A combination of a strong play by one Class AA team and what media members may have viewed as a lackluster showing by Bridgeport has the Indians dropping in this week’s MetroNews High School Football Power Ratings.

 

The Indians fell from the No. 4 to No. 5 despite beating Class AAA Buckhannon-Upshur. The Indians built a 21-0 lead early before having to rally in the fourth for a 29-28 win.

 

While that may have swayed the panel of 21 radio broadcasters and sports writers statewide to drop the Indians a spot, the play of Poca may have also had something to do with it. The Dots remained unbeaten and moved to 6-0 with a 40-20 win against Sissonville and are now ranked No. 3.

 

The top two teams in the poll remain the same. Fairmont Senior, who blistered Elkins by a 36-7 score, are ranked No. 1 with 16 of the 21 first place votes and stand at 6-0 on the season.

 

Bluefield, the defending ‘AA’ champions, are still at No. 2 and have the remaining five first place votes. The Beavers beat Richlands (Va.) by a 44-10 score.

 

The Indians weren’t the only team to drop. Point Pleasant, who was off last week, fell from the No.3 spot to No. 4 after a bye week.

 

Only one of Bridgeport’s remaining opponents are in the top 10. Keyser, at 4-1, stand at No. 7 after a 48-6 win against Hampshire.

 

Robert C. Byrd returned to the top 10. The Eagles are in at No. 10 after a 21-17 win against Lewis County left them at 4-2 on the year.

 

Bridgeport will look to move up in the polls with a win Friday. The Indians will play host to North Marion at Wayne Jamison Field. The Huskies are the only local team in the “also receiving votes” portion of the poll.

 

In Class A, Doddridge County moved up to No. 3. The 5-0 Bulldogs beat Wirt County 56-0.