Football: Week 8 power rankings

By Andrew Conrad
Posted: October 24, 2008

No big movers in the rankings this week. The only “upset” was Atholton over free-falling Glenelg, so those two swap positions at Nos. 8 and 9.

But who cares about 3 through 10 this week! The only thing anyone wants to talk about is the battle for No. 1 on Saturday, when No. 2 Wilde Lake travels to No. 1 River Hill. Howard County has football fever!

After watching both teams play several times, I just can’t see River Hill losing. But I’ve been wrong before, and Wilde Lake has been playing up or down to its competition this season. A Wilde Lake win would have to be considered one of the biggest upsets in county history.

The forecast is calling for rain, which could have an effect on the game. Probably not on the outcome, though. Scoring predictions are in vogue these days, so here goes: River Hill 35, Wilde Lake 6.

1. (last week’s ranking: 1) River Hill (7-0, 360 points scored, 22 points allowed)

If there was any doubt about their strength, the Hawks showed they’re the real deal with a 41-0 shutout of a rock-solid Marriotts Ridge. Michael Campanaro and Malek Redd are approaching playoff speed, and the defense is crashing through opposing lines as if they’re not there.

Last week: Beat Marriotts Ridge (5-2), 41-0. This week: home against No. 2 Wilde Lake (7-0), Saturday at 1 (homecoming).

2. (2) Wilde Lake (7-0, 218-99)

The Wildecats have some of the best athletes in the county, but they could use an inspirational speech from alumnus Jimmy Traber before playing River Hill. Longtime coach Doug DuVall should come up with something pretty good, too. Either way, it’s going to take an exceptional performance to beat the Hawks.

Last week: Beat Oakland Mills (1-6), 49-7. This week: at No. 1 River Hill (7-0), Saturday at 1.

3. (3) Marriotts Ridge (5-2, 208-98)

The Mustangs have to bounce back from a humbling loss to River Hill and get some swagger again if they hope to win out and make the playoffs for the first time. They shouldn’t have too much trouble beating Atholton, but Howard next week will be a real test and a ticket to the playoffs could be on the line.

Last week: Lost to River Hill (7-0), 41-0. This week: home against No. 8 Atholton (2-5), Friday at 7.

4. (4) Howard (5-2, 217-122)

Looked strong against Reservoir. The big test will be Marriotts Ridge on Halloween night. A win there would knock the Mustangs out in the 2A South, while Howard, which doesn’t have to play River Hill this season, could still get in to the 3A East playoffs.

Last week: Beat Reservoir (3-4), 26-8. This week: home against No. 9 Glenelg (2-5), Saturday at 2 (homecoming).

5. (5) Long Reach (4-3, 129-139)

The Lightning got the big win they needed against Centennial and are poised to run the table. They’re sixth in the MPSSAA points standings, and only two points out of fourth, so if they can stay focused, three straight wins should give them a strong shot at getting in.

Last week: Beat Centennial (3-4), 14-7. This week: home against Oakland Mills (1-6), Friday at 7.

6. (6) Reservoir. (3-4, 97-161)

The Gators have good size and strength, but they seem to lack that extra burst of team speed and athleticism to knock off the playoff contenders.

Last week: Lost to Howard (5-2), 26-8. This week: home against No. 10 Mt. Hebron (3-4), Saturday at 1 (homecoming).

7. (7) Centennial. (3-4, 110-157)

The Eagles couldn’t pull the upset they needed to keep their playoff hopes alive. Now they’ll try to play spoilers against Wilde Lake and Marriotts Ridge in the final two weeks of the season.

Last week: Lost to Long Reach (4-3), 14-7. This week: at Hammond (0-7), Friday at 7.

8. (9) Atholton. (2-5, 135-181)

It appears the Raiders are finally starting to wake up to their preseason promise. Now the question is, can the confidence gained from beating Glenelg help them make a run at Marriotts Ridge? Looking back at their schedule they’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from being a 5-2 team… (I know, last week I also said they could be winless. Both scenarios were very possible. That’s why high school football is so exciting!)

Last week: Beat Glenelg (2-5), 28-14. This week: at No. 3 Marriotts Ridge (5-2), Friday at 7.

9. (8) Glenelg (2-5, 173-175)

The Gladiators finally slipped into the negative on the points-for, points-against margin and still have to play Howard and River Hill. Wheels are officially off.

Last week: Lost to Atholton (2-5), 28-14. This week: at No. 4 Howard (5-2), Saturday at 2.

10. (10) Mt. Hebron (3-4, 126-191)

Even without Jackson Jordan (torn anterior and medial collateral ligaments in Week 1), the Vikings have hung in there. Junior quarterback Clint Huber is getting more comfortable on the field and developing rapport with wide receiver Spencer Wilkins. Mt. Hebron at Reservoir on Saturday is my upset special of the week. (I’m not saying it’s GOING to happen, I’m just saying if there is an upset, this will be it…)

Last week: Beat Hammond (0-7), 25-8. This week: at No. 6 Reservoir (3-4), Saturday at 1.

On the bubble: Hammond (0-7), Oakland Mills (1-6).

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