FOOTBALL: Playoff Power Rankings

By Andrew Conrad
Posted: November 13, 2009

Four teams in the playoffs, can’t complain with that, eh? I guess Long Reach could have hoped to get in with a 6-4 record, but the Lightning is in a very tough region. Unfortunately, only three of the four playoff teams can possibly hope to advance since Wilde Lake plays at Atholton in the first round. The winner of that game wins a trip to River Hill (assuming the Hawks beat J.M. Bennett, which I am) next week for the regional championship game.

This will likely be the last edition of the Power Rankings as I switch over to a ‘previewing the playoff games’ format for the final weeks.

What I had wrong last week: Atholton and Glenelg each scoring three times (they each scored twice). Glenelg kicking a chip-shot field goal (they almost lined up, but then went for it and got the touchdown!).

What I had right last week: Atholton keeping its streak of 14-point games alive and winning. Howard’s defense propelling it to a win over Mt. Hebron.

All games are Friday at 7 p.m.

1. (Previous: 1.) River Hill (10-0, 404 points scored-72 points allowed)

I think I’ve run out of ways to describe how good River Hill is, so I’ll just say this: They’re going to beat J.M. Bennett and play the winner of the Atholton-Wilde Lake game next week. I’ve outlined the reasons here. I don’t know a whole lot about Bennett, but I’m going to act irresponsible and say the Hawks win by four or five touchdowns.

Last week: beat Centennial (4-6), 41-21. This week: at home against No. 4 J.M. Bennett (6-4) in a 3A East semifinal.

2. (2.) Atholton (9-1, 270-166)

Another gutsy showing in a 14-13 win over Glenelg last week. The Raiders have played four games decided by a touchdown or less, and they’ve won them all. That’s a good sign for this week, because it’s going to be a close game with Wilde Lake. The first time they played this season the teams combined for 64 points (Atholton won, 34-30). This time it’s probably going to be a similar game to last week, when Atholton beat Glenelg by an extra point. It looks like a pick-’em game, but I’m going with Atholton because of the Raiders’ track record in close contests and their more explosive offense.

Last week: beat Glenelg (8-2), 14-13. This week: at home against No. 3 Wilde Lake (7-3) in a 3A East semifinal.

3. (3.) Glenelg (8-2, 225-148)

What a classic that was last week with Atholton. I hope Glenelg can keep it that close with Douglass. Coach Butch Schaffer says the Gladiators will need to play a flawless game to win, but I think that might be a bit of an exaggeration. Glenelg is a well balanced team. The Gladiators are fourth in the league in scoring and third in points allowed. Douglass has shut out six of its 10 opponents and have a talented running back named Emmanuel Paul. I don’t know about this one, but Glenelg’s home-field advantage might help.

Last week: lost to Atholton (9-1), 14-13. This week: at home against No. 3 Douglass (8-2) in a 2A South semifinal.

4. (4.) Wilde Lake (7-3, 212-119)

Wilde Lake has allowed more than two touchdowns only twice this season, and only River Hill has allowed fewer points (119-72). Atholton is going to test the Wildecats, though. The Raiders have scored at least two touchdowns in every game. It’s going to come down to how effectively the Wilde Lake rushing attack can move the ball without stalling or turning it over.

Last week: beat Reservoir (3-7), 28-7. This week: at No. 2 Atholton (9-1) in a 3A East semifinal.

5. (5.) Long Reach (6-4, 182-156)

A big fish in the county, but just below the big four. The Lightning had a strong running game (as evidenced by their three 100-yard rushers in Week 10), but the offense stalled in weeks 7-9 (no coincidence: the Lightning played Atholton, Glenelg and Wilde Lake and scored a total of 14 points). That stretch contributed to them scoring only the 10th-most points in the league this season.

Last week: beat Oakland Mills (1-9), 34-0.

6. (8.) Howard (5-5, 215-160)

The Lions were capable of a playoff run, but, like some others, got derailed midway through the season. A solid, well balanced team.

Last week: beat Mt. Hebron (4-6), 28-14.

7. (6.) Mt. Hebron (4-6, 239-307)

The Vikings were an interesting team to watch. Just about every team in the league had trouble stopping their field-stretching passing attack, but they had trouble stopping just about every team in the league (they gave up more than 30 points a game).

Last week: lost to Howard (5-5), 28-14.

8. (7.) Centennial (4-6, 221-263)

Centennial was stronger defensively than Mt. Hebron, but the Eagles lost to Mt. Hebron on the field, and that’s what matters. I still wonder what might have happened this season if quarterback Greg Edmonds didn’t go down with that shoulder injury in Week 1 (an overtime loss to Glenelg). The Eagles did beat Howard, but also lost to Mt. Hebron, which lost to Howard, so you see my predicament.

Last week: lost to River Hill (10-0), 41-21.

9. (9.) Reservoir (3-7, 197-227)

A good team, with some talented players. The Gators were in the upper-lower tier of the county this year, but they’ve got something to build on with some solid players coming back and some consistency building in the coaching staff.

Last week: Lost to Wilde Lake (7-3), 28-7.

10. (10.) Hammond (3-7, 183-230)

The Bears made big strides this year, winning more games than they have in three years. Next year they need more depth, so they don’t nose-dive after a few injuries.

Last week: beat Marriotts Ridge (0-10), 32-21.

On the bubble: Marriotts Ridge (0-10, 94-367), Oakland Mills (1-9, 97-331).

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