With the first WVSSAC poll of the year officially out, Bridgeport finds itself in a familiar position – near the top. The Indians come in at No. 2 in the first rankings of the year.

 

The rankings for all three classifications were released today at 2 p.m.

 

The 3-0 Tribe is tied for the No. 2 spot with Weir. Both have a rating of 10.67 and both trail No. 1 Bluefield. The Beavers have a 12.0 rating.

 

Bridgeport’s Friday foe – Fairmont Senior – comes in at No. 4 with a 10.33 rating, while Mingo Central and Sissonville round out the top five. Those two teams are tied with a rating of 10.0.

 

Several other local teams are ranked in the top 20. Elkins (9.5) is 2-0 and ranked at No. 7, while Liberty finds itself in the top 10. The Mountaineers, 2-0, stand at No. 9 (8.5).

 

North Marion is the second highest ranked Class AA team with one loss. The Huskies stand at No. 12 (7.0).

 

Rounding out the teams in the top 16 are Grafton and Robert C. Byrd. Both teams are 2-1 and are tied for the No. 15 position (6.33). Philip Barbour, also 2-1, is just outside the top 10 at No. 17 (6.0).

 

No other local teams are in the top 20 of Class AA. In Class A, South Harrison is 2-0 and ranked No. 5 with a 7.0 rating.

 

The WVSSAC poll is a computer-based ranking. It’s based on teams gaining points based on getting wins in their own classification and bonus points from teams they have beaten winning games against other foes in their class or higher classifications.

 

Unlike the MetroNews poll, which is a reflection of what the voting journalists perceive programs to be like statewide, the SSAC rankings have real substance. The top 16 teams in each classification qualify for the postseason at the end of the year with the top eight teams hosting first round games.

 

The winner of Friday's game between Bridgeport and Fairmont Senior should provide a bonanza of bonus points for the winner for the rest of the year. If the winner wins out, the possibility of being a No. 1 seed or No. 2 - with home field throughout the postseason - is possible. Both teams, however, have games against several strong teams after this week.

 

Click HERE for the rankings in all three classes.