Week 8 POWER Rankings - Southern Torch

Welcome to the Southern Torch Week 8 POWER Rankings!

Each week our staff grades every team in DeKalb County based on a number of factors. Let us know what you think!

Rankings are based on:

Overall Record
Region Record
Head-to-Head Match-ups
Strength of Schedule
Margin of Victory
Fan Base

1. Fyffe Red Devils (6-1, 5-0)

If there was any concern of a "slip" after the goal-line stand at Sand Rock a week ago, the Red Devils quelled any discussion with a 55-7 "Thrash-ing" of the Gaston Bulldogs.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 1 (-)
Impact Win: Fyffe 19 - Sand Rock 13
Impact Loss: Geraldine 20 - Fyffe 14
Average Margin of Victory: +26
Next: vs North Sand Mountain

2. Valley Head Tigers (7-0, 6-0)

The beat goes on as the Tigers crushed Jacksonville Christian with a 42 spot in the first half. The Tigers are running riot through the region right now, with a Week 9 battle with Collinsville looming.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 2 (-)
Impact Win: Valley Head 20 - Donoho 12
Impact Loss: No Losses
Average Margin of Victory: +29
Next: at Woodville

3. Geraldine Bulldogs (5-2, 4-1)

The Bulldogs disposed of Holly Pond with relative ease and almost hung half-a-hundred on the board. Don't look for a stumble this week against JB Pennington.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 3 (-)
Impact Win: Geraldine 20 - Fyffe 14
Impact Loss: New Hope 21 - Geraldine 13
Average Margin of Victory: +13
Next: vs JB Pennington

4. Plainview Bears (5-2, 4-1)

WOW. The Bears traveled to New Hope and upset the Indians spearheaded by some key defensive plays from Cody Willingham. If the Bears run the table they've got a shot at claiming the top spot in 3A Region 6...but that's easier said than done with 2 rivalry games remaining down the home stretch.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 4 (-)
Impact Win: New Hope 20 - Plainview 27
Impact Loss: Plainview 21 - Sand Rock 27
Average Margin of Victory: +11
Next: vs Sylvania (GOTW)

5. Collinsville Panthers (6-1, 5-1)

Another unconvincing win by the Panthers, but a win nonetheless. The next 2 weeks will show the true identity of the Collinsville Panthers.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 5 (-)
Impact Win: Collinsville 33 - Sumiton Christian 32
Impact Loss: Collinsville 27 - Donoho 30
Average Margin of Victory: +14
Next: vs Gaylesville

6. Fort Payne Wildcats (4-3, 4-2)

Back to back shutouts by the Wildcats have them poised for a big leap in the Rankings by the end of the season and teams that are higher on the POWER Ranking totem poll play head to head.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 6 (-)
Impact Win: Fort Payne 20 - Arab 15
Impact Loss: Etowah 21 - Fort Payne 10
Average Margin of Victory: +10
Next: vs Brewer

7. Sylvania Rams (2-5, 1-4)

The Rams seem to be rounding in to form just in time to poke the Bear. Last second heroics from QB Dillon Cambron are giving the Rams base a boost and is probably causing Coach Dale Pruitt to drink warm milk before bed all week as the Regional clash takes center stage on the Southern Torch Game of the Week.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 7 (-)
Impact Win: Sylvania 34 - Pisgah 27
Impact Loss: JB Pennington 31 - Sylvania 30
Average Margin of Victory: -8
Next: at Plainview (GOTW)

8. Crossville Lions (1-6, 0-5)

Another respectable performance from the Lions, as the term "underdog" didn't even seem to do the matchup justice against a heavily favored Guntersville team. If the Lions can get more players to come out in the next few years, they'll be a team to keep an eye on.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 8 (-)
Impact Win: DAR 14 - Crossville 31
Impact Loss: Crossville 7 - Sardis 49
Average Margin of Victory: -23
Next: at Douglas

9. Ider Hornets (1-6, 1-4)

The defense played a solid game, but the offense once again looked anemic as the Hornets were blanked at home on Friday night. Turnovers have plagued this group all season and has kept the defense on the field.