Bridgeport’s fourth quarter comeback victory over Robert C. Byrd Friday apparently impressed more than just the Indians’ faithful. It also impressed sports journalists a bit across West Virginia.

 

Thanks to the Tribe’s 41-35 win, BHS moved up in the latest edition of the MetroNews High School Football Power Rankings. Last week, the Indians stood at No. 5 in the Class AA portion of the poll voted on by 21 radio broadcasters and sports writers across the state.

 

In the poll that came out late Monday, Bridgeport found itself in the No. 4 spot. The 4-1 Tribe will look to enhance their hold on the ranking or perhaps move up if they can get a win at Class AAA Buckhannon-Upshur this coming Friday.

 

At the top of the ‘AA’ standings is Fairmont Senior. Although not a unanimous choice, the 5-0 Polar Bears have 17 of the 21 first place votes after hammering Class AAA University by a 50-7 score.

 

The other four first place votes are in possession of defending state champion Bluefield. The No. 2-ranked Beavers are 4-0 after blasting Tazewell (Va.) by a 60-18 score.

 

At No. 3 is Point Pleasant. PPHS moved up a spot as the 5-0 squad took a 41-34 win against Pikeville (Ky.). Rounding out the top five is 5-0 Nicholas County. The Grizzlies took a 47-26 win against Oak Hill.

 

Only one future opponent is in the top 10. Keyser, who the Indians play on the road in their next-to-last regular season game, is at No. 7 following a 31-24 win at Class AAA Jefferson.

 

The Eagles fell from the top 10 following the setback. However, RCB is the first team listed in the “also receiving votes” portion in Class AA.

 

In Class A, Doddridge County dropped once again despite not losing. After going as high as No. 2, the Bulldogs are at No. 4 with a 4-0 record following their 41-12 win against Ritchie County.

 

Click HERE for the rankings in all three classifications. On Tuesday, the WVSSAC poll will be released. That poll determines the 16 teams that qualify for the playoffs. BHS should move up from No. 10 in the standings after the win against RCB.

 

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