Gameday Power Poll - September 5th, 2007
Welcome to this week's Gameday Power Poll where we feature teams all across the Northern Virginia area. This is the ONLY source to find out where the best in this area rank, so check back weekly to see where every team measures up. From Winchester to Fauquier to Fairfax, we have it all covered for you.
A lot has changed from our preseason rankings that were featured in our September issue of Gameday Magazine. Several Week 1 upsets and unexpected blowouts really changed the landscape of the top 10. So without hesitation, here is your Gameday Power Poll:
Biggest Mover: Edison, 3 spots
Biggest Decline: Oakton
1. WESTFIELD BULLDOGS
Previous: 1
Next up: at Lee
Coming in at #1 has to be Westfield. They did an extraordinary job of dismantling South County, who is a legitimate playoff team. All week 1 did was show just how scary this team can be. The nation's #31 ranked squad has made good on their pre-season hype so far and are clearly the team to beat.
2. CHANTILLY CHARGERS
Previous: 2
Next up: vs. Washington-Lee
The Purple Platoon must be starting to get a little annoyed at the fact that Chantilly is constantly ranked behind Westfield this year, but they looked spectacular in their first game. The 35-13 score against a very competitive Langley squad could have been much worse. The Chargers are in perfect shape for right now.
3. STONE BRIDGE
Previous: 3
Next up: at #4 Robinson
Stone Bridge came out slow against a very talented West Springfield team, but with their third quarter explosion, they showed just how great of a team they can be. Stopping the juggernaut that is the West Springfield offense is no easy task, so the 36 points allowed is no real concern for now.
4. ROBINSON
Previous: 5
Next up: vs. #3 Stone Bridge
Robinson did a great job on defense by shutting down Shane Halley and the Lake Braddock Bruins. A great defense is what carries teams in the Concorde, so they get the four spot here. Figuring out a more consistent lineup on offense will make this team even better.
5. SHERANDO
Previous Week: 6
Next up: vs. Musselman
Sherando did a good job of taking care of Jefferson County last Friday as they walked away with a 7-0 victory. Look for this team to really climb the rankings once their offense starts to click.
6. EDISON
Previous: 9
Next up: vs. West Springfield
Known for their aggressive, come-at-you style, Edison sure came out swinging against Lee as they dominated in a 29-3 win. What's even scarier is that highly touted wide receiver Ben Barber is taking direct snaps, so he'll be getting about three times the amount of touches he normally would see in a game. Think Brandon Hogan but in the Northern Region which is quite a scary proposition.
7. WOODBRIDGE
Previous Week: 8
Next up: vs. Highland Springs
Woodbridge moves up one spot with a shellacking of Riverbend. This week however, the Vikings will have their hands full with the Highland Springs who hail from the Richmond area. Highland Springs has six Division I prospects, so this will be a great test for Woodbridge.
8. PARK VIEW
Previous Week: NR
Next up: at Jefferson County
Park View absolutely dismantled Herndon by 30 points last week and that's enough to land them in this week's Power Poll. A win against Jefferson County will prove that this team is for real and the team to beat in the Dulles.
9. MADISON
Previous Week: NR
Next up: vs. Yorktown
A huge road upset of rival and previous #4 Oakton is enough evidence to prove that Madison is serious contender this year. District rival Stone Bridge should take careful note of the Warhawks.
10. OSBOURN
Previous Week: 10
Next up: vs. Brooke Point
Last year's state champs were idle last week, so they're staying put in the 10 spot. The Eagle's first contest against Brooke Point will be the first indicator of whether or not Osbourn is again a contender for the state championship or a worthy top 10 team.
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
GAR-FIELD- The Indians were a tough team to exclude from this week's Power Poll after their stellar performance against Colonial Forge. Gar-Field is knocking on the door and could charge into the top 10 with another good performance against North Stafford.
OAKTON- The Cougars slip out of the Power Poll after a home loss to Madison. This is a young team, so towards season's end expect them to be right back on top.
WEST POTOMAC- A victory over Concorde powerhouse Centreville says a lot about this squad. Expect them to continue to climb up the rankings as the year continues.
LIBERTY- Like Oakton, a home loss to their rival was enough for them to be excluded from the top 10.
HYLTON- The Bulldogs open up this week against Stonewall Jackson and are out to prove that last year was a fluke. Hylton has dominated the Northern Virginia area over the past decade and a strong showing against Stonewall will certainly show that this team is back on track.
