Eastern Kentucky Power Rankings 9-6-15

10. Raceland (1A, 2-1)- Storms forced the Rams to play Saturday but there was no slwoing down the raining of points against East Carter. Greenup County has been a pleasant surprise and should be a better test.

9. Russell (3A, 2-0)- The statement win of the week? Russell going to Ironton, OH and stealing one from the Mighty Tigers on Saturday night. The historic win came at a cost as the Devils are banged up entering a huge matchup this week.

8. Pikeville (1A, 2-1)- The next two teams flip flop as last week's GOTW lived up to the hype in an Overtime thriller. Pikeville learned the value of having the very best player on the field in the clutch.

7. Paintsville (1A, 3-0)- In a game that did not deserve to have a loser Paintsville made the big plays down the stretch to defeat Pikeville in Overtime. After the adrenaline wears off the Tigers must now hope RB Kent Phelps' injury is minor and must focus in a hurry against a very solid Ridgeview, VA team.

6. Southwestern (5A, 2-1)- The Warriors were not pretty in ousting former Top 10 Knox Central, but they took control in the second half behind their big play ability and a very stingy defense. Mercer County is next, a place Coach French remembers well.

5. Corbin (3A, 3-0)- The Hounds remain a bit of a mystery after soundly beating a down Clay County team. That mystery begins to unravel this week as the Hounds play a very difficult stretch of games. Danville is an old foe that will finally let Corbin see some of their weaknesses.

4. Ashland (4A, 2-0)- The Tomcats grinded out a win over a solid George Washington, WV team behind the fleet feet of Mr. Baker. The attention now turns to the team just up US 23.

3. Pulaski County (5A, 1-1)- With an off week you wouldn't think that the Maroons had a bit of a victory, but watching Scott County dismantle Highlands had to make Saturday morning a little sunnier. Maroons return to action against an overmatched Russell County team.

2. Belfry (3A, 2-0)- Between injuries and discipline the Pirates were a bit shorthanded against Harlan County, but when it was said and done they fared just fine as the Pirates dismantled the Black Bears in every facet. Belfry's offense gets a stiff test this weekend with NewCath coming to town and a very stout Defensive front.

1. Johnson Central (4A, 2-0)- Russell's win may have been the biggest statement, but the Golden Eagles win was probably the best assurance of the week. JC abused a very good LexCath team up front and were a few mistakes away from making the entire state say "WOW" with the final outcome.

Trending Up

Pineville (1A)- It had been decades since the Mountain Lines took down Middlesboro. That streak has hit the reset meter.

Greenup County (4A)- Tall task against Raceland but the Musketeers have proven they are not the uncompetitive team we have seen. Their close loss to Russell also looks even better.

Harlan (1A)- The Green Dragons are 2-0 and 4-0 is a very distinct possibility. With Williamsburg struggling a District Title is well within reach

Trending Down

Perry Central (5A)- Things were looking nice for the Commodores after a 2-0 start, but a 56-8 loss to Wayne County brought things to earth in a hurry.

Bell County (3A)- Bobcats had a perfect game to erase the bad taste left from their Boyle County beatdown against a reeling Pike Central team. The Bobcats wound up winning well in hand, but the Hawks kept it close into the 4th and put up a ton of points and yards on a highly thought of Bell Defense.

Middlesboro (2A)- It's never good being the 3rd best team in an EKY county... especially when that county only has 3 teams in it. Jackets are 0-3 and staring down the barrel at a losing season.

Player of the Week

Kordel Day - Estill County

The Engineers improved to 2-1 by defeating Frankfort and Day was instrumental rushing for 240 yards on 24 carries and adding 3 TD's.

GAME OF THE WEEK

#4 Ashland @ #9 Russell

In perhaps the top rivalry in NEKY these two teams renew their vows of hatred. Both enter off tight wins against high quality Out of State foes and both teams enter sporting improved Defenses and big play offenses. Last year the Devils nipped the Tomcats 29-27 at Putnam. The Red Devils may be without their starting QB, expect Russell to force Ashland to beat them with big plays by someone not named Baker.