NUIC Power Rankings
We are a third of the way through the season, and a lot of interesting story lines still remain. We have some big competitions coming up over the next 4 weeks that will give us a sharp image of what the conference race will look like, as well as what the playoff outlook will show us as October 29th approaches.
Heading into week 4 our NUIC Power Rankings didn't change, but they may have become more solidified. That's still to be determined, but here we go.
1. Lena-Winslow 3-0
It's almost been 3 years since the Panthers have lost at home, a semifinal loss to Forreston in the 2018 playoffs. They have outscored opponents on average 40-2 through the first 3 weeks, but they head into the strength of their schedule. They play host to East Dubuque Friday night.
2. Du-Pec 3-0
The Rivermen got their 1st signature win against a top 5 opponent, and dominated the ground game in doing so. They also have made their way into the AP state rankings for the first time in their short program history. They take to the road again to meet up with EPC.
3. Fulton 2-1
Coming off a tough loss, the Steamers only dropped 3 spots in the AP Poll. Being at #7 seems low for a team that has played one of the toughest opening schedules in Class 1A. They get an extra day this week, and some development time as they take a trip south to play Madison.
4. Galena 1-2
The Pirates were shutout for the first time since a week 4 loss to rival Stockton in 2019. They remain in the top 5 due to their strength of schedule, and they were underdogs in their 2 losses; both games that were competitive. They get that chance for redemption as they play the Blackhawks in Stockton Friday at John O'Boyle Field.
5. East Dubuque 1-2
After a 2 hour trip to play in Wisconsin, the Warriors hit the win column in a dominate fashion. It doesn't get easier this week, but if anyone knows how to win in Lena, it's HC Joe Edler who quarterbacked the Panthers to their 2010 title. He makes his return to his Alma Mater for the first time leading his Warriors.1. Orangeville 3-0
This is the first 3-0 start for Orangeville since 2010, with the last one prior to that coming in 1998. They enter week 4 ranked #2 in state, their highest ranking since the 1996 season when they finished ranked #5. They play a well acquainted foe in Aquin, in the biggest game between the two since 1989.
Here's how our 8-man Power Rankings look moving into week 4.
1. Orangeville 3-0
This is the first 3-0 start for Orangeville since 2010, with the last one prior to that coming in 1998. They enter week 4 ranked #2 in state, their highest ranking since the 1996 season when they finished ranked #5. They play a well acquainted foe in Aquin, in the biggest game between the two since 1989.
2. Aquin 3-0
The Bulldogs have annihilated their opponents by an average score of 50-7. They enter their first week of back to back games against the two teams above them in the rankings. You can guarantee that their visit with Orangeville Saturday will have a playoff type atmosphere around it. The Dawgs were not a favorite in preseason, but they are out to prove they are a contender.
3. Polo 3-0
Polo comes off a hard fought battle with Amboy, and to date have played the second hardest schedule in 8-man next to MCP. The Marcos have shown their toughness, but a key matchup with Decatur Lutheran this week won't happen due to COVID protocols for the Lions. This will give the Marcos another victory and an extra week to prepare for another big game with #8 ranked FCW.
4. Milledgeville 2-1
Milledgeville has made it through the first gauntlet coming out with that nailbiter loss to Polo in week 1. Area coaches have high praise for the Missiles, and for now should be a lock to be at 4-1 heading into their week 6 matchup with Orangeville. But, it's high school football and you can never look over opponents. They hit the road this week to Farmer City to play Blue Ridge.