Lansing-Area High School Football Power Rankings After Week 1
There were surprises in Week 1 of the high school football season in Mid-Michigan. Okemos and Leslie lead the way as far as that goes. But big wins by Haslett, Grand Ledge, Sexton, and Lansing Catholic were very noteworthy as well.
Grand Ledge at DeWitt highlights Week 2 of the high school football season, but Portland at Sexton looks to be a tremendous tilt, too.
It's time for the first Lansing-Area High School Football power rankings, and we have some newcomers to the first list of the season. Including the Leslie Blackhawks, who are in for the very first time.
Ok, on with the rankings.
- 1
Grand Ledge (1-0)
The Comets broke open a close game behind QB Nolan Bird and WR Cal Johnston in the second half to beat West Michigan foe Hudsonville. GL has probably the deepest team in the area with 38 seniors.
They have to go to DeWitt this week, and the Panthers are looking for revenge after last year's close one-touchdown defeat.
- 2
Okemos (1-0)
It was not a surprise that Okemos beat Mason in Week 1, but it was a major surprise that the Chiefs won 46-0. Dominique Clerkley rushed for a score, and Drew McGaughey had a pair of scores, too.
The Chiefs will be favored to beat Ann Arbor Skyline on Wednesday, but the CAAC Blue schedule will challenge them.
- 3
Sexton (1-0)
The Big Reds traveled north to Gaylord and took care of the Blue Devils 34-0 on Friday night, outgaining them 408-56 on offense.
Coach Dan Boggan has maybe the best running in the area in Cody Blankenberg and they'll need him to have a big year if they want to exceed last year's 2nd round playoff exit.
The Big Reds host an outstanding Portland team in Week 2. That is a tremendous test for Sexton early in the year.
- 4
Haslett (1-0)
Quarterback Hyrum Tibbits threw three touchdowns and rushed for another. as he led the Vikings to an easy win over Fowlerville in Week 1.
Tibbits is the key to Haslett's season, he can do it all for Coach Charlie Otlewski. The Vikings should be favored to make it 2-0 with a win in Week 2 at home over Ortonville-Brandon.
- 5
Lansing Catholic (1-0)
The Cougars easily took care of Waverly 48-7 in Week 1. QB Michael Lynn III accounted for over 200 yards of offense before leaving with an injury. But backup Josh Kramer rushed for two scores himself in relief.
The Cougars host Everett in the home opener on Thursday.
- 6
Ithaca (1-0)
The Yellow Jackets got a challenge from Clare in Week 1. But they pulled away late to win 38-14. Joey Bentley accounted for three touchdowns himself.
Ithaca is 106-4 in their last 110 games. They should be favored in every game the rest of the regular season.
- 7
Lakewood (1-0)
Parker Smith accounted for six touchdowns in the Vikings easy win over Delton-Kellogg in Week 1.
Lakewood hosts a tough Belding squad that beat Laingsburg in Week 1. That's good preparation for what looks to be a much-improved GLAC.
- 8
Leslie (1-0)
This is the first time the Blackhawks have ever been in the Power Rankings. And they earned it. Anthony Smieska and Cullen Cox combined for 249 yards rushing and five touchdowns in a surprising 34-0 blowout of Dansville.
First-year coach Tom Johns takes his team to Brooklyn Columbia Central on Thursday. If they win, it'll be the first time they're 2-0 since 2012, their last playoff season.
- 9
East Lansing (1-0)
The Trojans scored a late touchdown (and the pivotal extra point) to beat always tough St. Johns on the road in Week 1.
QB Connor Charamella had 248 yards passing and three touchdowns against the Red Wings. 188 yards of those went to wideout Blake Underwood. That is a key combination for Bill Feraco this season.
They host Dearborn Divine Child this week. They should be 2-0 before entering conference play in Week 3.
- 10
Perry (1-0)
Jeff Bott's crew scored three defensive touchdowns to break a 14-14 tie and knock off Burton Bentley 33-14 in Week 1.
The Ramblers are favored to get to 2-0 when they face Dearborn Heights Star International at home this Thursday night.