Lansing-Area High School Football Power Rankings: Playoff Edition
Nineteen area schools have qualified for the postseason. Four of them are unbeaten. And there are four first-round matchups that feature local teams against each other.
The top of this week's poll remains the same. But after the top 4, there are some changes with a few losses in Week 9.
On with the new rankings:
- 1
Portland (9-0)
Last Week: No. 1Another impressive win against playoff-bound Marshall keeps the Red Raiders at the top spot. Portland's defense will be tested against Stockbridge's potent offense in the first round.
- 2
Grand Ledge (9-0)
Last Week: No. 2Clinched the CAAC Blue title with a blowout victory over arch-rival Holt. The Comets have the home-field advantage in Division 1 until the semifinals.
- 3
Pewamo-Westphalia (9-0)
Last Week: No. 3The Pirates have had another great season. Running back Jared Smith has rushed for 2,000 yards in the regular season. Another trip to the semifinals is a possibility.
- 4
Ithaca (9-0)
Last Week: No. 4The Yellow Jackets have crushed every opponent so far this season. They are the favorites in the Division 6 playoffs.
- 5
Lansing Catholic (8-1)
Last Week: No. 6An impressive win at Monroe St. Mary's Catholic moves them up this week. The Cougars open with Ovid-Elsie in Round 1. A rematch with Portland is a likelihood.
- 6
DeWitt (8-1)
Last Week: No. 5The Panthers face their arch-rivals in Haslett in Round 1. Then if they win that, Mason or St. Johns awaits in Round 2.
- 7
Dansville (8-1)
Last Week: No. 7The Aggies are home for Round 1 against Concord. Mike Galbreath's squad could possibly face Homer on the road in Round 2.
- 8
Jackson (7-2)
Last Week: No. 9The Vikings beat arch-rival Jackson Lumen Christi in overtime to finish 7-2 and clinch a home game in the playoffs. Scott Farley may be the area coach of the year after Jackson was 1-8 last season.
- 9
Mason (7-2)
Last Week: UnrankedMason re-enters the poll after winning four straight games. A rematch with St. Johns awaits is Week 1 of the playoffs.
- 10
Lakewood (7-2)
Last Week: No. 8The Vikings have lost two straight to tumble from the top five. A tough game against Hudsonville Unity Christian is on the slate this weekend.