NUIC Power Rankings

As we enter the last week of the regular season, here are the Power Rankings for both 11-man and 8-man.

11-man

1. Du-Pec 7-1 | After jumping out to a big lead, then battling back for the win 2 weeks ago against Le-Win, the Rivermen kept things going with a dominating win over Galena. If the #10 ranked Rivermen can pick up win number 8 on Friday they will be guaranteed at least a 5 seed in the Class 3A playoff field. There will be no opportunity for the Rivermen to drop into 2A now after we have seen a few teams get needed wins to become playoff eligible. The Rivermen hit the road to take on Stockton (3-5) at John O'Boyle Field Friday night.

2. Le-Win 7-1 | After a couple of much needed challenges in week 6 and 7, the Panthers were back to business as usual in a big win over rival Stockton. Entering week 9 the Panthers dropped to #3 in the state rankings, however they have outscored Class 1A opponents 274-19 on the season, putting up a running clock on all of them, except one. This week they revisit their rivalry with Forreston (6-2), as the visiting Cards come to town Friday night.

3. Fulton 6-2 | The Steamers keep the engine moving after a win over Forreston 2 weeks ago, and a drubbing of EPC this past week. The #5 ranked Steamers look to keep the winning ways going as they can lock up a 5 seed in the playoffs. They play host to Dakota (2-6) on Friday night.

4. Forreston 6-2 | After losing to Fulton 2 weeks ago, the Cards got back in winning ways in dominant fashion over GCMS. The #6 ranked Cardinals are looking at potential 7 seed, and with a win this week could be higher. They have a tall challenge in front of them as they head to rival Lena-Winslow (7-1) for a big regular season finale Friday night.

5. Galena 4-4 | The Pirates slept walk to a win over Dakota, and then were decimated by Du-Pec last week. Their playoff balance lies on the line in week 9, as they are in win and get in position. That won't be easy as they face rival East Dubuque (3-5) Friday night, who is looking to finish the season with a fight.

8-man

1. Polo 8-0 | The 2 week hiatus for the Marcos in week 4 and 5 hasn't derailed them one bit. They have outscored their 3 opponents 180-14 since getting back to action. They have locked up the 1 seed, regardless what happens, but the #1 ranked Marcos want to show why as they play host to #4 ranked Aquin (6-2) Friday night.

2. Milledgeville 7-1 | There is not a hotter team in I8FA play right now than the Missiles. Since losing to Polo in week 1, they have put up big wins over state ranked opponents, including Aquin and Orangeville in recent weeks. They can lock up the 2 seed with a win. They return to action this week against playoff bound South Beloit (5-3) as they look to go undefeated at home during the regular season.

3. Orangeville 7-1 | After being demolished by Milledgeville in week 5, the Broncos have taken it out on River Ridge and Amboy. They will get an unexpected week of rest this week as they will gain a forfeit win over AFC. If Milledgeville wins, the Broncos will secure the 3 seed in the playoffs.

4. Aquin 6-2 | The Dawgs have the most riding on the line in week 9. They bounced back from a big loss to Milledgeville by putting up a big win over Bushnell-Prairie City. The #4 ranked Bulldogs can earn a top 4 seed if they can top Polo (8-0) on the road this week.

On Saturday we will be hosting our 4th live playoff show this Saturday at 7 pm. We will cover 8-man through Class 3A and provide insight on teams to watch, potential matchups, present the released pairings, and talk about the 1st round matchups, and more. You can join us on YouTube by going to our channel at www.youtube.com/nuicfootball. If you subscribe to the channel you will be instantly notified once the show goes live.