Bluegrasspreps' Eastern Kentucky Power Rankings 9-26

1. Belfry Pirates (3A, 4-1)- Entering last week the gap between #1 and #2 was vast. Now that Belfry has been proven human that gap has closed dramatically. Pirates need a bounce back win against the team that handed them their only loss in 2015.

2. Johnson Central Golden Eagles (4A, 5-0)- The Golden Eagles are playing football at a VERY high level and as they navigate the "just want to escape without injury" portion of their schedule they sit in prime position to take over #1 if Belfry cannot find their footing back.

3. Wayne County Cardinals (4A, 5-1)- Wayne has been kicking butt and chewing bubble gum and right now they seem to be all out of gum. Things get interesting this week though for sure.

4. Corbin Redhounds (3A, 5-1)- Corbin nearly stunned Mayfield with an extremely valiant Second Half comeback. Corbin had a golden opportunity but could not close the upset. Don't expect Jackson County to make them break a sweat though.

5. Pulaski County Maroons (5A, 4-1)- Pulaski clearly isn't the same team as the past few years but the wins still keep racking up. With Henry Clay's porous Defense entering this game it may be a chance for Pulaski to claim a win over a 6A school.

6. Southwestern Warriors (5A, 4-2)- Southwestern made short work of Montgomery County and now gets a chance to re-focus before District play begins. Coach French has to be feeling pretty good.

7. Paintsville Tigers (1A, 6-0)- Paintsville had a chance to improve their standings in the power rankings against 4A Bourbon County but instead resorted to the "survive and move on route". The Tigers step up in class against Pike Central but shouldn't feel too threatened.

8. Raceland Rams (1A, 6-0)- The Rams keep closing ground. After going 2 for Ohio they return to Bluegrass competition against Lawrence County. With two games against similar yoked 3A foes could Raceland have the chance to leap the Tigers as the East's top contender?

9. Rockcastle County Rockets (4A, 4-1)- The Rock got all they wanted before polishing off Somerset. No denying this week is a huge game with lots on the line.

10. Knox Central Panthers (4A, 3-2-1)- The best way to describe Knox's position at the end of the Top 10 is "Hanging by a Thread". Knox was less than stellar against 2-3 Russell County. A blowout is expected against hapless Clay County or else they may see their little number disappear.

Who's Hot?

Allen Central Runnin' Rebels (2A, 5-0)- The Rebs just keep winning but they have yet to see a team as good as Leslie County.

Lynn Camp Wildcats (1A, 5-1)- ... and the nominee for most surprising 5-1 team in Eastern Kentucky is....

Whitley County Colonels (5A, 4-1)- After being dismantled by Corbin I think most expected this was a team to be wrote off. Four straight wins later could they be the favorite to win their District?

Who's Not?

Harlan County Black Bears (5A, 1-5)- Yes the Bears have played a tough schedule, but after losing their fifth straight against a vulnerable North Laurel you have to think Harlan County is trending down.

Morgan County Cougars (3A, 1-4)- After winning their season opener in dominating fashion you could hear buzz that maybe Morgan would snick their nose in the wide open District race. Four losses later they appear to be the team most likely of missing the playoffs.

Fairview Eagles (1A, 3-3)- Fairview has three wins but the story here are the three losses. Fairview has been outscored 166-56 in their three losses and that may only get worse over their next two games.

Player of the Week:

Dawson Bingham, Estill County

In a "must win" rivalry game Bingham was superb. He ran for 191 yard and 3 TD's on Offense. He lead the way and added 5 solo and 7 assisted tackled on Defense and threw in an INT for good measure.

Game(s) of the Week:

#3 Wayne County @ #9 Rockcastle County

Impossible not to give this one the yellow highlighter. Wayne County has big aspirations but a loss here may endanger them of a 3-seed. Rockcastle had a previous shot to prove they were the real deal and fell flat against Pulaski County.

Russell @ Fleming County

In what will essentially be the Class 3A, District 5 Championship game these two 4-1 teams meet up. Russell's Defense has been superb allowing a meager four and a half points per game. Fleming has been dominant outside of their stumble against Greenup County.