JTV Sports Power Rankings
1. Vandercook Lake 7-0 (W at Michigan Center 30-27) The Jayhawks survived a Week 7 thriller at Michigan Center setting up a showdown with Manchester (6-1, 6-0) for the outright Cascades Title. The winner will face Homer in the Big 8/Cascades Crossover game in week 9.
2. Jackson 5-2 (W vs Eastern 56-0) The Vikings, led by Corey Pryor’s three first half rushing TDs dominated the Quakers (0-7) from start to finish. Jackson recorded its first shutout since 1997 and will need a similar performance this week against Holt (5-2). Both Holt and Jackson would like to get to 6 wins this week as both teams face tough week 9 opponents. Jackson plays Lumen Christi (5-2) week 9 while Holt has Grand Ledge (7-0).
3. Lumen Christi 5-2 (W vs. Western 12-7) The Titans bounced back with a big win over crosstown rival Western this week. Up next for the Titans is a BC Pennfield team who has won two in a row. The Titans end the season with rival Jackson on October 23rd.
4. Manchester 6-1 (W at Napoleon 31-7) Manchester is headed to the playoffs for the 8th straight year after a convincing win over Napoleon. The Dutch have only allowed 93 points in conference play but will have their hands full against the league’s top offense in Vandercook Lake, who is averaging 43ppg in the Cascades. Vandercook plays at Manchester Friday night with the league title on the line.
5. Columbia Central 6-1 (W vs. Erie Mason 56-18) The Golden Eagles punched their ticket to the post season last week with an easy win. Defensively, Columbia allows 14ppg and has impressive league wins at Hillsdale and vs. Hudson. A rematch with league leader Ida could happen in the playoffs. Ida beat CC 40-0 in week 5.
6. Homer 6-1 (W vs. Quincy 44-18) Last week’s win gave Homer the outright Big 8 Title and the Trojans a spot in the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row. Homer will play the winner of Vandercook Lake and Manchester in the crossover game Friday October 23rd.
7. Western 4-3 (L at Lumen Christi 12-7) A win would’ve been nice last week but the Panthers are still on track to make the playoffs for the first time ever. Western plays at Northwest (0-7) Friday and hosts (0-7) Dexter in week 9.
8. Concord 5-2 (L at Springport 48-42 OT) Consider this week a must win for the Jackets, who travel to Quincy (3-4). With a loss this week, Concord will have to pick up its 6th win in a tough Cascades/Big 8 crossover game.