Indians in Familiar Spot as MetroNews Releases its 2016 Preseason Prep Football Power Rankings
By Jeff Toquinto on August 22, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really mean anything. It’s the final one that really matters, but like the start of the high school football season is anticipated, so too are the preseason polls that come out.
Late Sunday evening, the first MetroNews power ratings came out as the votes are in on the preseason poll. And perhaps not surprisingly, Bridgeport finds itself where it’s ended the last three seasons – at No. 1.
The Indians, who have lost a bevy of starters from last year’s 13-0-1 ‘AA’ state title team, received 19 first place votes. The Tribe was not a unanimous choice as three other schools earned at least one vote from the statewide panel.
Class AA newcomer Point Pleasant, viewed by many as a threat to win it all, finished second in the poll with three first place votes. Last year, PPHS finished 12-1 with a loss in the Class AAA quarterfinals.
Coming in at No. 3 is Fairmont Senior. The Polar Bears finished 10-3 and were eliminated by BHS in the semifinals in the closest outing the Tribe had all season at 28-20. Senior earned a pair of first place votes.
Rounding out the top five is Bluefield and Mingo Central at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively. The Beavers earned the remaining first place votes.
Two more Bridgeport opponents are in the ‘AA’ top 10. Keyser is ranked No. 6 and Robert C. Byrd is listed at No. 7. The Eagles open up the season with a showdown against Fairmont Senior in Clarksburg Friday.
Three other opponents for Bridgeport also received votes with Lincoln coming in at what would be the No. 11 position. Lewis County, who BHS plays Thursday, and North Marion also received votes. Bridgeport’s week two foe, Wheeling Park, is ranked No. 3 in Class AAA. The Patriots are the defending state champions in ‘AAA.’
In Class A, South Harrison is ranked No. 9. Notre Dame is in the “receiving votes” portion of the poll.
The MetroNews high school football power rankings are voted upon weekly by a panel of radio broadcasters and sports writers across West Virginia.
Click HERE for the entire Class AA rankings.
Editor's Note: Photo by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.
