Eastern Kentucky Power Rankings 9-13-15

10. Raceland (1A, 2-1)- The Rams eeked a win vs. Greenup and continue to search for offensive consistency. They must travel to take on a strong Lucasville Valley, OH team.

9. North Laurel (5A, 4-0)- The Jags continue to overwhelm weaker competition making short work of Mason County 40-0. Lincoln County should helps the Jags ease to 5-0.

8. Corbin (3A, 3-1)- The Hounds began their three game test and thusfar the test has not been kind. Danville exposed the Redhound offense. A tough matchup with Southwestern will be key to the trajectory of the Corbin season.

7. Pikeville (1A, 3-1)- Pikeville crushed Sheldon Clark and now must set their sights on the bigger price from that same 3A District.

6. Paintsville (1A, 4-0)- After trailing 3-0 the Tigers dominated Ridgeview, VA. The Tigers are clicking in all facets and should be able to handle Williamsburg.

5. Southwestern (5A, 3-1)- Mercer County stood little chance and the Warriors have an opportunity for a statement win against Corbin. The big question mark now is "How did they lose to Bourbon County?" The Colonels are now reeling after the win and it makes you wonder if Southwestern's success is the measure of a weak region of football in Southern Kentucky.

4. Ashland (4A, 3-0)- Tomcats put a hurting on the ailing Red Devils of Russell and now few doubt that Ashland is not drastically improved since last year. Ironton, OH is always a tough rivalry game and a win will be critical to maintaining momentum.

3. Pulaski County (5A, 2-1)- As expected Russell County was little resistance. Rockcastle County will be a nice step up from last week, but still will be a team with little to no chance of pulling the upset.

2. Belfry (3A, 3-0)- Pirates got tested and passed against a gritty 2A Powerhouse in NewCath. Pirates should have all hands on deck after some suspensions and injuries this week against Pikeville.

1. Johnson Central (4A, 2-0)- The Eagles opponent fell through but there is little doubt the quality of product on the field over on Paint Creek. Harlan County comes calling and the Balck Bears will most likely leave as the Black & Blue Bears.

TRENDING UP

Shelby Valley- After a Week 0 disaster and some key injuries the Wildcats are returning to form with three straight wins. A key BYE will set them up for a rematch with Pburg with huge implications.

Rowan County- How bout them Vikings? The often maligned squad from Morehead are off to a 3-1 start.

Harlan Independent- The Green Dagons improve to 3-0 and a 5-0 start looks imminent.

TRENDING DOWN

Somerset- The Briar Jumpers have been hovering on the fringe of being a Top 10 team in 2A but a loss to a "down" Hazard team was bad form.

Breathitt County- The Bobcats got crushed by Pburg and drop to 0-3. Are they the weakest team in KY expected to win their District?

Pineville- The Mountain Lions were riding a high and had a chance to make a statement for their 1A chances against Paris. Instead the Greyhounds ran wild.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Luke Jacobs, Knott Central- The Patriots continue their improvement tour and lit the scoreboard up for 50 points in their win vs. South Floyd. Jacobs was vital to the success gaining 188 All-Purpose yards and scoring 5 TD's

GAME OF THE WEEK

#7 Pikeville @ #2 Belfry

The Panthers stunned Belfry in 2014 and ended a 13 year drought against their rivals. Both teams enter this game looking to make a statement. A Belfry win will erase the upset of the previous year and continue to build momentum during the toughest 3 game stretch of any team in EKY. Pikeville still has the bad taste of Paintsville in their mouth and would like this win to spring board them into District play. A sidenote to watch is Pikeville HB Daric Pugh. Pugh was the only RB to eclipse the 100 yard mark last season and through three games this year as well.