stretch and into the postseason.
#1
Shadyside (6-0)
Last Week: W, 14-12 vs. River
This Week: vs. OPEN
Previous Ranking: 1
It was maybe tougher than expected, but the Tigers found a way late to hold on and earn their sixth straight victory.
#2
Bellaire (6-0)
Last Week: W, 41-19 at Indian Creek
This Week: vs. St. Clairsville
Previous Ranking: 2
Another week, another dominating performance from the Big Reds.
#3
Steubenville (5-1)
Last Week: W, 26-17 vs. Linsly
This Week: vs. St. Francis DeSales
Previous Ranking: 3
Big Red trailed at halftime and took Linsly’s best shot, but still came out on top.
#4
St. Clairsville (5-1)
Last Week: W, 55-7 vs. Harrison Central
This Week: at Bellaire
Previous Ranking: 4
Quite a chance for the Red Devils this week as they travel to take on rival and unbeaten Bellaire.
#5
Linsly (3-2)
Last Week: L, 26-17 at Steubenville
This Week: vs. McGuffey, Pa.
Previous Ranking: 5
A lot has been made of the difficulty of Linsly’s schedule this season. The Cadets have acquitted themselves well.
#6
Wheeling Park (1-2)
Last Week: OPEN
This Week: vs. Fairmont Senior
Previous Ranking: 6
It’s right back into the fire for the Patriots, who seem to be facing a difficult test each time out.
#7
Wheeling Central (3-2)
Last Week: W, 49-21 vs. Man
This Week: vs. Weir
Previous Ranking: 8
The Maroon Knights are up a spot this week after handing the Hillbillies a blowout loss.
#8
Barnesville (4-1)
Last Week: W, 50-0 at Steubenville Catholic Central
This Week: at Toronto
Previous Ranking: 10
The biggest rise of the week belongs to the Shamrocks, after they dominated Steubenville Catholic Central.
#9
Cameron (3-0)
Last Week: Game canceled because of Covid
This Week: at Trinity
Previous Ranking: 9
The Dragons have been sitting home for two weeks. They get back to action.
#10
Union Local (4-1)
Last Week: L, 56-12 vs. Westinghouse, Pa.
This Week: at Magnolia
Previous Ranking: 7
The Jets drop three spots after their first defeat.
#11
Oak Glen (1-1)
Last Week: Game canceled because of Covid-19
This Week: at Berkeley Springs
Previous Ranking: 11
Three times this season the virus has taken the Golden Bears off the field.
#12
Madonna (3-0)
Last Week: Game ppd. because of Covid-19
This Week: OPEN
Previous Ranking: 14
Stop me if you’ve heard this: a team — Madonna — is coming off an unscheduled bye due to Covid-19. The Blue Dons have their legitimate week off now.
#13
John Marshall (3-2)
Last Week: L, 28-25 at Parkersburg South
This Week: at Buckhannon Upshur
Previous Ranking: 13
The Monarchs showed even in defeat that they’re getting there. Honestly, they’re probably farther along than I thought at this point.
#14
Cambridge (4-2)
Last Week: W, 23-0 at Martins Ferry
This Week: vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
Previous Ranking: NR
The Bobcats are thinking playoffs and I’ve taken notice.
#15
Beaver Local (4-2)
Last Week: W, 47-16 vs. Luteran East
This Week: vs. Harrison Central
Previous Ranking: NR
The Beavers have quietly snuck into playoff contention, and likewise intro our rankings for the first time.
Dropped out: Harrison Central, River.
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