After several weeks of staying in the number five spot, Bridgeport finally made a jump in the WVSSAC high school football ratings. And the jump made by the Indians is an important one.

 

Following Bridgeport’s 30-0 win against Keyser Friday, the Tribe jumped into the No. 4 spot in this week’s Class AA portion of the standings. Moving into the fourth spot is critical as the teams in the third and fourth spots secure home field games in the postseason as long as they keep winning.

 

Bridgeport still trails top-ranked Bluefield who has a 9-0 mark and a 12.44 rating. The Indians are also behind second-ranked and 8-0 Mingo Central, the defending state champions who have a 12.13 rating.

 

Fairmont Senior, the lone team to beat Bridgeport this year is in the third position. The 8-1 Polar Bears have a rating of 11.67, which is ahead of BHS’s rating of 11.44.

 

The Indians were able to make the jump thanks in part to their win and thanks in part to Robert C. Byrd beating previously unbeaten and last week’s No. 4 Liberty. The win dropped Liberty to the No. 7 position in this week’s standings.

 

James Monroe rounds out the top five with an 8-1 record. JMHS has a rating of 10.56.

 

Bridgeport has one more regular season game after this week’s bye. The Tribe will close their season Nov. 3 when they host Lincoln. The Cougars come in at No. 9 in this week’s standings with a record of 6-2 and a rating of 8.88.

 

Keyser, who lost by a 30-0 score to Bridgeport, is still in the playoff hunt. The Golden Tornado, at 5-3, is ranked No. 14. RCB jumps back into the postseason picture as well as the 5-3 Eagles are in at No. 15.

 

Two more local teams are just outside the playoff field. Philip Barbour at 6-2 is ranked No. 17, while 5-3 North Marion is No. 18.

 

In Class A, South Harrison’s road win against previously unbeaten and defending state champion St. Marys solidified its hold on the No. 1 spot. The Hawks have a 10.38 rating – a full point ahead of East Hardy (9.38). The Hawks visit East Hardy in a battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2 as both teams are 8-0.

 

The WVSSAC poll is the poll that determines the 16-team playoff field in all three classifications. The MetroNews poll that was released Monday is a poll of radio broadcasters and sports writers that indicates a team’s perception on a statewide media basis. The SSAC poll here is the one that matters.

 

Click HERE for the MetroNews ratings story.

 

Click HERE for the ratings in all three classes.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.