Lansing-Area H.S. Football Power Rankings After Week 9

Grand Ledge and Lakewood's surprise losses to Holt and Ionia, respectively, have altered the rankings this week. Only four area teams got through the regular season undefeated.

Nineteen area teams have made the postseason, including 5-4 teams like Olivet, Stockbridge, and Williamston. Matchups involving two Mid-Michigan teams include East Lansing at DeWitt, Fowlerville at Mason, and Williamston at Sexton.

RELATED: See last week's rankings

RELATED: Five things to know about Lansing-area teams in the playoffs

On with this week's rankings:

1
Pewamo-Westphalia (9-0, 7-0)
Last Week: No. 1
Jared Smith is now close to 2,000 yards for the season with another 200+ yard performance against Hastings on Friday.
The Pirates should roll Hesperia this week, but the road back to Ford Field gets tougher after that.
2
Portland (9-0, 7-0)
Last Week: No. 2
The Red Raiders struggled all night long, but got past Marshall 21-14 on Friday.
Portland has a tough draw with Grandville Calvin Christian up first, and then either Grand Rapids West Catholic or Lansing Catholic in the district final.
3
DeWitt (8-1, 5-0)
Last Week: No. 4
The Panthers continue to play great, blowing out playoff-bound Portage Northern in Week 9. They have not skipped a beat since losing to Grand Ledge in Week 2.
DeWitt hosts East Lansing in Round 1. That's a tricky game, but if they get by that, a rematch with 8-1 Mason awaits. This team could go a long way in Division 3.
4
Lansing Catholic (8-1, 4-1)
Last Week: No. 5
The Cougars finished 8-1 by taking out Monroe St. Mary Catholic in Week 9.
But Catholic got a brutal draw with perennial power Grand Rapids West Catholic in Round 1. And if they win that, they will likely visit Portland in a rematch of the regular season classic from earlier this year.
5
Mason (8-1, 4-1)
Last Week: No. 7
One of the feelgood stories of the year continues with the Mason Bulldogs and their 8-1 record.
Jerry VanHeuvel is a candidate for area Coach of the Year, considering all the players they lost in 2015.
They host Fowlerville in Round 1, and if they win that, they will likely visit DeWitt in the district finals.
6
Ithaca (9-0, 7-0)
Last Week: No. 6
The Yellow Jackets struggled with Shepherd and had to score in the final 90 seconds to finish off another undefeated regular season.
Ithaca hosts 5-4 in Belding in Round 1. They should win that, but after that, Muskegon Oakridge comes calling. It'll be more difficult for the Yellow Jackets to reach Ford Field again with them being in Division 5 this season.
7
Grand Ledge (7-2, 6-1)
Last Week: No. 3
The Comets tumble down the rankings after losing to arch-rival Holt, 30-20 at home in Week 9.
The loss likely cost them a home playoff game. They now have to travel to Grandville in the first round. And IF they get by that, a rematch from Week 1 with Hudsonville is possible. Not easy, not easy at all.
8
Fowlerville (7-2, 3-2)
Last Week: No. 9
The Gladiators had their best season since 2010, finishing 7-2 with a big 49-34 win over Waverly in Week 9.
Their reward? A road playoff game at 8-1 Mason. It would not be a huge surprise if the Glads win that one. The CAAC White was a great primer for them.
9
Laingsburg (8-1, 6-1)
Last Week: No. 10
The Wolfpack got taken into overtime, but survived against Durand 28-21.
They benefit by Ithaca's move up to Division 5. But their trek isn't easy, they host Montrose in Round 1. And if they win that, a trip to Millington is likely on tap for Round 2.
10
Lakewood (8-1, 5-0)
Last Week: No. 8
The Vikings blew a 30-7 halftime lead to Ionia to see their hopes for an undefeated season disappear.
They've got a tough draw with Battle Creek Pennfield at home in the opener. But if they win that, they'll host the Williamston-Sexton winner for the district title.

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