Lansing-Area H.S. Football Power Rankings

We have four area teams left for regional championship weekend. We knew that at least two area teams would be alive with the Mason-DeWitt and Sexton-Lakewood winners moving on.

RELATED: Compare with last week's rankings

The Mason, Portland, and St Pats losses over the weekend influence this week's rankings. DeWitt, Lakewood, Ithaca, and P-W are still alive for regional titles.

On with this week's rankings:

1
Pewamo-Westphalia (11-0)
Last Week: No. 1
The Pirates won a tough district final over previously unbeaten Saugatuck last Saturday at home, 25-19.
All-State running back Jared Smith went over 200 yards again, and is over 2,300 yards for the season.
But their toughest test is this Saturday at number 1 Traverse City St. Francis for the Division 7 regional championship. Should be a heckuva game.
2
DeWitt (10-1)
Last Week: No. 3
The Panthers continue to dominate after breaking open a close game against Mason last Friday night.
The good news: They get to host another playoff game next Friday night.
The bad news: They get defending state champion Orchard Lake St. Mary's, who has been DeWitt's nemesis in the playoffs in recent years.
3
Ithaca (11-0)
Last Week: No. 5
The Yellow Jackets crushed Muskegon Oakridge 47-6 behind Joey Bentley's 6 touchdown passes last Saturday.
Ithaca has won 25 in a row, and have won 94 of their last 95 games. Amazing.
A strong Frankenmuth squad will visit Ithaca this Saturday afternoon.
4
Lakewood (10-1)
Last Week: No. 7
The GLAC champs continue to surprise everyone. The Vikings rode backup QB Parker Smith and Noah Caudy to their first ever district championship with a 36-28 victory over Sexton. Congratulations!
They have another tough test for the regional title on Friday night as they play Hudsonville Unity Christian at Jenison HS.
5
Portland (10-1)
Last Week: No. 2
Another heartbreaking, brutal loss has ended the Red Raiders season. This time to Grand Rapids West Catholic 10-7 on a last-second field goal.
Coach John Novara has built an excellent program that competes at a high level, year in and year out. Including a state title in 2012.
But these last two playoff losses the last two seasons really sting.
6
Mason (9-2)
Last Week: No. 4
The Bulldogs stayed with DeWitt for a half, trailing only 24-10 at intermission. But losing starting QB Brad Wilton with an injury hampered Jerry VanHeuvel's offense.
DeWitt is the only team Mason lost to this season, head coach Jerry VanHeuvel should get serious consideration for area coach of the year, with all the players he lost from the excellent 2015 squad.
7
Lansing Catholic (8-2)
Last Week: No. 6
The Cougars nearly got shut out by Grand Rapids West Catholic in the opening round of the playoffs. It was a major downer for them after coming one play away from going 9-0 in the regular season.
Head coach Jim Ahearn has QB Michael Lynn III back for another season. That’s a good head start for 2017.
8
Grand Ledge (7-3)
Last Week: No. 8
A disappointing finish for the Comets, with a loss to arch-rival Holt in Week 9. And then a blowout loss to Grandville, 37-0 in Round 1 of the playoffs.
Grand Ledge does have QB Nolan Bird returning for his senior season in 2017, and they have plenty of depth everywhere. But a poor finish for a team that made the state semifinals last season.
9
Fowlerville (7-3)
Last Week: No. 9
The Gladiators nearly came all the way to back against Mason in Round 1 of the playoffs, losing 35-28.
Head coach Brett Shrader has done a great job bringing this program back to prominence. They should be competitive once again in 2017.
10
Laingsburg (8-2)
Last Week: Unranked
The Wolf Pack were beaten badly by Montrose in the first round of the playoffs 52-21.
In most years, Laingsburg would have won the CMAC going away with the talent on this squad. But the fact that P-W has one of the greatest teams in league history this season will overshadow an outstanding campaign for the 'Pack.

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Lansing-Area H.S. Football Power Rankings – After District Finals