Sports
Week 9 Power Rankings: TVC-Hocking
By: Steven Hernandez
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1.) Trimble (7-2, 7-0) | Last rank: 1 | Next opponent: @ Federal Hocking
Friday’s loss to Alexander hurt Trimble’s playoff positioning ever so slightly, but barring a monumental upset against Federal Hocking, the Tomcats have all but wrapped up another outright Hocking crown.
2.) Belpre (7-2, 6-1) | Last rank: 2 | Next opponent: Vs. Waterford
During its seven-game winning streak, Belpre has scored under 40 points just once when it hung 27 on Miller. The Golden Eagles’ remain alive for a share of the Hocking crown, but would need a win against Waterford and a Trimble loss to a winless Federal Hocking team. The latter would be one of the biggest upsets in conference history.
However, Belpre’s playoff hopes are looking bright. The Golden Eagles sit in fifth place in D-VII, region 25.
3.) South Gallia (5-4, 4-3) | Last rank: 5 | Next opponent: @ Miller
A hobbled Kody McKinniss means South Gallia has not only a chance to bump Miller from playoff contention, but an opportunity to boost its own playoff stock. The Rebels sit two spots out of playoff contention. Combine a win on Friday against eighth-ranked Miller and a loss or poor performance from Lancaster Fisher Catholic and South Gallia could sneak its way in.
4.) Miller (6-3, 4-3) | Last rank: 3 | Next opponent: Vs. South Gallia
On the other hand, a win won’t officially secure a playoff spot for Miller until the OHSAA releases its playoff pairings on Sunday, but a loss will likely end its hopes.
5.) Waterford (5-4, 4-3) | Last rank: 4 | Next opponent: @ Belpre
Waterford has proven it can hang with the conference elite (see its two point loss to Miller, 11 point loss to Trimble, and seven point loss to South Gallia.) It will need a convincing win against Belpre, on top of losses from Lancaster Fisher Catholic and Shadyside and a not-so impressive win from either South Gallia or Miller to have a chance at sneaking into the playoff field.
6.) Wahama (4-5, 3-5) | Last rank: 7 | Next opponent: @ Buffalo
Jared Nutter piled on 280 total yards and four touchdowns in Wahama’s marquee win of the season against Miller.
7.) Southern (3-6, 2-5) | Last rank: 6 | Next opponent: Vs. Eastern
Isaiah Geiger gashed Southern’s defense for 352 rushing yards in its 48-21 loss to South Gallia.
8.) Eastern (2-7, 2-5) | Last rank: 8 | Next Opponent: @ Southern
Over the last four weeks, Eastern’s defense has given up an average of 48.5 points per contest.
9.) Federal Hocking (0-9, 0-7) | Last rank: 9 | Next opponent: Vs. Trimble
The Lancers have allowed 45.2 points per contest, making an upset bid against Trimble highly unlikely.