Week 9 POWER Rankings - Southern Torch

Welcome to the Southern Torch Week 9 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 (7-1, 6-0)

The Red Devils will not relinquish their spot at the top of the mountain as they corralled the Thundering Herd behind a stellar performance from Trent Thrash. The team is banged up with injuries to Hemphill, Perez and Ashley, but have continued their march of destruction. With the region wrapped up and the Plainview Bears waiting in Week 10, will this be a trap game for the Red Devils?

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 1 (-)
Impact Win: Fyffe 19 - Sand Rock 13
Impact Loss: Geraldine 20 - Fyffe 14
Average Margin of Victory: +25
Next: at Section

2. Valley Head Tigers (8-0, 7-0)

The Tigers have been the darling of the Southern Torch office since early this season. However, it seems as if they're kept out of the top spot by the Boise State effect of "who have they beaten?". This weeks Game of the Week has us salivating as they face a true test in the Collinsville Panthers. If Valley Head is to achieve their first undefeated regular season since 1967, they must get through this rivalry showdown.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 2 (-)
Impact Win: Valley Head 20 - Donoho 12
Impact Loss: No Losses
Average Margin of Victory: +31
Next: vs Collinsville (GOTW)

3. Geraldine Bulldogs (6-2, 5-1)

77. 77 points. 77 points in one game. The Bulldogs with an absolute annihilation of JB Pennington last week as they set the school record for points scored in a game. Will they still be celebrating the milestone as the dual threat of Pisgah QB Dillon DeMarco comes calling this week?

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 3 (-)
Impact Win: Geraldine 20 - Fyffe 14
Impact Loss: New Hope 21 - Geraldine 13
Average Margin of Victory: +16
Next: vs Pisgah

4. Plainview Bears (6-2, 5-1)

The Sand Mountain Super Bowl was anything but. Plainview destroyed the Rams in a game that was difficult to watch. When the Bears pulled their starters from the game they were averaging 11 yards per carry... This team looks to finally be clicking on all cylinders and the table is set for a Week 10 War between their hated Rivals, the #1 ranked Fyffe Red Devils.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 4 (-)
Impact Win: New Hope 20 - Plainview 27
Impact Loss: Plainview 21 - Sand Rock 27
Average Margin of Victory: +14
Next: vs Holly Pond

5. Collinsville Panthers (7-1, 6-1)

The Panthers still have a shot at the Region Championship, but they must go through Valley Head to do it. Look for an offensive shootout on Friday night as we'll see what the Panthers are made of.

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: at Valley Head (GOTW)

6. Fort Payne Wildcats (5-3, 5-2)

That's 3 straight shutouts for the Fort Payne Wildcats as this team continues to develop and improve just in time to take on their rivals, the Scottsboro Wildcats. If Fort Payne can continue to roll, they're sure to make a jump in next weeks POWER Rankings.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 6 (-)
Impact Win: Fort Payne 20 - Arab 15
Impact Loss: Etowah 21 - Fort Payne 10
Average Margin of Victory: +13
Next: vs Scottsboro

7. Crossville Lions (2-6, 1-5)

A solid Thursday night win against Douglas has the Lions up a spot in this week's rankings. The Lions look to be figuring some things out and will hopefully take another step before their Week 10 match-up with the Geraldine Bulldogs.

Last Week's POWER Ranking: 8 (+1)
Impact Win: Crossville 35 - Douglas 19
Impact Loss: Crossville 7 - Sardis 49
Average Margin of Victory: -18
Next: vs Fairview

8. Sylvania Rams (2-6, 1-5)

Back to the film room it is. The Rams never got it going against the Bears on Friday night as their air attack started the game 0-7 with 2 interceptions. They'll face a less physical team in Brindlee Mountain this week as Coach Haynes looks to pick up another victory.